I've lived in San Diego for twenty years, but in my youth, in the '80's, I lived and worked near…read moreDC's Eastern Market. I'd walk there most Sundays, buying breakfast from the man who made fried chicken and biscuits. Then I'd stop and visit with Mrs. Calomiris. I called her, "Mrs." because it wouldn't have occurred to me to call her "Maria," and "Mamma" never seemed to offer the respect I wished to convey. She was smart and funny, and entertaining to watch as she gently promoted her customers into buying her beautiful produce. But most notably, Mrs. Calomiris was kind. On more than one occasion, she held overripe tomatoes for me until she had a good basketful, then called me to pick them up. I'd blanch, peel and seed them, then make sauce. A cook herself, Mrs. Calomiris approved of this old-school approach, and so was happy to help. As she did for everyone, when I came to get my basket, she always handed me a banana or a nice apple, something for lagniappe. And once, as I stood in front of Mrs. Calomiris' stall eating an apple she'd just sold me, she asked how it was; I said it wasn't bad, but that it wasn't quite ready, and that tiny woman reached up and took the apple from my hand as I was biting into it, in order to swap it for one that I'd like more. My family is Arab, immigrants to the DC area in the late '50's, so the enthusiastic hospitality I always received from Mrs. Calomiris was familiar. Except for her accent, she might have been one of my aunts. Maria Calomiris died of cancer in 2015, working at the Market until a few weeks before her death, having seen her husband, Chris, pass, just a few years earlier. The community and the City are the worse for these losses. But even several thousand miles away, Mrs. Calomiris' memory endures.

Homemade spanikopita and baklava (it's better than Kostas' at Greek Deli, I know, blasphemous)!…read more Like it's counterpart, Capitol Hill/Paik Produce, Calomiris Fruit and Vegetables has been around forever and boasts a wide selection of fruits and veggies (and has a secret double life supplying authentic ethnic foods). This place is more veggie heavy than its counterpart up the aisle, and it is usually better stocked on the odder things (eg. parsnips, turnips and rutabagas recently), and if they're not out on display they might have some stuff stocked in the giant refrigerator behind them. It can be a little pricey here, but the quality is usually superb. I also just adore that giant old fashioned gold register they use :) They also have a wide selection of dried fruit and nuts. Right next to the picture of a praying Mary of course. Don't forget to pay tribute to the legendary Eastern Market matriarch Maria Calomiris; she will usually stick an extra piece of fruit into your bag if she recognizes you ...and maybe even if she doesn't. (I heart sweet old ladies! and she makes the baklava herself). Some of the best customer service in the District for sure! Read about her in the post! (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/23/AR2009062300775.html) Location: This is next to the flowershop in Eastern Market in the center of the South Hall.

SECRET KOREAN GROCERY! Ok, hidden in plain sight in Eastern Market. Authentic kimchee and…read morepre-marinated beef Bulgogi sold here. The kimchee is either cabbage and cucumber, and comes in small (a little bigger than a deck of cards $3) or large (the size of a day planner, approx 8.5"x5" $6) Plus, the couple who runs the place is so nice and helpful, and super quick! Sometimes the lady gives me a sample of freshly made kimchee if she's cooking in the back which is mmm :) And the bulgogi ($6/lb I believe) is amazing. Foolproof, and an easy way to pretend that you're an impressive cook. These guys are the first produce section inside when you're coming to Eastern Market from the metro. They always have beautiful displays of a good selection of fruits and veggies (prices are a little on the steeper side in general, but that's Eastern Market for you). I usually swing by here if I need a last minute lemon/garlic/parsnip/leek/etc after work, but I usually shy away from it on weekends when it's packed. Also, veggies/fruits in season are reasonably priced here and better quality than what you would find at Harris Teeter or Safeway. They also have a mini-grocery with staples and sauces. If you have no car and can't get out to H mart or Wegman's, this place has a good selection of Asian cooking sauces. Lentils were $3/bag here though, so I would stay away from other cheap staples unless absolutely necessary. Tip: Make sure to bring your reusable bag so they don't charge that new DC bag tax (they're strict at this place). Yes, you will get a banana and be expected to either hold it or bring your own bag. Location: the most Southern end of the South Hall. Also labeled as Paik's produce, and right next to Fine Sweet Shop.

