USDA Farmers Market — Local services in Washington

Among DC's best lunchtime farmers markets over 20+ food and artisan vendors from wood-fired pizza to bourbon brown sugar pudding to fresh produce. There are even live recipe shows and plenty of shaded seating under tents. While some of the classics remain (Timber, Lemonade Love, Puddin', Capital Kettle Corn, Bun'd Up), there are some new vendors popping up!

Here are my favorite vendors of 2019:

Timber Pizza: Delicious wood-oven pies! The classic "Cheese Please" is divine! The pesto Green Monster and specialty flavors are tasty too. You can also get half and half. Those meandering lines that wrap around the block are well worth it! If you want to beat the crowds, just wait in line 10 minutes around1:50pm before the market closes.

Cowbell Kitchen Vegan (5/5) - The tasty homemade veggie burger in a cheesy jalepeno bun with an array of relishes to choose from in a self-serve station hits the spot! While the scrumptious grilled cheese last year was delicious, I prefer the healthier veggie burger at lunch. Don't skip dessert - the muffin-like blueberry cupcake is delicious.

Lemonade Love (5/5) - Refreshing fruity lemonade with interesting flavors served in a gigantic cup, The beets, strawberries, and watermelon lemonade are my top picks.

Hilana Cuisine Falafel (4/5): Flavorful crispy chickpea balls coated with Tahini and wrapped in a soft pita. So fresh and delicious!

Bun'd Up (4/5): The tofu and Koreano bao bao sandwiches are fluffy, flavorful, and warm!

Call Your Mother Jewish Deli (4/5) - While the Wood-fired bagels are tasty, don't miss out the chocolate swirl Babka muffin!

Puddin' (4/5): Indulgent bourbon brown sugar pudding. The small size is plenty for sharing!

Big Joe's Wicked Barrel Honey - I bought a small bottle of honey infused in a whiskey barrel for $18. Pricey, but fun to try with a little kick! Also watching the bees buzzing around in the honeycomb screen was fun and a bit eery!

Great spot to grab lunch and to pick-up plenty of produce for...

The USDA Farmer Market is a farmers market just outside of the USDA building at 12th and Constitution SW from May through October. Here's what's to love about it:

1. Uniqueness: It's the only farmers market run by a government agency in D.C. It's also the only farmers market in the city that requires all its vendors to use raw ingredients from within the Chesapeake area (Delaware to Virginia). It's also the only farmers market in the city to not require payment from the vendor. Instead, they ask each vendor donates food to D.C. Central Kitchen, a local non-profit.

2. Vendors: Each has a uniquely local story and interesting products. There's a farm that grills goat burgers with goat cheese. A fifth-generation orchard sells apples. Another farm sells white raspberries. There's falafel, empanadas, etc. making it great for lunch.

3. Layout: It's in a parking lot, but they make good use of the space. The center always has a booth giving free samples of produce. There's a spot in the back with tables in the shade.

4. Events: They often have live music and a free fitness class during...

I wanted to provide some details because some of the reviews are confusing. This is a Farmers Market held outside on Fridays 10-2pm, June-Oct, with a variety of food options, coffee and baked goods open to everyone!

Some of the vendors today included: Farm veggies, empanadas, coffee, burritos, baked goods, italian ice, burgers, wraps, kettle corn, gelato, smoothies, gluten free desserts, mushrooms, lemonade, donuts, and pizza. Plenty of covered picnic tables to sit and eat. I grabbed some asian inspired baked goods from ToiMoi. Delicious!

If you are local, the market has moved a block (down from the metro stop) due to construction and there is a smaller selection of farm veggies but more ready to eat, and a little of everything. Now on the corner of Independence and 14th.

Well laid out, shaded and a great option to grab a snack, lunch or a beverage! Worth checking out if you are...