We think they have the best crap cakes. Good breakfasts too. Weekends are packed. The eastern market is a great place for fresh food of all types. read more

Finally made it to Market Lunch after passing by so many times and being intimidated by the line. The line moves quick, you just gotta stay committed. The pancakes are all you gotta go here for. Everything else is average, but the pancakes are a hit! Once you try these, you'll need them every weekend. The price point is very economical for what you get, in my opinion. Seating can be a bit limited and the rules are the rules, gotta make sure you don't sit before you order, or you will be judged. If you are in the area and looking for a hearty breakfast, this may need to be your stop! read more

Market Lunch - Blueberry Buckwheat Pancakes, bacon, eggs - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Despite my 5 years in D.C., I never made the time to try their infamous pancakes. However, I was pleasantly surprised by their lunch items. Specifically, the crab cakes. They had a ton of crab meat and the fries were well seasoned too. I like that you have options for sides - I went with the succotash (edamame and corn). Service is quick, with great recommendations. It is very busy all the time and seating is limited so just be prepared for that. read more

I live on Capitol Hill and have been going to Market Lunch for 20+ years. I love their blue buck pancakes so much that I only allow myself to get them every couple of months as a treat. This morning I went for my treat and was very very disappointed as my pancake is about half the size that used to be for the same price. I asked about it and was told that people complain that they were too big? If they're going to shrink the pancake, they also need to shrink the price. $4.40 for this tiny pancake! I truly hope that Market Lunch considers going back to the original size of these amazing pancakes. read more

Market Lunch - Blueberry Buckwheat Pancakes suffers major shrinkflation! - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Stopped by Market Lunch and grabbed the fried whiting sandwich, and let me tell you--worth every bite. The fish was seasoned perfectly, fried crisp without being greasy, and stacked on the bread just right. Simple, fresh, and delicious. The staff deserves a shoutout too. Everyone I interacted with was warm, quick, and genuinely friendly. Even with the line moving, they kept great energy and made the whole experience feel easy. If you're in the area and want something comforting and flavorful, definitely put the fried whiting sandwich at the top of your list. I'll absolutely be back for brunch!!! read more

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Stopped in for lunch on a mission for a crab cake. Ordered the 2 crab cake plate with fried green tomato and coleslaw. Crab cake - 4/5 nice size, real lump crab little fillers. Beautiful crust. Seasoned. Satisfying. Could use a little lemon juice or remoulade sauce. I didn't care for theirs- Tarter just okay Green tomatoes-4/5 Good breading and flavor. Coleslaw -4/5 good solid coleslaw Roll- 4/5 read more

Market Lunch - Crab cake platter (green tomatoes and coleslaw) - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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A true DC institution! Really fun, really limited community style seating with lots of local "rules"! (Read the signs) Pancakes, French toast, egg sandwiches in the morning. Burgers, etc. in the afternoon. Always a good selection of fresh fish. Come early to avoid long lines, especially on Saturdays. read more

Market Lunch - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Located inside the Eastern Market. Always long line, but it moves fast. Buckwheat blueberry pancakes - the best ever pancake i had. crab cake platter - it's great except the sides (fries, collard greens) were disappointing North Carolina BBQ sandwich - average, a bit dry the meat. read more

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Such a classic American diner experience. You feel really attune to whats happening here since they are operating out of the larger Eastern Market, but it feels so homey and comforting because its just a no frills type of place. To emphasize the market quality of their offerings, a lot of breakfast classics have a seafood twist, which is just such a delightful, elevated, unexpected way to have breakfast. Their pancakes are where it's at. Te maple syrup is kept warm on the side along with the whipped butter which just shows how much respect for the craft of food. The Big Greens omelet had mushrooms and cheese which is such a great way to enjoy a vegetable omelet. Potatoes were one note but again, executed with maximum stove top crisp. I'm just charmed at the simplicity of the menu, everything is good. read more

