Market Lunch

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!

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.

Market Lunch at the Historic Eastern Market is a popular breakfast spot with a diner feel. I decided to give it a try based on the great reviews I had heard, and I was not disappointed.I opted for the stack of blueberry pancakes and a side of crispy bacon, and both dishes were absolutely delightful. Unfortunately, the restaurant doesn't sell coffee or juices, so I ordered lemonade instead and it was delicious.The ambiance of the place is crowded, which adds to the authentic diner experience. However, seating is limited, so it's best to arrive before 10 am to avoid long lines.The service at Market Lunch is quick and efficient, and I was pleased to find out that they now accept debit cards. Additionally, they offer uncooked crab cakes for purchase, priced at $13.50 each or $54.00 for a set of four. I'm already planning to try them on my next visit, along with their famous blubuck pancakes.Overall, Market Lunch is a must-visit for breakfast lovers who appreciate a bustling atmosphere and delicious food.

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.

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!

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.

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 :)

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.

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??

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!