If you go to Market lunch be aware that the line will be long. It may move quickly, but it's long. Oh and there is a board of "rules" that you should read while in line like no sitting down until you have your food in hand, etc. Also the joint is cash only. On to the food: We ordered the shrimp and crab cake plate, which was somewhere in the neighborhood of $20 or so. We got fried green tomatoes and fries as our sides. The food was ok. The crab cake was good and lumpy, but needed a bit of additional seasoning. The fries were very tasty and more natural cut, which I dig on. Not ultra crispy though in case you are wondering. The shrimp was ok, better than your average place, but I didn't feeling like you could really taste the shrimp flavor. The fried green tomatoes weren't good. Fried green tomatoes should have an almost acidic lemony taste to them which these were lacking. I think my biggest issue is I'm from the South and I am accustomed to good fried food; it's one of the few things we actually do well. The only thing Market has over on most Southern fried food joints and fried food beach places is their crab cake... good crab cakes are hard to find in the south. If I were ever to go back to Market I would get a crab cake sandwich and fries and not venture elsewhere on the menu. read more

Market Lunch - Table at the market - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Delicious food, and I'm ashamed that I ate breakfast here. I've loved this place for years, and I finally got a chance to have breakfast here. I was waiting in line, and was near the front, when a very elderly man sat down while the person accompanying him waiting on line to order. The man at the cashier started yelling at both men, and said the old man had to stand until he had his food. He said "the rules apply equally to everyone." While I'm always all for equality, I was shocked at this display, and quite honestly, really surprised at the level of bullying. The two men just walked off. As much as I love the food, I don't know how I can support an establishment like this again. read more

I love this place, their apple french toast is awesome. One downside is the wait, but personally I am still willing to wait. The owner is also a cool guy and extends breakfast hours to accommodate the demand when the line runs long. read more

Market Lunch - Apple cinnamon french toast with a side of potatoes - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

For over 20 years, I've been a frequent customer at Eastern Market. I've tried Market Lunch several times during these past 2 decades and have always been totally unimpressed each visit. I mean underwhelmed to the uttermost. But, yesterday, for some reason, I got the notion to give it a go yet another time. And do you know what? It was seriously good food. I am just about speechless. Yes, an old foodie can learn some new tricks. Rarely can I secure a seat so as to eat their cooking on site, and yesterday was no different, so I had mine wrapped up to take home. Golly, the whiting and shrimp combo I got with cole slaw, potato salad and roll--well, it was just superb. Now, all things being equal, this spot still has a pretty bad track record given all the times I've ordered meals from here in the past and they were stank. But, yesterday, the tide turned and all of a sudden I like this place. As the Schwarzenegger sez: "I'll be Bach". read more

Ridiculously good American comfort food. The staff will steer you towards the crab cakes, and you won't be let down. They're probably some of the best crab cakes I've had in a while - flavorful, without being too fishy, and very moist. It's a totally no-frills experience, but this place is a DC institution and you really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Tip - if you go during the week, you can skip the super long line that forms on the weekend. read more

Market Lunch - Crab cake sandwich! - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Wandering about Eastern Market on a Sunday left me with an appetite. So after examining all the soaps and carvings on the outside, I stepped into the hall, and walked past the cheese stand, the meat shop, and the florist. At the very end (or front depending on which way you come in), is the Market Lunch - an exceedingly popular, cash-only fish restaurant/diner type establishment. Realizing that they don't take cards, I was able to locate an ATM half way down the hall near the middle-exit sign. The Market Lunch serves a variety of breakfast items on a Sunday (buckwheat pancakes) and the BRILLIANT Shrimp-and-Grits! At my request, they held the bacon. It is spicy - but not overpowering. Very fresh, juicy shrimp with tons of flavor! The rockfish sandwiches served with coleslaw are also extremely tasty! The owner came around to check on his customers and spent some time with us, telling us about the establishment, and about his family. This kind of courtesy does not exist anywhere - and makes one want to go back as a loyal patron. And in any case - the food itself is worth the trip! read more

About a year later and the blue bucks are just as outrageously delicious as I remember. The green chile grits are a great accompaniment and people seemed to be going crazy for their Big Ben crab cake; I'll have to try it next time. This time around I discovered that "the mix" drink is also really addictive. I come here every time I am in the area and is strongly encourage every visitor to do the same. The long line was worth it! read more

