The Market Lunch

Counter-style eatery at end of indoor hall Good food... breakfast and lunch although some lunch items not available until later in the day but unfortunately, signage doesn't specify - Condiments can get messy and flies can be a pest with nothing to deter them - Seating is VERY limited and seating area can get dirty quickly with no one cleaning - If no special event in room next to hall, seating is available but still very sparse Staff works quickly but there needs to be additional staff cleaning Parking is VERY limited on Sundays when flea/farmer's market happening -

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

I was actually excited for the buckwheat blue berry pancakes. Am a big pancake fan, I don’t do cheat meals and usually stick to eating at home. So I do have high standards. These were okay. They were fine. Not bad but I have had better ones. So much better.

I love The Market Lunch! I’ve been coming here since 2016. My go to meal is the pancakes and a side piece of whiting. I use to go multiple times throughout the week and ended up building a rapport with the staff. They’re so sweet! I didn’t go for almost 3 years and upon me returning they still recognized me. The owner is super nice too, he pops in every now and again. I did try something different today, the avocado sandwich. I wasn’t a fan! It was very dry. It was a thin layer of avocado spread, one fried egg, two slices of tomatoes and spinach. I’m sure someone may like it, it’s just not for me. It lacked flavor and I’m glad I ordered the mix drink because I was very parched while eating the sandwich. I won’t get it again. I’ll stick to what I know. Oh, the crab cake is good too!

I ❤️ this place! When I have guests visit DC, this is where I take them before a day of sightseeing. This time, I had buck wheat blue berry pancakes. Which sounds simple, but they're exceptional! Buy so is their crab cake Benedict and chicken and waffles. It's hard to go wrong here. Check the blackboard for daily specials. Be warned on weekends, the line can be really long. I suggest going early. They open at 8AM, I think. Also, the only seating is a communal table or the picnic tables outside. Then go walk it off and enjoy the rest of Eastern Market.