Market Lunch - Exterior - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Famous breakfast spot located inside the eastern market. It is worth the hype. The blueberry pancakes are truly amazing. (I know I thought to myself how good can pancakes be, but these are really fluffy and good). Make sure you try the maple syrup as well. We also go the Brick sandwich which has egg cheese and potatoes and a choice of meat on the side. We got the bacon and my 6 year old inhaled them. It's quite busy and we got there at a good time and got seats. There are tables outside the market as well. Would go there every day until I'm tired of it if I live in the area. OJ is fresh and good as well. read more

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After reading so many different article about what to try in Washington DC, have to give this place a try.. it's bidding inside the Easter market.. all the way toward the end.. you will find a high table with 8ish bar stool.. and a line of people waiting to order... even it's within a market, it has cute lightings hanging from the ceiling, the menu board hang up above their stall.. everything is clearly written so you know what you got yourself into! As they said we need to try their blueberry buckwheat pancake, so we got a short stack (2 pancake) with maple syrup.. a brick sandwich (sandwich with potato, egg, cheese, and your choice of meat).. and fresh OJ The pancake was soooo delicious!! And like they said.. this might be one of the best syrup I have ever had!! I can't believe I use the entire cup of syrup for 2 slice of pancake!! Would highly recommend this place!! But can see that it can be hard to find a seat at the market.. and the line can get long as times (especially breakfast/lunch time) read more

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A bustling and beloved eatery in Eastern Market-perfect for a quick, delicious lunch, though it can be crowded. We tried their soft shell crab and flounder sandwiches, both of which were incredibly fresh. The soft crab was tasty, though on the smaller side. read more

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I ordered the pancakes, which I've seen people rave about for a while, and the chorizo wrap. The pancakes are up to par with the high expectations, with a soft texture, a little bit of a salty addition with the butter and the right amount of sweetness from the syrup. The chorizo wrap was fine as well, but the pancake is definitely the main attraction. read more

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This spot is nestled in the back of a food hall/market type of environment. By the time I had finished eating, the line was long so be prepared to wait. Believe me it was worth the wait. The pancakes were so large and fluffy!! I also got a few piece of fish to go with them. The fish was fried and seasoned to perfection. I will definitely be back to try other things on the menu! read more

Delicious bluebuck pancakes never disappoint! I also tried the bacon, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich and it was delicious, the sandwich bun was so soft and fresh. Get there early to grab a seat since it fills up quickly. read more

Market Lunch - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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The food was better than I expected. The coffee was amazing!! Ambiance, well it is actually in a Market where they sell meat fish etc. Seating is very limited, but we got there at the right time so we got to sit at a table. There is a chance you could have to stand to eat. Worth at least a try. read more