We were thrilled discover we do not actually have to return to Arlington/Annandale (our old…read morestomping grounds) to pick up some delectable Korean. We had spent 30 minutes wandering the market but quickly realized what a terrible idea that is on an empty stomach. After selecting a few stalks of their crisp, red rhubarb, while at the register we began eying the large, fresh-looking to-go containers of bibimbap, including a big scoop of white rice and a wide array of sauteed and fresh vegetables - one came with tofu (my selection) and the other option with beef (my husband's choice). Each lunch portion was $6.99. Both were delicious and refreshing. The accompanying chili paste had just the right amount of heat. We both finished our entire meals (and one fresh-squeeze raspberry lemonade from another vendor outside) sitting in the shade in the small square out back. Exactly what I was looking for for Saturday lunch.

Perfect weekend shopping area! Lots of vendors to shop at. From vintage to DIYs, the selections…read moreare endless! I love coming here with my best friend to see what we can spend our money on LOL Hungry? Don't worry! Plenty of restaurants and food places to choose from.

I was expecting a bit more, but still a quaint area to walk around…read more We went on a rainy day, which was too bad for the outside vendors! They were the most fun to peruse - variety of typical farmers market stuff, like locally made teas, foraged mushrooms, etc. Thankfully it was covered so we could poke around a bit. Inside, in one of the attached spaces, were craft vendors. Some unique art, vintage resellers, and trinkets. Lots of fur coats! The main part of the building was almost exclusively meat. As a visitor, this wasn't much fun to look through since we weren't grocery shopping. There was one breakfast spot inside that looked good. Otherwise, we went pretty fast through here since it was basically one long butcher shop. I'd have loved more variety and places to buy food or drinks to eat as we walked!

What an awesome shop! Do not be misled by the small size of this shop, they have quite the supply…read moreof wonderful things that are difficult to find in your typical grocery store (and for a FRACTION of typical DC prices). Fresh produce, dried spices, dried chilis, grains, you name it. The staff were also very helpful, happy to help me find what I needed! This will definitely be a regular stop for me, what a gem!

Tucked in between businesses, so make sure not to miss this place!! Great prices on fruits and…read moreveggies, dried spices, and juices. Take your time going through here, because some things are stacked behind others, but you can get great deals

I've had a great experience at Trader Joe's. This location is incredibly convenient, situated right…read moreacross from the Eastern Market Metro Station, which makes it an easy stop whether you're commuting or just in the neighborhood. Even when the lines look long, they move surprisingly fast. The staff is always efficient, professional, and keeps things running smoothly. I also really appreciate the quality and pricing of their products--it's hard to beat the value. I was especially impressed by their Prosecco and cava selection. The quality for the price was a pleasant surprise and definitely worth exploring. Another big plus is the parking situation, which is much better than expected for this area. Overall, a consistently positive experience and one of my go-to grocery spots.

Was gong to buy some bags? But the line was so ridiculous. So I put everything back because I don't…read morewant to stand in the long line

The Tuesday lunchtime farmers market at City Center is among my favorite DC weekday markets. The…read morediverse variety of a dozen vendors is impressive with a few new vendors every year. Here's the latest and greatest vendor list from 2023: Timber Pizza - Scrumptious wood-fired pizza with a pillowy soft crust. I can't count on how many fingers and toes I've had the pizza at different farmer's markets! While the lines can get long 12:30pm, you only have to wait for 15 minutes. Taco Dirty To Me: Crispy battered cauliflower tempura tacos, bursting with flavor! Bun'd' Up - Delicious fried tofu and mushroom in squishy soft bao buns topped with microgreens, scallions, and a nice creamy aioli sauce. Light and tasty! Urban+ade - Refreshing lemonade with less sugar than classic lemonade. The Sage & Tarragon is my favorite! Veg Heaven - Decadent sweet treats, the dark chocolate cookies and brownies are the best! While the cakes are moist, they aren't as tasty. Taco Loco - Giant burritos are amazing! There's a swarm of people waiting in line, so be prepared to wait 10-15 min before ordering and then another 5 min for your order! The mango and watermelon juice are refreshing. Hipp Sippin' - Cold-pressed juices and acai bowls made to order. Ravenhook Bakery - Great selection of freshly baked loaves of bread and baked goods. DMV Empanadas - They sell out fast! While the empanadas has a nice crispy hard shell and with so many flavors to choose from, they are a bit bland and overloaded with bland cheese. The Spinach and Cheese or the Bacon and Cheese didn't quite hit the spot, hubby like the Chicken. Al Volo Cucina: While I wasn't a big fan of the greasy eggplant parm subs. I wish they brought back the fresh juices (the watermelon and mango juices) were amazing! Wonderful market with plenty of delicious and diverse options to choose from. Lines start to form between 12:30-1pm, come early!