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The blueberry buckwheat pancakes are just as good as they're hyped up to be! Stopped by here on my last day in DC and managed to avoid the long line by coming 10 minutes before they open. They have a ton of different options and it was well worth a stop before checking out all the cool stands at the market! They're super efficient (they have to be with how popular they are) but it comes at the cost of staff being a bit rude to newcomers (how they expect me to be familiar with the options each dish comes with will remain a mystery to me). The food was worth it but they're definitely not the friendly staff I've come to expect from folks in Seattle. read more

Without a question it is the main attraction of Eastern Market. The spot is located at the northern end of the market and can get pretttttttty prettttty busy on weekends. On weekdays, the line is not long, but the most popular menu item (pancakes) will sell real fast! On the weekends though, you might see a line that stretches out the north entrance! I kid you not. That's about 80 people deep at least! I've been here twice now and on my most recent visit in March 2013, I saw that it was soon to be featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, which is pretty cool. The title of "king of the breakfast menu" definitely goes to the pancakes, specifically the blueberry buckwheat pancakes. After that's finished, it's the other pancakes that fall in line, with blueberry and buckwheat probably next. The pancakes are really a hot commodity so make sure to get there early if you want in on the action! I've been fortunate enough to try the blueberry buckwheat and they are realllllly realllly good. I'm not sure if they are the best pancakes I've ever had, but they are very soft, fluffy and you are given a good portion of 3 pieces. I've also had the pleasure of trying the crabcake benedict, which seems like another popular item as I recall them selling out of those once as well. The benedict comes as any other benedict with a side of roasted potatoes and yellow grits. The benedict and all their other dishes are not presented in any type of classy fashion, being that they use only paper plates, but the food is verrrrry good. The roasted potatoes and grits are a nice addition to eating the benedict. The eggs are cooked really well because I was able to incorporate them into the benedict by lifting it with my fork without the yolk spilling all over. I'm usually not a fan of grits, but their yellow grits definitely have a saltier flavor to them, but not overly salty. I will surely be coming back here the next time I visit DC and I undoubtedly am now aware of the competition to get there early so beware future market lunchers! read more

I could've sworn I did a review here before. But, minor details aside, The Market Square cooks your food to order, it's at an actual market(Eastern Market, to be exact)so the seafood is always fresh and really good! Today I tried the 14 hour slow roast North Carolina BBQ. Here's the thing, my Dad is from North Carolina, I've spent a lot of time there, and have had my fair share of North Carolina pulled pork. My parents make a great pulled pork sandwich, and while The Market Square's isn't quite the same as what I get from Dad's smoker and Mom's spice rack, it was surprisingly pretty good! I also had their Fried Green Tomatoes, which I always love! I gave The Market Square 4 stars because twice they've made mistakes to my order but as far as the food and service goes, they've always been consistent, and is one of my favorite places to visit for lunch. read more

This is a must see. Without a doubt. I've been here 100x in last 4 years and have introduced at least 20 people to this amazingness. Bluebux pancakes are a staple as are the grits and turkey bacon (not regular, always always order turkey bacon)! Crabcake Benedict is great if you're into seafood or visiting the area. Everything is locally sourced and fresh. read more

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

the most amazing crabcakes EVER! you know something is good if you aren't hungry and you can't stop eating and you want more after it's all gone. i enjoyed every bit of the crabcakes. they were crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside with the right amount of seasoning. the crab was a fresh as can be with no hint of fishiness (or crabbiness). we also tried spicy grits with shrimp and i'm not a grits kind of gal but this really hit a new spot for me. i'm a fan of these grits. it's quite simple yet so delicious. the texture and the seasoning of the grits were good! the shrimp was there as garnish as they weren't really needed to add to the experience. if i'm ever in the area or close to it, this is a must. i'll be back market lunch! read more

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

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Another reason to love Sundays (and to get out of bed): blueberry buckwheat pancakes! These are super moist, filled with whole blueberries. Its yummy-factor was boosted by light homemade butter and thick maple syrup. Tips: - CASH-ONLY (or bring a debit card - there is an ATM inside Eastern Market) - No iced-coffee! But fear not, Port City Java is close-by. The queue looks intimidating, but it moves fast - I think we waited about 20 minutes from getting into line and getting our food. read more

