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    Above Ground

    4.4 (104 reviews)
    Closed • 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
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    ABOVE GROUND ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Above Ground

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    Kai M.

    After an excellent introduction through an event, I decided to return and purchase their famous fish & chips, a bottle of the NOLA Hurricane, and a cup of their Old Fashioned. The fish & chips were spectacular! The fish contained loads of flavor and was fried to perfection-perfect crispy to it! The chips were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Both were perfectly paired with tartar sauce and the most delicious mushy peas. NOLA Hurricane- nice and strong! Perfect for rooftop weather. The Old Fashioned was great! If you're an Old Fashioned lover, you'd appreciate it. Looks like I found a spot worth supporting many times again! Friendly staff! Great seating area, and it's fun! I had a great time visiting again.

    "THE GOVERNOR'S" Fish & Chips
    Mike L.

    I've been seeing the trending videos on Above Ground for a while. So I figured I'd give it a try. My son was actually the one interested in fish n chips. I was shocked because he tends to be a picky eater. We came to Union Market right around 5ish. Place wasn't too crowded on a Friday evening. I always love seeing the menu as it does offer a variety of British staples. My kids devoured almost all of his fish. There was a nice crisp to the filets and the chips were well seasoned. My only "complaint" is not having a cheaper option or smaller portion. It comes with a lot of food, which you hope so for paying $20 for fresh, quality, authentic food!

    Taylor L.

    Finally had the chance to try Above Ground in Union Market and was not disappointed! The food was made to order and I burned the roof of my mouth because I was starving and dying to try the meal! It was totally worth getting third-degree burns in my esophagus!! I tried the Governor's Fish 'n Chips and it was immaculate! The fish was a huge fillet and the batter was well seasoned and the fish was fresh! I dipped it in the tartar sauce which speaks volumes for me as I rarely use tartar sauce to dip my fried seafood in. Mushy peas were great too not a way I normally eat peas but I digged it! The chips were well seasoned as well. Def gotta come back and try their meat pies. The steak and ale pie is calling to me!

    Above Ground in Union Market -- in a narrow hallway; easy to miss; don't play yourself this place slaps.
    Cara E.

    I like to consider myself a fried potato connoisseur. After seeing this place on TikTok and making a mental note of it, I happened to be in the area of Union Market yesterday and decided to pay Above Ground a visit. I am so happy I did. First off, let's give this place a shout for their commitment to giving an authentic experience to the people of the DMV looking for a chip shop vibe. The Lucazade... the Irn-Bru... the selection of UK sweets... everything gave that feeling of a chip shop that I long for as a U.S. citizen who dreams of living in London one day. The service was very personal and charming - I spoke with the owner a bit and he seemed like a guy I'd love to talk to at a house party. He's clearly passionate about what he does and he keeps things moving along while also taking time to get to know the customers. I ordered the chips and if I were to say the portions were generous, that would be an understatement. We love a place who gives good value for the price which, don't get it twisted, these fried potatoes were like $15 or so but it was *easily* enough to share with 2-3 other people. *And* generous portions don't always mean quality -- this place knows ball. Easily the BEST fried potato, fries or otherwise, I've had in the DMV. Not even a competition. Crispy, yet fluffy on the inside. Surprisingly light and airy despite how thick cut they are. And they don't feel heavy or overly greasy. This place is officially on my hit list for the future -- can't wait to try the sausage roll and the beans on toast (my fave). Worth noting: this spot in located inside the Food Hall in Union Market so you have to find it in the food court. It's also a smaller stall and easy to miss if you don't know where you're going. But it's well worth the effort.

    Chips
    Candace J.

    I discovered Above Ground through an Instagram post and knew that I had to try it the next time I was in DC! Well, it did now disappoint! It definitely tastes like it's from a British chip shop. The flavors are authentic and the food was fresh and piping hot upon delivery. I am not a tartar sauce or mushy peas kind of girl, but I still tried them both. They were DELICIOUS and really amped up the flavor of the fish and chips! I'll have to go again, this time in-person, to catch a FIFA World Cup game to really get the authentic British pub experience!

    James W.

    Wow, the fish and chips were delicious and the highlight of my visit to the Union Market. Got to have it fresh out of the fryer on the spot to truly enjoy this crispy and fresh cut of fish with potato wedges. The fish was quite a sizable portion and was tender and moist inside. The potato wedges were crispy and delicious with a crunch. The seasoning was just right and the portions were quite filling. After walking around the whole Union Market, I really can say Above Ground is on the top of the list for this visit. I will have to try more on the menu like the meat pies and cheese pies. The candy section was quite different from traditional plain chocolate, so that would be a plus in my book.

