Dining in DC: Union Market

If you are visiting Union Market with its 40 vendors in the NoMa section of the city, plan to come hungry. With its artisan market, full dining, and kiosk facilities you can put together quite an eclectic meal.

On a recent visit, I chose Takorean, which began as a D.C. food truck and remains one of the top choices around the District for food on the move. As its name implies, the eatery features Korean BBQ tacos. a fusion of Korean barbeque with Mexican flavors and form. You can choose Korean bulgogi steak, tangy chicken, or carmelized tofu with a variety of fillings and toppings such as kimchee cabbage or limon crema. You can opt for either tacos or bowls. Going for a truly international meal, I selected the coconut rice pudding from DC Empanandas for dessert.

Of course, my choice meant I passed on such local favorites the Rappahannock Oyster Co., the Red Apron Butchery, Co Co. Sala, and Righteous Cheese.

The newly renovated market building opened in 1931, as part of a collection of stalls for 700 vendors who sold meats, fish, dairy, and produce 6 days a week. In 1962, the city banned the outdoor sale of meats and eggs, a move which essentially killed the facility's foot traffic. A new indoor market was built in 1967 and this is the edifice which is now the refurbished Union Market.

The Market, opened in September of last year, is surrounded by busy, yet picturesque urban industrial spaces where more than 100 businesses employ 1,500 workers for food and goods distribution.

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If you like the urban market atmosphere, you will also want to check out Eastern Market, located in the Capitol Hill district.