Known for much of it's existance as an unofficial town hub for the Capitol Hill neightborhood, Easten Market is DC's oldest continually operated fresh food public market. Designed by architect Adolf Cluss and built in 1871, the building began serving as a public market in 1873 and has continued to do so to the present day, with the exception of 2 years when the market moved across the street due to fire damage and the subsequent repairs. Close to the eponymous Metro stop serving the Orange and Blue line trains, Eastern Market is easy to get to.
The Market is open during the week, with the exception of Monday, and is home to thirteen merchants with permanent stalls selling a wide variety of flowers, seafood, meats, cheeses, fruits, vegetables and baked goods from local farms and bakeries and from around the world. Many vendors are family run and have been servicing the Market for 60 years or more! It also houses Market Lunch, where you can get a quick and delicious breakfast or lunch. Swing by Market Lunch on the weekends for some of the best blueberry pancakes in town!Â
The weekend is when Eastern Market really comes alive. Over 100 local vendors line the street outside the market on Saturdays and Sundays. In addition to fresh produce, dairy, and meat, you can find local flair from artists, jewelers, hobbyists, and antique dealers. Make sure you bring cash as many vendors do not accept credit or debit cards; while there are ATM machines in the Market, it gets very busy on the weekends, so come prepared and avoid the lines! Wandering through the stalls at the outdoor market, you really get a sense of the ethnic and cultural melting pot that DC truly is.
Nowadays, the name is misleading as Eastern Market is far more than just a public farmer's market. The building is a true community centerpiece due to the North Hall which is often utilized as an event space for meetings, galleries, and even wedding receptions; Eastern Market can do it all!Â
Check out the view from our office window of the flea market at Eastern Market. It is open every Saturday and Sunday 10-5

Capitol Hill is awesome. Live here!
Posted by Abbott Klar Real Estate on
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