Thing to do
Eastern Market
Capitol Hill's historic public market, trading since 1873, with an indoor food hall all week and outdoor produce and craft stalls at weekends.
Union Market
An indoor food hall of independent traders at the heart of the Union Market District, with a rooftop bar, cinema and music venue nearby.
At a glance
- Type
- Food hall and market district
- Area
- NoMa, Washington DC, United States
- Official site
- unionmarketdc.com
Good to know
- Indoor food hall
- Rooftop bar
- Cinema
- Live music venue
- Shops
Why we recommend it
Union Market is an indoor market hall in north-east Washington and the centrepiece of the wider Union Market District, developed by EDENS. The hall brings together more than 50 independent merchants under one roof, with an open-air rooftop bar above. It is one of the best places in the city to try a range of food in one visit.
The district around it has grown into a destination in its own right, with more than 60 food and drink businesses. Names include Blue Bottle coffee, Chai Pani, Van Leeuwen ice cream and Peregrine Espresso, along with shops such as the independent bookshop Politics and Prose and Trader Joe's. Many visitors start with a coffee, graze their way around the hall at lunchtime and then browse the shops nearby.
There is also plenty to do in the evening. The district includes the Angelika Film cinema, the Songbyrd Music House, Sid Gold's Request Room and F1 Arcade, so a meal can easily turn into a night out. The district runs a calendar of events through the year, which is listed on its website.
Union Market works well for groups with different tastes, because everyone can choose something different and meet at a shared table. It suits food lovers, families and friends planning a casual night out. Allow an hour or two for a meal and a look around, longer if you are combining it with a film or a show.
Opening hours vary between traders, so check the website for individual merchants before you go, particularly early in the week, when some businesses may keep shorter hours. Weekends are the busiest time, and the hall can be crowded at lunchtime on Saturday and Sunday. Contact is through the form on the district's website. Peregrine Espresso has a café here too, useful for a morning coffee.
The market is at 1309 5th Street NE in north-east Washington. The website has a directions page with transport options, and ride share is the simplest choice for most visitors in the evening. It makes a good contrast with the older Eastern Market on Capitol Hill, and the two can be visited on the same weekend.
Union Market FAQs
What is Union Market?
An indoor market hall with more than 50 independent merchants and an open-air rooftop bar, at the heart of the Union Market District.
Who runs Union Market?
It is part of the Union Market District, developed by EDENS.
What else is in the district?
More than 60 food and drink businesses, shops, Angelika Film, Songbyrd Music House, Sid Gold's Request Room and F1 Arcade.
Is there coffee?
Yes. Blue Bottle and Peregrine Espresso both have cafés in the district.
When is it busiest?
Weekend lunchtimes are the busiest time in the hall.
Are there events?
Yes. The district has an events calendar on its website.
Is it good for groups?
Yes. Everyone can choose from different traders and eat together.
How do I contact Union Market?
Use the contact form on the district's website.