I'll give this review as a New Yorker now residing in DC and an avid food lover. First, this place is a gem and I can see why some Yelpers expressed the joy felt when visiting not only Market Lunch but Eastern Market. It reminded me of the old Downtown Brooklyn in NYC, before unidentifiable changes. This place promotes small businesses, most of who offer authentic pastries, meat selections, spices, and even homemade pasta. If you haven't visited Eastern Market then you're missing out on a small yet beautiful place. That said, please don't come here expecting immediate access to seating nor look for anything other than lemonade, sweet tea, and sodas to drink. They offered coffee but I passed on purchasing because the creamer stood outside on the counter and could have been placed in a small refrigerated area. Also, going back to my New York roots, this place reminded me of a deli, bodega, corner store, small shop where I ordered some of the best sandwiches and breakfast specials...if you know, you know *Jlo voice LOL* Anyway, back to being serious. Don't come here expecting seating and fancy fixing, it's a deli styled setup where you order with the cashier and wait for your number to be called. While waiting, I highly advise you to look for seating and if you find it, grab it! Or else you'll be standing for a long time. Service: it's fast paced so don't expect to take your time. Immediately look at the menu beforehand and know that the cashier is going to be moving quickly. Also, they do accept cards and cash so either will do. Beverages: nothing much to choose from but what we did enjoy was their tart and delicious lemonade. If they bottled this, I would purchase it! No questions asked. It was such a delicious, sweet, and tarty party! lol Food: I ordered the blueberry pancakes with a side of bacon. Now, the blueberries were missing, I actually counted 6, but my boyfriend had way more in his pancakes and noticed that they all stood in the center of the pancake and were not evenly distributed. Aside from that disproportioned blueberries, this pancake won on buttery flavor and lightness. Paired with a side of crispy bacon (3 to be exact) my boyfriend meanwhile had 6 on his plate...not sure how they divided things when you're paying the SAME price?! But, I was pleasantly impressed with my pancakes and bacon and would definitely stop by again. Price: total for 2 orders of blueberry pancake (2 each) 2 orders of bacon (one order with 3 and the other with 6 strips) 2 orders of lemonade-total $36...not bad considering that this might be the price for breakfast for one at some locations. Advice: if you plan on enjoying the breakfast there, please arrive before 10am. We were there before 10 am and after a small wait, we finally got our hands on seating. Then, by 10:10am, the crowd started rushing in and the line began growing. I noticed people struggling to find seating (cafeteria style-long counter) resulting in them taking their orders to go. Would I return? Absolutely! I'd return before 10am and probably take my order to go. Would I order the pancakes again? I would probably try the buckwheat blueberry's next time or simply stick with plain because the low provision of blueberries didn't make me feel as if I was eating a blueberry pancake. Overall, support small businesses and support community favorites, I surely will! read more

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PATRONS BEWARE -- since seating seems to be a territorial thing and common sense doesn't at all, seem to be common. Woke up this am, drove to Eastern market all the way from Mt. Vernon, because I had a craving for their fried green tomatoes. Stood in line 45 minutes. Got almost to the ordering station and we found seats. My son and I went to sit, as my partner was next in line to order. All of a sudden this loud man (presumably a manger) older gentleman with white hair starts yelling and telling me to get up and that I can't sit here if we're not paying customers. Other customers were also taken back by his demeanor and tone. I was appalled to say the least, but kindly let the man know (after standing for 45 mins) that we're next in line. He still tells me that we cannot sit down until after we've ordered, and until we have food in hand. At this point I'm over him yelling at me in front of my son and offended that he thinks this is customer service. If we didn't wait in line for 45 mins and weren't next, we would have left. And to top it all off, they were OUT of Fried Green Tomatoes. The food is good by not stellar. We ordered pancakes and some sides. You can make better breakfast at home. Never in my life have I spent $50 anywhere in hospitality and been told with my child no less, that I can't sit down. And if it reeks of discrimination to you, it likely was! read more

Market Lunch - Blueberry Pancakes (Including Our Bluebucks) - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This place is always packed on the weekend, for a reason! The food is great. You have breakfast sandwiches, regular sandwiches,breakfast plates, pancakes etc. the breakfast sandwiches were create. Unfortunately they were out of sausage which I really wanted, but that's my fault for getting there at noon on a Sunday. There is some seating here, you sit with everyone else there but if it's too busy you might not be able to grace a seat. Highly recommend :) read more

Market Lunch - Breakfast Sandwiches - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Found pics! Really was just trying to add the pics, no real update lol. But this remains the best breakfast place for pancakes in particular, none come close. Must try spot. Am I at 85 words yet?? read more

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This place is really small and busy with barely any seats, so you have to be quick about finding a seat. I got the big greens omelette, and that was okay. But the potatoes were crispy and honestly perfection. My friend got the french toast, and it looked so good but it was a little soggy. I swear this menu is really confusing, but I guess you just have to trust them. read more

Market Lunch - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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The pancakes where good. Two large and feeling pancakes, which I could not eat in one setting during my last visit. There was no scrapple on the day I went. Otherwise, this place is consistent as it is a stable of the Eastern Market area. read more

