Farmers Markets - a great lunch option in Washington DC

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USDA Farmers Market

USDA Farmers Market

Finding good lunch options while visiting Washington DC museums and monuments can be tough. This is especially true for the museums on the National Mall; the lunch options in the museums are often crowded and not very good; there are not often not many other good and close options. To help travelers through these challenges, we have previously written about year-round lunch options near the National Air and Space Museum and the Smithsonian American History Museum.

A great option during during the warmer months (beginning in April-May and running through November) are farmers markets. Farmers markets in DC often have a great selection of diverse food selections and can be a great opportunity to try some notable Washington DC food establishments. They also have the added benefit of not being overcrowded with school tours which fill up many of the food courts and food halls during the Spring and Summer months. Farmers markets are popular with local DC office workers, so our advice is to get there either before noon or after 1-1:30 PM as they will get busy.

Today we are highlighting four farmers markets conveniently near many of the popular museums and monuments.

Thursdays - FRESHFARM By the White House Market

 

Lunch near the White House and the Washington Monument

A selection of lunch options:

  • BUN'D UP: Fresh, local, and hand-made Asian Steamed Buns and Rice Bowls with four different and unique protein options: Koreano (beef), Chancho (pork), PBBJ (peanut butter/banana jam) and Tofu.

  • CALL YOUR MOTHER DELI: A Jew-ish Deli with bagels and sandwiches with a modern twist. Washington Post has rated them top bagels in DC.

  • PUDDIN': southern comfort food

  • THE RED ZEBRA: wood-fired pizza & sandwiches

  • SWIZZLER: gourmet grass-fed hamburgers

  • FRUITIVE: cold-pressed juices & plant-based meals


Open Thursdays between 11AM and 2PM, in 2019 starting on April 4th and running through November 21st.

For more information, see https://freshfarm.org/by-the-white-house.html

 

Friday - Capitol Harvest on the Plaza

 

Lunch near National Museum of African American History and Culture and National Museum of American History; Next door to the Federal Triangle Metro station

A selection of lunch options:

  • BUN'D UP: Handmade Korean buns stuffed with local produce and sustainably raised meat from Springfield Farm.

  • CIPOLLA ROSSA: Wood fired artisanal pizza experience on wheels serving brick oven Neapolitan style pizza made by hand

  • MUGGERZ BBQ: Hand Crafted Slow Smoked BBQ

  • BUSHDOGS: Real Maryland crab cakes, veggie-based MD Crab Soup, and Crab Bisque.

  • DELMARVA POPCORN AND NUT COMPANY: Savory and candy glazed popcorn, caramel, and of course, Mark’s Kettle-Korn

  • THE INSIDE SCOOP: Ice cream parlor on wheels serving ultra-premium, natural, hand dipped ice cream made in small batches.

Open Fridays between 11AM and 3PM, in 2019 starting on May 3rd and running through November 22nd (except holidays).

For more information, see http://www.capitalharvestdc.com/.

 

Friday - USDA Farmers Market

 

Lunch near the National Air and Space Museum, the Holocaust Museum, the Smithsonian Castle, Sackler and Freer Galleries, and Hirshhorn Museum; next to the Smithsonian Metro station

A selection of lunch options:

  • Timber Pizza Company: Serving up Neopolitan-ish wood-fired pies. In 2017, Bon Appetit listed Timber as one of the best new restaurants in the United States.

  • BUN'D UP: Fresh, local, and hand-made Asian Steamed Buns and Rice Bowls with four different and unique protein options: Koreano (beef), Chancho (pork), PBBJ (peanut butter/banana jam) and Tofu.

  • CALL YOUR MOTHER DELI: A Jew-ish Deli with bagels and sandwiches with a modern twist. Washington Post has rated them top bagels in DC.

  • SWIZZLER: gourmet grass-fed hamburgers

  • VEGHEAVEN: vegan dishes and desserts

Open Fridays between 9AM and 2PM, in 2019 starting on May 3rd and running through October 25th (except holidays).

 

Saturday - FRESHFARM  Mount Vernon Triangle Market

Lunch near the National Portrait Gallery, the National Building Museum, and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and near the Gallery Place/ Chinatown and Mt. Vernon Metro stations

 

A smaller market with a the following lunch options:

  • CALL YOUR MOTHER DELI: A Jew-ish Deli with bagels and sandwiches with a modern twist. Washington Post has rated them top bagels in DC.

  • MASTIHA BAKERY: offerings include a range of pastries, savory hand-stretched phyllo pies and artisan pita bread. 

Open Saturdays between 9AM and 1PM, in 2019 starting on May 3rd and running through October/November TBD (more information here).