Top notch breakfast! Important note - Cash only! Stopped in on Sunday morning for breakfast while visiting the area. You can find this gem tucked into the historic Eastern Market. Be prepared for a line, but they moved you through quickly! Seating is limited but you can likely snag a few spots or take your meal on the go. The staff was eager to greet you and take your order. But I will note, this is not a sit down and take your order type of place. You order at the counter and then pick up your items at the end. I especially loved that the food wasn't anything fancy, but they do it all super well! I decided to try The Brick sandwich at the request of my friend who talked it up. SO DELICIOUS! It was served on a super fresh roll loaded with eggs, potatoes, bacon (your choice of meat) and cheese. Dip in the it sriracha mayo-type sauce they offer and it will make it event tastier. I was so excited to eat it, I even forgot to snap a photo. If you are in the area and need breakfast, this is the place to go! read more

Market Lunch was awesome! I will be back next time I'm in DC. I met a friend there for brunch on Saturday morning during a trip to DC. I'm not the biggest fan of pancakes, but she said they were known for their Blue Bucks. We had plenty of time in line to check out the menu which is written on huge chalkboard hung from the ceiling. As you get closer to the counter, you can no longer see the menu, so make sure you decide what you want before getting too close. There were so many options that it made it hard to decide what to eat. We ended up deciding to share everything, so we ended up ordering the Blue Bucks with a side of fried green tomatoes, and the crab cake breakfast. Make sure you grab the pink sauce--it was the perfect complement to the tomatoes and the crab cake. I was pretty taken aback by the $2.50 upcharge for real maple syrup. Other than that, I have no complaints. The crab cake was outstanding! But, did I love everything we ordered! Be sure to keep in mind that it's cash only. If you forget to grab cash, there's an ATM right by the second entrance door on the left hand side. read more

Blue-bucks short stack for about $5 is my go-to-post-run-fuel! So delicious, fluffy, flavorful, huuuuge!!! The hot maple syrup is amazing too. Staff is super friendly and service is quick. Don't be intimidated by the long lines, you really don't have to wait long. And if you come before 9am there's def. a spot available at the community table. read more

Market Lunch - Blue bucks short stack - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I love the straight forward approach of this little joint. Even the "cash only" seems to add to the no nonsense vibe of the place. Pancakes , bacon and Crab Cake Benedict. The place is a great value and provides straight forward, nothing fancy, delicious eats! Yay, I'm a fan. read more

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

This place is no frills, low key, moderately priced and quick, friendly service. The crabcake breakfast with a side of bluebucks is the best Saturday morning comfort food. This place keeps a line that doubles. You won't be disappointed. read more

I can't believe that it took so long for my wife and I to try this place out. We went on a Sunday and the line was long. We didn't have anything better to do so we decided to wait in line. (I hate waiting in line, but I wanted to make an exception.) After reading some of the reviews, my wife decided shrimp and grits and I ordered the rockfish and potatoes with a side of blueberry pancakes. We were super impressed with the food and it was totally worth the wait! They only take cash, which is a slight inconvenience, but oh well. They do have a server who will seat you either inside or outside. Pretty efficient system they had. The second time, I ordered corned beef and hash and my wife got the full stack of blackberry pancakes. Again, super satisfied. Filipinos seem to manage this place and that's a plus for me. Yay. read more

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

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Eastern market has a lot of options, but this has gotta be the best, especially for price. I had the blueberry pancakes and we got the French toast special with peaches and blueberries. Unreal breakfast for about $9-15 depending what all you get with it. Eggs were a little eh, but bacon and pancakes were incredible so didn't matter to me. Also lunch food that looked great, and their are a lot of other foods throughout the market. Highly recommend. read more

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

Back in business as of Thursday September 13. The new setup looks great, just like the old plus a few small changes such as chalkboard menus, a computerized system, and new "Market Lunch" visors for the staff. Good to see Tom and the gang back together again. Just as importantly, the Brick and Bluebucks and French Toast are back and are as delicious as remembered. How can you stay away? Warms my soul on a crisp fall morning. read more

Don't get the corned beef hash. It was exceptionally poor, soggy and flavorless. Corned beef hash is a staple breakfast for me, and this stand does not know how to make it quite right. Add on a long line and close quarters eating and you don't have a great experience. If you are at Eastern Market, and eating here, go for the sausage or the pancakes. read more

Market Lunch - Corned Beef Hash with Sunny Side Down Eggs - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This was a solid breakfast joint. Their sandwiches (brick) are large and reasonably priced.