Went for lunch break , been a handful Of times since they…read morehave open for the season , The service at the booths I have came across has been A1. The ambiance of the farmers market it's nice & Lively , I decided to stop by Fat Kale , to try their items for the first time . I ended up getting the chicken curry , delicious ! Check it out for yourself !

It's cool place. Very convenient to where I'm working now. Staff and and security do the best job…read morethey can. Lots of poor folks shop at that store. If you got some money, leave some in the tip jar.

It's a nightmare! We call it the un-Safeway in the neighborhood…read more There are always people accosting you at the entrance asking for handouts. Customer Service is aggressively rude. I counted five employees chatting behind the deli counter with no customers and when I tried to get their attention by saying "excuse me", I was yelled at and told "you want somethin, you gotta show some respect". I hate that this is the only grocery store on my neighborhood. They updated the store itself a few months ago but that was lipstick on a pig. NOBODY in the neighborhood wants to go here but it's all we have. For now.

Aldi is a wonderful help to the community…read more However, customer service is lacking like they really really don't care about their job or customers! That's to bad! Everyone doing well or so so or bad likes a deal. But we don't like being ignored or treated like our $$ doesn't matter:( I have paused going:( I can go anywhere thank god to shop! But i choose Aldi here & there

I've come here two times before to shop for only the most basic home items. In the past I've…read morepurchased toilet paper and paper towels because I noticed that their prices are slightly lower than the big box home goods store. Rarely have I purchased food items from here. I was here today ad I noticed a family-sized frozen pizza on sale for $5.85 so I got that. Peanut butter was also incredibly low at less than $2. The Peligrino water that I like was nowhere in sight. They had generic Italian mineral water which isn't my thing. There is no deli here nor any deli sandwiches. This store is small and I really wish that they would do is less on random junk like children's diaries and more on the things people actually need like food!

Of all the farmers markets nearby on a Saturday morning, my partner and I decided on Half Street…read more It's dog friendly and open later than most farm markets (9am-1:30pm) which were two major reasons that led us here. It's right by the Nationals stadium, as well as really great food places like Andy's pizza, sweet green, cava, Rasa, and Atlas brewery. You can truly make a whole trip and afternoon out of it. The market itself has a really nice variety, with some vendors that give out samples. Expect to find fresh local produce, homemade candles, flowers, micro greens, handmade pasta, teas made from tea masters, wild caught fish, uncured meats, raw local honey, and delicious eats on the go like empanadas, sandwiches, pastries and fresh coffee. There's also live music and places to sit in the middle of the market. Be wary of the parking situation. If you're lucky you can find some parking; if not be prepared to park far. It's also right off the green line if you decide to metro instead. Highly recommend Half Street Farmer's Market!

This half Street market may be small, but mighty when it comes to customer service. Everyone was…read moretruly friendly while I was walking around, even though I really wasn't there to shop, but I found myself buying some kimchi. It definitely helps that there's another market closer to me now, instead of having to go all the way over to the Eastern market. This is definitely a scale down version of the Eastern market, but definitely worth the visit. Ironically, I visited this market and the Easter market on the same day. I really love both of these markets!

Wow! Popped in here not knowing what to expect, and left a believer! Staff was so friendly and…read morewelcoming! Service was quick and they had a great selection of high-quality options (sushi, sandwiches, and salads) that were fresh, readily available, and good portions and prices. They have dine-in space including overlooking 9th and F St for some great people watching or pro- tip, get something on the go and head 2 blocks to the Portrait Gallery atrium. Fast. Friendly. Convenient. I'm a fan!

It was a great lunch spot and would highly recommend. The food was fresh and delicious. The staff…read morewas very knowledgeable about what items were dairy and gluten free. They even had gluten free soy/tamari sauce which was a huge plus. There is seating and even games for use in the back of the restaurant. It is super clean. It was well worth the walk from the museums!