    Alexis T.

    I had the fish and chips. It comes with one piece of fish on a plate of fries. The fish is flacky, thick and tender. It's beer battered, a bit doughy inside and no seasoning, not even a hint of salt. If I return, I'd probably try some of the other unique items.

    Fish Sandwich with Fries
    Angela O.

    Tucked inside Union Market and it did not disappoint. The fish sandwich is HUGE, honestly big enough to feed two maybe three people. If you have not tried it yet you need to. You MIGHT be able to finish it solo if you are really hungry but I suggest bringing someone to help you out. Good vibes, friendly staff and the fries were solid too. Go check them out.

    Grease Soaked Chips
    Joi S.

    Came here after work because we saw the instagram reviews and wanted to try this place for ourselves. We ordered the Governor. Well folks here's the honest truth. This place food is trash! GARBAGE! The fish is heavily BREADED fish non existent soaked in grease, them wedges salty as hell soaked in grease as well, tartar sauce sour it's something in it that just doesn't sit well for my taste, then mashed pea's I'm not even attempting to taste them. I don't know who these folks are making this place a spot to come eat at. How ever much money they made to say the food was good I hope you spent it on getting your stomach pumped and asked for forgiveness for making this place a good fish and chips spot. The service subpar nothing to rave about. Ambiance? It's Union Market of course it's esthetically pleasing. 0/10 would not recommend. I hope this review reaches the masses so this place can cease to exist because ain't no way it should still be open.

    Lg Triple Cooked Chips
    Markisha W.

    Had my first experience at Aboveground as a gluten sensitive person and was blown away! Food: I ordered the Chicken Tikka Masala and Chips. The tikka masala was the perfect combination of sweet and savory. Definitely a bit sweeter than an Indian tikka masala which I liked! The chips have been rated best in DC and I can see why. Perfectly seasoned and crispy and I enjoyed it with their curry ketchup. They also sell lots of British treats including candy, so we snagged a few of those too! Service: I was lucky enough to come while Chef Nicolas was working and he is the BEST! So personable and you can tell he's super passionate about what he has created. He gave me lots of background about the food from aboveground, the flavors I was tasting, and the history behind the meals. He also let me know the chicken tikka masala is 100% gluten free and the chips are better for someone who may be gluten sensitive since it's fried in a fryer next to gluten and flour may fall into the chips fryer. Overall, had such a great experience and will be back!!

    The service made this 10/10. My order had an issue and the staff tonight were very friendly and corrected it right away.

    Paul J.

    There are so many options at Union Market, but one place that I come back to is AboveGround, Washington DC's very own chipper. When I get the craving for a pubfood experience, I get myself one of their HUGE Fish & Chips and hope that I can finish it. The fish is a gigantic filet of whitefish (cod, I think) that's the size of my forearm, well breaded and crispy but not too greasy. Add some vinegar and it's ready to go. The fries are a little thicker than expected, but they fit the bill with their smooth, starchy chew. You may be stuffed afterwards, but don't forget to get a few bars of British candy bars to enjoy after you get home. Eat here enough, and you'll be tipping your bowler on the way out! Give AboveGround a try - it's definitely worth it!

    THE GOVERNORS Fish & Chips
    Wilton P.

    I've walked around Union Market countless times and for some reason had overlooked AboveGround stall every time. I guess I was always lured to the more complex and intense flavors of the stalls that surround it. But I was in the area recently and read all the glowing reviews on Yelp about their fish and chips and decided that I had to try it for myself. I was blown away by how good it was. They serve you a huge piece of freshly fried perfectly crispy cod on a bed of thick cut chips along with a cup of traditional mushy peas. The fish was perfectly seasoned and moist and served with tartar sauce and malt vinegar. The tartar sauce was nicely balanced between tangy, creamy, and acidic. This was probably the best fish and chips I've had in this area and is worth traveling to Union Market for. Additional, and perhaps most importantly, it was an excellent value at just $19 (not including tax or tip). The service was quick and friendly. I look forward to coming back soon and trying other items on their menu.

    THE GOVERNORS Fish & Chips

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    So authentic and amazing wonderful service also I can't believe such a hidden gem was right next to where I was staying on holiday!!

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    5 years ago

    Owner is super friendly and love the array of British products he has on stock. So far the food we tried has been awesome.

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    4 years ago

    I am not a connoisseur for seafood, but they have the best fish n chips in the market!!! Definitely need to try this restaurant out!!

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    Ask the Community - Above Ground

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    Above Ground - fishnchips - Updated October 2026

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