The only reason I'm leaving one star is because the owner was completely rude. My parents, boyfriend and I got some bagels to go from a different spot before going. Once we arrived to the market, they found seats and I stood in line. The owner comes and said we couldn't sit there with outside food. So I tell him I'm in line to get food and he slams his hand on the table and points to the sign that has the seating rules. He caused a scene and everyone was looking. I understand if I was just getting a cup of coffee but I was getting a few orders of their amazing French toast. I also understand each establishment can have their own rules, however, his approach was disrespectful and uncalled for. read more

excellent breakfast plates, i really enjoyed eating here. even when it's busy it's not too hard to get a seat. great place to eat if you're visiting the market read more

Walked all the way here and find out it's cash only. Guys this is 2018. No one has cash. If you really want to live like it's 40 years ago, that's fine. But at least put a bug warning on your yelp page. 1 star for the inconvenience and the complete disregard for their customers. read more

Outstanding. I was working on Capitol Hill and decided to try this place out. Sometimes it can have a long line. I ate here 3 times and waited a long time my first time, then got smart and tried off hours (before 12, after 2) and it worked fine. I got a fish sandwich each time, and tried the fried green tomatoes. Outstanding. The first time I ordered whiting because it was cheaper, the second time I asked for the recommendation of the person behind the counter, who said definitely cod/haddock. These were way better, not even close. Just being in Eastern Market is a wonderful experience: the beautiful restored facility, the soaring space, the sights/sounds/smells. Then to experience the diverse wonderful people who shop at Eastern Market and dine at Market Lunch is a wonderful experience. And the food is great. Fun atmosphere, great food, cool historic location, what else might one want? read more

This place is special. The type of place locals won't tell you about because they want to keep it to themselves. Prepare to wait in line if you're wanting brunch on a weekend... But it's well worth the wait. Buckwheat blueberry pancakes with Vermont maple syrup will give you a run for your money on being the best pancakes you've ever had. Crispy, light, rich, with incredible depth of flavor coming from the buckwheat. Being in DC I had to have the crab cakes Benedict. An east coast take on the classic breakfast dish, I would go back just for the cakes let alone! Awesome awesome dish that is a refined local take on a classic breakfast dish. read more

I'm big on moments. Moments when connected become lives. I am happy to say Market Lunch afforded me and my daughter one of the most beautiful moments I've had recently. Food was torch, staff friendly, and the portions generous. We will definitely be back!! read more

Food cold Serve the wrong fish fried potatoes and onions cold and over cooked was not willing to correct problem

I have always loved this place and was so happy they came back after the Eastern Market fire some years ago. My Capitol Hill friends all know I always want to come here for a crab cake sandwich whenever I am in town. On my last visit, I had the Crab Cake Benedict, which was equally delicious. read more

Stopped in for breakfast. 9yo: this is the best French toast I've ever had in my life 6yo: these are the best chocolate chip pancakes I've ever had in my life wife: this is the best green tomato BLT I've ever had in my life me: I've never had Johnny cakes before but they are great Liked ordering at the counter. Liked the prices. Liked the staff. Liked the food. We've officially found our first regular breakfast spot in DC. read more

Wow. Seriously speechless... this is how I felt when I tried my first bite of a hot crabcake sandwich from Market Lunch. My friend Jen M. had been playing fantastic hostess during my stay in Washington DC. As a fellow foodie I asked her to take me to all the cool places that defines "east coast food". The first thing she said was "Crabcakes. You gotta try the crabcakes." So she brings me to the Market, which is a fish market and also houses a small flower shop, vegetables and a bakery. But you walk in and the first thing you smell is the fresh fish. We escaped the huge line which forms right around noon, and I had a nice hot fried crabcake sandwich with some cocktail sauce. The crab cake was flaky and the flavor of the crab was so sweet and rich. My friend Jen had a haddock sandwich that was great too. Fried white fish, perfectly salted and fell apart on the fork. Unfortunately I missed the soft shell crab, I am not sure if it was out of season or if it was just not in stock, but I understand that is really really good too. This is also not the type of place to hang out and leisurely gab. There is one long table to sit at where you eat quickly and then move on because other people are waiting to dine and dash, otherwise they growl at you. I could have lunch every day at the Market and not complain. This place is one I would definitely return to...very quickly!! read more