I was so eager to try the buckwheat blueberry pancakes so I made my way on a Sunday morning. Be prepared to wait on a long line and struggle for a seat! Overall I would go back and highly recommend the pancakes. They were delicious but overall the seating system and ordering system was a bit chaotic so I wouldn't be here too often due to that. read more

Market Lunch - Pancakes (Including Our Bluebucks) - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I was in the city for work later than expected and stopped here for lunch. I ordered the shrimp burger with fries and a refreshing half-half. I was expecting the coleslaw to already be on the burger, but they put it on the side (which isn't a bad thing). The coleslaw lacked flavor and didn't pair well with my burger, unfortunately. This establishment is in Eastern Market where there are several other vendors. It was so many to choose from! I do like this establishment has bench seating for their customers! read more

Market Lunch - Shrimp burger - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Probably the best crab cake I ever had, everything is fresh and made to order. Friendly and efficient Service staff. There are bar stools for sit right in front of shop spot but we chose to do take out. We enjoyed all the food, would recommend read more

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Great food. Located in a really neat area with a full market and outside vendors. One of my favorite places visited during my DC trip. The staff was friendly. Food service was pretty fast. Prices were about as expected. Highly recommend visiting. read more

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Wanted to try out a different neighborhood spot in SE before running Sunday errands. Market lunch did not disappoint. I had always gone inside Eastern Market, but passed this place up. The line was long but fast moving especially for a Sunday morning. I went with the blueberry buckwheat pancakes and they were so delicious and warm. They were decently large so only order three if you're sharing or extremely hungry. I got some Turkey bacon on the side that was perfectly cooked and full of flavor. This was a really good casual breakfast spot and I look forward to trying their breakfast sandwiches the next time I visit. read more

Came for breakfast and had such good meals that we returned the next day for lunch. Frankly, breakfast was better than lunch - a surprise considering the restaurant name. My NC BBQ sandwich was just ok. The meat was fatty and had that fresh from Sysco taste. My daughter's whitefish sandwich was thin and overcooked to the point of being hard as cardboard. In summary, go for breakfast. read more

The PANCAKES The PANCAKES The PANCAKES Can you tell that I LOVVVVVE their pancakes?! Plain or blueberry...they are equally divine! All of their food is delicious! The fish and grits are my other FAVES!! Quick and efficient service located in busy and bustling Eastern Market! Can be noisy (with a crowd) so don't go in looking for peace and relaxation! You must experience them for yourself! You won't be disappointed!!! *It was cash only since FOREVER but due to COVID they began accepting cards! Yey!! read more

The food, atmosphere, and staff are top notch!! I highly recommend if you're looking for a traditional American breakfast before hitting the street vendors on the weekend :) read more

Love this spot! Neighborhood classic. Never had anything less than delicious here. I just wish there was some more seating but I don't know if Market Lunch has control over that read more

Definitely a no-frills DC institution. I love the crab cake Benedict but it hasn't been available the past 3 times I've been there. Instead, I got the crab cake breakfast platter which came with eggs and your choice of house potatoes or the spicy grits. Highly recommend the spicy grits, which isn't that spicy. We also get the buckwheat blueberry pancakes which are outstanding. So yummy! The fried green tomatoes are only available in the summer but highly recommend those as well! Seating is limited with the barstool family style seating. If you are going during peak hours, definitely be ready to find seats outside. read more

Market Lunch - Venue - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Friendly owner, delicious breakfast, accessible, affordable, and being inside the iconic Eastern Market - I can't really complain. Crab cake Benedict was really tasty, I enjoyed it (and yes, it's only available in weekends and it's not exactly as affordable as the other menu items). Grits were tasty (the spicy one had a kick with pieces of jalapeños, but surprisingly was only borderline spicy. I would probably be happy with mild too). The owner also highly recommended the blueberry pancakes - something worth keeping in mind for my next visit! read more

Market Lunch - crab cake Benedict and grits (tastes better than it looks) - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

