This is a great little “locals” spot. I use that term loosely, knowing it’s a fairly well known spot for outsiders but you still get the local feel like when you feel important knowing someone’s secret that no one else knows. We took advantage of the weekend specials by trying the eggs Benedict w/ spicy grits, the buckwheat blueberry pancakes (both only available on weekends) and I had to try spackle because it was on the menu and I’d never had it before. Food was great! I’m not a pancake fan but found myself wanting more. I am also now a fan of spackle. Food portions are on the larger side of average, but so are the prices. When app was said and done, we were $31 in for breakfast for 2 people before tip. Only downside was this place was cash only (fine if you plan ahead). I’d give it a 4.5 stars, but zomato won’t let me and I can’t justify giving 5 stars.
After grabbing a lunch at this place, I've concluded that this place is great for DC staple foods for a reasonable price. Unlike other restaurants that charge over $15 for a piece of fish (even on a sandwich), the restaurant keeps their prices low by keeping the menu simple. For instance, platters are under $15 and sandwiches don't go above $11.50 (the crab cake sandwich, that is). At lunch, the line can get a little long, but it's worth it. I decided to try their crab cake sandwich, which came on a fresh role with all the fixings and a side of coleslaw. I made my father try some of it, who personally hates crab. He actually enjoyed it and ended up eating half my sandwich! We felt that the crab meat was fresh and not overly seasoned (or salty). It had a great flavor and was filling. Not only does my father have a place in the city to come back to, but I do as well!
Delish!. I went in by myself today to try the crab cake Benedict this morning and was not disappointed! Perfectly poached egg, fresh and tasty crab cake, lashings of hollandaise. Very friendly service too.
The fact that it's served with both homemade bread and potatoes just makes it all the more decadent - mmmmmm double carbs.
If only I could have washed it down with a Melbourne latte ... :P
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The pancakes, Oh Sweet Marjorie, the pancakes!. Go. Stand in line. Do it. Go early. Get the blues, sausage, egg over easy. Coffee. Be very, very nice to the people behind the counter, especially the one who asks you about your order when you pick it up. She's key to your success. Follow the rules about tables and seats. Talk to your newest friends sitting next to or across from you. Clean up and make room for the next people.
This place is an institution and rightfully so. The food is fantastic, straight-up, real people food. Want some fun? Go on a weekday--nothing but regulars, locals, and cops.
The pancakes are something else. The buttermilk is just sour enough, the blueberries just fresh enough, and the syrup sweet enough that it all just pops in your mouth at once. I hear the crabcakes are awesome but I've never made it past the pancakes, seriously.
We were a little confused this past Sunday: We walked past and...people were eating breakfast. The sign says, "No breakfast on Sundays" but then there's another sign listing what they serve for "Sunday Breakfast". Huh? If y'all are serving on Sundays, count me in.
By any standard, this past weekend was wonderful - an opportunity to visit family and friends in Washington, D.C., relying both on their expertise and our own past experiences to sample some of the best foods and drinks in the nation's capital. We've high
This is a very late post...visited on 12-Dec-22. Ordered The Brick and Blueberry Buckwheat Pancakes (blue bucks). The Brick was not bad, but the star item was definitely the "blue bucks". We ordered to share and because it was so good, we ordered a second portion later. Coffee was not great though and it was a pity they only had iced tea, as I preferred hot tea in the mornings.
the blueberry buckwheat pancakes were great. i usually go for french toast (my husband did) and I was happy I went with the pancakes. super moist and great taste. the french toast itself was just okay, but the apple cider syrup and cinnamon butter was pretty amazing. not a bad choice by any means. there was a line when we got there but it went quickly and seats freed up easily. loved the vibe !!
I can’t believe I haven’t reviewed this on Google Maps. This is one of my favorite breakfast places in Washington. Tommy has been running this place for decades. They’re famous for their pancakes “blues“ and “blue bucks“ – but there’s so much more. Try their Brick sandwich (egg, cheese, bacon, potatoes on a bun), crab cakes, shrimp and grits, etc. Everything here is delicious. There used to be an hour wait in line on Saturday mornings. Since the pandemic, the lines have been shorter. This is a genuine DC hangout for locals. You will see a diverse crowd here – like you see on Capitol Hill in general. It makes me proud to live here. Long live Market Lunch!