Market Lunch - Delicious crab cake sandwich. - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This is a classic for Eastern Market. The place is always pretty packed and there is usually going to be a line-- but with so many options on the menu.. The wait is actually kind of nice! Decision time people. Anyway, we ended up ordering the crab cake Benedict (which I thought was amazing. Wish there were two pieces, but the crab cake was thick and packed with juicy crab. Yum.) as well as the corn beef hash special (which was also very good). Only downfall w/ the hash was that the eggs weren't exactly cooked over medium, which we asked for, but nevertheless I thought all around this place was very good and fairly priced. I definitely would like to go back and try the French toast here.. It looked DIVINE. The ambiance/ vibe is also kind of a frenzy but I think it adds a bit of charm to the place as well. Super casual, quick, convenient. Will be back again. read more

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

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I would wait in line just for the weekend specials of grits and shrimp (~$14) and crab cake benedict ($16). Avoid the potatoes as a side, it isn't good. The flapjack pancakes are also a nice treat for those who need gluten free. Despite there being a long line on the weekends, I can usually find a spot to eat my food in their counter-height tables because of the speedy and efficient staff there that help manage the table. I also like being able to eat indoor despite there being food at the farmer's market outside on the weekend. I haven't found anything at the weekend farmer's market that matches the brunch specials Market Lunch offers yet. I also appreciate the condiments they offer at the pick-up counter. Pepper and ketchup and mustard are necessary! And it is free of charge. :) read more

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

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Called in the chicken sandwich order- was delicious! Don't forget the pint of coleslaw- it will make your day! Thanks for the successful pivot to accept credit cards on the phone! Best deal in town! Huge portions! read more

We waited in line for about 20 mins at Market Lunch, located in the Eastern Market, to order our food. Don't worry, you need that much time to decide what you are going to order. Known for their Blueberry Buckwheat pancakes and the Brick Sandwich (only available on weekends and know as a hangover cure). Even though breakfast is the most popular, they are also known for their seafood. Being so close to Maryland I was on a mission to get a crab cake! The gentleman taking our order was amazing. He may have been the owner as he was very knowledgeable when we asked if the pancakes were gluten free. To the annoyance of the people behind us he let us know that he had created a great gluten free pancake in the past but it didn't sell well enough. He then let us know how he made it and what flour to use, lol. He continued to help my friend through what items she could eat; it was awesome. It seemed like he really cared about the customers as he took orders, taking the time to chat with everyone. When I ordered a crab cake sandwich he said, with coleslaw and tomato right? Like that was the only way to order it, so I said of course! It was delicious. The seating is limited but it seemed to work out well that people were getting up as soon as people needed to sit down. Remember to brings cash as they are a cash-only facility. We thought lunch was only served till noon on Saturday but we ordered at 12:30 and they still were taking breakfast orders. Read more about our trip at flipflopsandfloopowder.com read more

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Went for lunch. Order the crab cake sandwich. The food was alright but nothing to rave about. It was 1 crab cake on a piece of bread. That's it. You'll have to add your own condiments to it. It lacked flavor and all the hype but, it is fresh and I was told to come back for breakfast which is really popular. Sweet tea was a plus! Word of advice... Grab your seat first because if you want to sit at the counter, you'll have to wait in line and chairs go quick. read more

Came back after almost three years, and the impact was less than our first time. The Brick is still the best breakfast sandwich they have on the menu, but the one with the sausage, despite the recommendation from front of house staff, was just okay. I guess coming back brought some perspective missing on our first visit. Fried green tomatoes were still good, but overall, I just feel like I've had lots of great breakfast dishes over the years and Market Lunch has slid down the rank a bit. read more

Market Lunch - The Brick with sausage (L), fries green tomatoes, The Brick with ham - New American Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I've tried to stop in here several times, but never seemed to have cash on me when I did. Finally, I came here with $42 and 2 friends, all of us eager to try the infamous crab cake sandwich. The boisterous man behind the counter rang up the three sandwiches to the tune of $42.74....I then told him I'd only brought enough cash for 2, to which he quipped, "Is this the first time you're trying the crab cake?" I replied yes, and he took the $42 and hooked us up with 3 crab cake sandwiches. In summary - awesome guy, great crab cake sandwiches. Be sure to stop in if you have cash and a hankering for crab cakes! read more

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