Western Market — Restaurant in Washington

Western Market is one of DC’s food halls that’s been around for a quite a while and that continues to deliver when it comes to offering a variety of good food options. If you’re a foodie, you’ll enjoy Western Market, which is located right by George Washington (GW) University on 21st & Pennsylvania Ave, NW in Washington, DC. It’s a totally different vibe from Eastern Market, Washington, DC’s legendary food hall located on Capitol Hill, which is on the complete opposite end of the DC from Western Market, which is located in Foggy Bottom, near the West End neighborhood in DC.

There are about 20 different places to eat in Western Market. There is great signage outside so that you know your options before you go inside.

There are also multiple entrances to Western Market on Pennsylvania Ave., and 21st Street and varying levels.

Once inside, prepared to be slightly overwhelmed unless know what you want, because there are so many choices and types of cuisine, it can be hard not to want to try more than one place!

Since it’s so close to GW, University & Hospital, it’s clearly a spot where a lot of students grab a bite. There are offices connected to the building, so I suspect during the day there’s more of a mix of workers in the area and students.

Duke’s Grocery, one of the best places in DC to get a burger according to the Best of DC - Reader’s Choice, is located inside Western Market, but there’s an exterior entrance from Pennsylvania as well as the entrance from inside. It’s an actual restaurant, not a food stall.

In addition to food, there’s a tailor, a CVS, UPS and photo store in Western Market.

I definitely will be going back to Western Market food hall during the day and on an empty stomach! There are several places on my list including some that I’ve had before and others that I haven’t including: Bullfrog Bagels, Capo’s Deli, Duke’s Grocery, ban doo la bowl, EXPAT, and bindaas.

Western Market is a vibrant food hall that is worth absolutely a visit if you’re local and over in that area or a tourist visiting DC and staying in West End. It’s worth the short walk...

Oh I love this store! Okay, so it's odd that it is split up between two different sides of 2000 Penn. And, okay, the sales staff won't wow you with unbelievable friendliness, although if you have a question or need help they will help. They don't just ignore you at least.

But what keeps me going back - to the point that I have banned myself from the store because my budget can't take any more for a while - are the cute dresses and jewelry. Love them! I wish they would have more of each item (once a size is gone, forget getting any more). I've gotten cute metal flower rings on sale for $10 a piece. And some very cute dresses for $75-50 - dresses that are different from the chain stores that make up most of DC. Tired of walking down the street and being able to recognize where most of the outfits you see on the street came from? Go to Expressions. The clothes aren't crazy or weird. They are hip and sometimes very classic styles (at least the dresses and coats are) but they are a different alternative to the same old boring Ann Taylor and Loft that I am so tired of seeing on everyone. Anyway I digress. The stores has cute styles that aren't very expensive. If that sounds good enough to you then go...

Foggy Bottom's Western Market is the latest food craze in Washington, D.C. and it's just across the river from another one- Rosslyn's Assembly. Here's my experience going to Western Market for lunch in October 2021:

1. Food: When they all open, it will have 11+ vendors, but only a handful were open- Roaming Rooster, Capo Deli, Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls and Duke's Counter. A few places I'm excited to open- Bandoola Bowl (Asian noodles) and Arepa Zone (Venezuelan arepas). Considering the line, Roaming Rooster was the most popular already open. Their honey butter fried chicken sandwich is flavorful and massive (Roaming Rooster includes two chicken breasts per sandwich).

2. Space: It's pretty big with high ceilings and an industrial design. There are tables throughout the food hall and a large outdoor patio with tables with umbrellas for shade.

3. Parking: This is one downside being close to a busy part of town. After looking for 30 minutes, I finally found street parking a few blocks away.

Close to George Washington University's campus, Western Market is the perfect addition...