We meandered over here thinking we can get some decent breakfast and shop around for goodies. Got the avocado, spinach, and egg sandwich that delivered what it has listed but I had thought the spinach would be cooked with the egg; it came out as raw spinach instead. The sausage, egg, and cheese in a roll is why I'm annoyed. The cashier tacked on an extra $0.45 American cheese charge to the sandwich that have cheese to begin with. We did not order it with extra cheese. We did not ask specifically for American cheese. So why did she add on a cost other than being sneaky?? We noticed the charge but since it was such a trivial amount we didn't care, chalked it up as covid struggles but seriously, that was such a sly move! read more

Market Lunch - Self explanatory based on photo dontcha think? - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Tried this spot on a whim and was in the mood for some seafood. Place was inside the market area of Easter market so seating was available. I got the crab cake sandwich and although filled with meaty crab and no fillers, I just couldn't get any satisfaction on my tastebuds. The sandwich lacked seasoning and fell apart as I picked it up in some cases that seems like a win for flaky fall apart crab, but I ordered a sandwich so I want it to be held and eaten with no difficulties. The bread was really tragic as well soft to the touch which made eating a supposed "sandwich" all the more difficult to pick up with confidence. The condiments they had to offer were very slim I feel like if your serving seafood throw in some lemon or old bay on the condiment table not salt, pepper and ketchup ?!? I also got the cucumber salad no issues there very acidic and fresh but might've not been made the same day as the cucumbers became very limp, I understand lemon juice can do that but I've had cucumber salads from other places where they still had a crunch to them at the least. Not trying to be so negative here I would come back and try their breakfast items and maybe even some other lunch items just kind of sadden by the results of today's feast. read more

Market Lunch - Cucumber Salad - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Visited the Eastern Market on a beautiful Saturday. We were looking for breakfast and located this place. At 9am it was pretty busy but the line moves quickly and efficiently. They have a large menu. My husband and I both had breakfast sandwiches. He had a scrapple, egg and cheese sandwich and I enjoyed the BLT with avocado. Both were good....but the weakness in my opinion were the buns they were served on. It reminded me of a very generic McDonald's type bun. Wish it had been something more special. read more

Market Lunch - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

No photos. Oops. I got the crab cakes breakfast and couldn't pass on an order of those buckwheat pancakes....which were HEAVEN. I passed them around the table to a chorus of Ooooooooh damn those are GOOD! Cooked to order while you wait. Lines ate long but move quickly. Looks tough to get a seat but the rotation works very naturally: folks devour their food and move on quickly to jumpstart their digestion. Need good food fast and nothing else? Do this. read more

Came here for breakfast our last morning, on a Friday. No line. I think amped up this place more in my mind, I wasn't too impressed tbh. I got the crab cake (as I didn't have any while we were in Baltimore), my husband got the blueberry pancakes - I think he enjoyed them, they were gone real quick! Mine was kinda blah. Nothing to rave about. Cool location however. read more

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Arrived at 8am and asked for a sausage egg and cheese on white toast. The woman on register rushing me and not listening points to some bread in a smart manner "yea we have it". Of course it was wrong. On a bun. SMH I'm just tired of terrible customer service. read more

Market Lunch - The wrong sandwich - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Definitely a no frills place. Busy as hell and we came around 12:30 on a Saturday. Line wrapped around the center table but moves super fast. Note: I did see that a lot of people were "saving seats" which is technically a no no but that's fine, not a big deal. The turnover is pretty fast and we got seats right after we ordered. I got the Brick (sausage, egg, cheese) breakfast sandwich and shared the blueberry buckwheat pancakes. The sandwich was good - nothing spectacular and nothing to complain about. I intermittently doused ketchup on mine because tbh it was a little dry. Still would eat, and much cheaper than other breakfast sandwiches I've had in dc. BUT. GUYS. The REAL star is the blueberry buckwheat pancakes. I didn't even get a picture because I was too busy slathering butter on them. Those are the real deal. Maple syrup on the side and perfect pats of butter. Amazing. Would come back for the pancakes alone. Will try other things on the menu though! read more

Market Lunch - The Brick - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia