Union Market: Worth a Revisit this Summer

Visitors who haven't checked out Union Market since its opening way back in fall 2012 might not even recognize the place. The market has a bunch of events scheduled for summer fun, not to mention new vendors and a variety of pop-ups. Here's what's worth circling back for:

New Vendors

District Fishwife – Selling the freshest of seafood alongside a rotating menu of seafood dishes for dining in at the market. The fish & chips are the one constant on the menu, and a must-try.

Bidwell – "Roof-to-table" cuisine by Chef John Mooney, whose popular NYC restaurant Bell, Book & Candle is known for the rooftop garden that supplies its produce. He's working to create a similar garden on the roof of Union Market. Menu items center around traditional comfort foods — roasted chicken, deep-fried deviled eggs, braised short ribs — but there are a few surprises too, like the raclette grilled cheese and venison chili.

Ris – Chef Ris Lacoste's stall is stocked with grab-and-go staples ideal for the busy Washingtonian looking for an easy, homemade meal: chicken, veal, fish and vegetable stocks, entrees like meatloaf and crab cakes, chicken and egg salads, side veggies like marinated beets and pickled peppers. She's got your sweet tooth covered too, with hand pies, puddings, and beverages like her strawberry sage lemonade.

Dolcezza Coffee Lab + Gelato Factory – Technically not in the market, but on the block right behind it. Worth a summertime visit if you're in the area — sample gelatos, tour the factory, and fuel up on their gourmet coffee.

Current Pop-Ups
Teaism – Dozens of teas, tea accessories, and exhibitions of work by local artists.

No. 1 Sons Pickles – Local fermented foods artisans; pickles, kimchi, and kraut all naturally fermented in barrels.

Toki Underground – H Streets infamous ramen and dumpling shop is dishing up "street food breakfast" every Tue-Sat, starting at 8am until they sell out of food. Ramen can be found on the rotating menu, but there is also bao (steamed buns stuffed with tasty fillings), other soups, noodle bowls and rice bowls.

The Suburbia Trailer – Back for the summer, customers can't miss the shiny Airstream trailer parked out in front of the market. Grab a beverage or adult sno-cone, all expertly curated by Mixtress Gina Chersevani herself.

Summertime Events
Angelika Theater Pop Up – Now Open
The warehouse next door to the Dolcezza Lab has been transformed into a 3-screen theater complete with gourmet snacks, offering patrons a sample of the Angelika experience until the theater opens next year.

Suburbia BBQ – July 5th
The Suburbia Trailer joins forces with Red Apron Butcher, offering 6 Sam Adams beers on Draft, 2 Sam Adams cocktails on Draft, Sam Adams Flav-or-Ice, and hot dogs from Red Apron. There will even be a hot dog eating contest!

Annual DC Scoop – July 19th
An artisanal ice cream competition and celebration complete with face painting, photobooths, and if years past are any indication, plenty of free samples.

Union Market Drive-In – TBD
The drive-in movie series was super popular last year, so the powers that be are trying to get it on the schedule again for this year, but the plans have yet to be ironed out.
—Alia J. Khan
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