The most delicious breakfast and lunch in the DMV! Fresh food is always the best food, and they have plenty of it. Great service!
I love the pancakes. But also love the Sausage Brick Sandwich. One of my favorite sandwiches in DC!
What a great experience. The gentlemen in the cashier is great! He is super funny and gives you the best suggestions, so you better listen to him :p We really enjoyed the atmosphere. The food is delicious: the crab cake Benedict it’s amazing... They are famous for the blueberry pancakes (delicious as well). The service is great, very nice staff, convenient location and good prices. FYI: This place is cash only, so be prepared :)
Holy yum! The crab cake sandwich was amazing. Super crispy outside. Great flavor. Fresh corn salad was yummy. Highly recommended
My friend from DC brought me here specifically to try the crab cake, and I wasn't disappointed. I'm not a huge fan of it to begin with, but the Market Lunch's crab cake patties are packed with meat instead of filler, fried perfectly and sandwiched in a soft white bread bun. Goes perfectly with their Southern sweet tea. If you're feeling extra hungry, we got the blueberry pancakes to share which were very fluffy and paired with their excellent maple syrup. It's a great local brunch spot for DC specialties.
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Had a great time and nice lunch at The Market Lunch after a short time browsing around the street market just outside on a Saturday.
The Market Lunch offered a wide array of breakfast and lunch foods. The line was pretty long, though this is no surprise given the quality of the food we received. We were waiting for approximately 30 minutes before placing our order, but only a further 5 to receive what we requested. Some of the menu items were no longer available due to high demand, specifically the soft crab, but nothing else appeared to be out of stock.
The food itself was delicious and made for a mostly filling lunch. The prices were a little high for a simple pair of fish sandwiches (rockfish & flounder) as well as a side of fries, but it's an easy matter to reconcile.
The place was heaving given the large queues but we didn't struggle to find a place to sit. It appears that the line moves slow enough for other customers to be finished with their meal by the time you are served.
I'd recommend visiting this place on a quiter day. While you're here, you can always browse what else is on offer in the Eastern Market.
A classic brunch spot. Love the blueberry buckwheat pancakes, the brick sandwich, the soft shell crab sandwich.
I had the shrimp and grits and my wife had the blueberry buckwheat pancakes. This place is as good as advertised and I recommend stopping by. It was so good we went back again the next day! Had the fish breakfast with a crab cake and the fried green tomato benedict. Both of these items were also great, I think we'd go back again tomorrow but I'm headed home!
Found this place in the Washingtonian magazine and am so happy I did! What a rare find - no frills eatery inside Eastern Market offering wild-caught seafood, mostly local, and reasonably priced meals. Grab a spot at the community table or one of the few high tops in their section or take to-go. You won’t regret it. We got there around 10:30 am and within 10 minutes, the line had quadrupled so earlier the better on the weekends! Do not miss the blueberry buckwheat pancakes with real whipped butter and real maple syrup. The shrimp and grits were quite tasty too - huge difference in flavor between wild-caught shrimp and the alternative. Only suggestion to the restaurant would be to get tastier buns for the breakfast sandwiches!
Great place to get a proper local breakfast. Service was fast, menu was varied and price was reasonable.
It's no frills done right.
Good pancakes, but refusing to accept breakfast orders after 1 pm on weekends (unless you go around the order taker and talk to the chef, as I saw one person successfully do) seems like a poor business decision. They close at 2 or 3 p.m. anyway, and both yesterday and today I saw customer after customer come up to order breakfast items after 1 p.m. and get turned away. You’re known for your breakfast items. Embrace it! It’s the weekend. Some people like to have brunch a little later.
Me and my fam are big fans of the weekend breakfast! Food is always good especially crab cakes and pancakes
In town for a wedding and had some time during the day to explore the town. Found the Market Lunch and damn glad we did. Food was delicious. Even though the place was jammed (hit it just before noon) the staff was really upbeat and pleasant and kept the line moving and the service prompt.
The owner is amazing. Full of happy upbeat energy. He was so engaged with the customers he helped us pick our food and poured our coffee.
Crabcakes Eggs Benedict
Pancakes
Crabcake sandwich
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