DCGuide
The 7 Best Picks At Union Market Restaurants
photo credit: EDENS
Eating at Union Market is only for the brave of heart who enjoy fighting over tables the same way you fight over seats on the metro during rush hour. And while the space gives food-court-at-the-mall vibes, you can find some pretty solid stuff here (though a lot of the food is Sbarro-level bad). Instead of playing an extended version of “eeny, meeny, miny, moe” to narrow your options, here are the best dishes to grab to ensure you’re not disappointed with your guaranteed overpriced market meal.
THE DISHES
Gumbo
Puddin’ is tucked in the very back of Union Market, and despite the stand's bright pink coloring, can be easy to miss if you let yourself get lured in by the dozens of restaurants before you get there. Steel your resolve and hit this southern comfort food joint for an incredible pork-free gumbo. Don’t forget to grab some of their signature bread pudding, too.
photo credit: Nina Palazzolo
Pork Thit Kho Báhn Mì
Banana Blossom Bistro’s pork thit kho báhn mì is the best standalone meal at Union Market. The Vietnamese sandwich is loaded with crispy vegetables and succulent pork on a flaky baguette and covered with a sauce that sprinkles the perfect bite of sweetness. You might not be able to finish the whole thing in one sitting, but it’s worth every bite.
Fish Bowl
The District Fishwife market and cafe serves inventive seafood dishes like the juicy salmon cheesesteak, and everything is great. But it's the bright, fresh fish bowl that keeps us coming back. It’s packed with leafy greens, perfectly cooked quinoa, red cabbage slaw, and celery, then topped with your choice of salmon or shrimp (get the salmon). The tangy cilantro lime green sauce gives it a citrusy kick that brings the whole dish together. It’s the kind of meal that fills you up, but you somehow feel lighter after eating.
Shoyu Ramen
Ramen by Uzu’s shoyu ramen is filling, flavorful, and warm. Made with a savory chicken bone broth and topped with wakame, mushroom, and bamboo shoots, the bowl tastes as good as it looks. Whether you’re looking for the perfect cozy dish or just need to fulfill your ramen craving, know you’ll leave feeling both nourished and satisfied.
Taccino
Bar Boheme’s stunning turkey sandwich is piled high with fresh veggies, green goddess sauce, and carved meat that will make you wonder why you ever eat that deli stuff. The turkey is juicy, the bread fresh and the radicchio adds a touch of bitterness. Be ready to crank your jaw as wide as it’ll go, because this sandwich is thick. As it should be for $16.
Shish Taouk
Yasmine’s, which has its own seating, is a great place to watch people come and go while you’re here. Luckily, the Lebanese spot also has a simple, classic wrap made with charred chicken, french fries, pickles, and garlic that is something you’ll find yourself unconsciously craving days later. And if you don’t want to stick around, it’s also the perfect on-the-go sandwich.
photo credit: SV Images
Cookies
This technically isn’t a meal but you’re trippin’ if you roll out of Union Market without grabbing a cookie (or 12) from Bee J’s. The sea salt caramel makes big waves and the little pretzel pieces on top are A1, but we really love the snickerdoodle. Move over Iverson Mall. *prayer hand emoji*
