The blueberry pancakes are outstanding, parking and seating is a little tight but the food makes it worth the visit.
Kai M.
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!
Lindsey Robinson
Parking was difficult and selection was mid. We ended up leaving without purchasing anything since the venders didn’t seem interested in being there.
Lily E.
Delicious French toast and great price. No frills, very casual. Limited seating (just the one communal table). Walking distance to the Capitol building & a neat bookstore
Linda V.
Tried this spot on a whim and was in the mood for some seafood. Place was inside the market area of Easter market so seating was available. I got the crab cake sandwich and although filled with meaty crab and no fillers, I just couldn't get any satisfaction on my tastebuds. The sandwich lacked seasoning and fell apart as I picked it up in some cases that seems like a win for flaky fall apart crab, but I ordered a sandwich so I want it to be held and eaten with no difficulties. The bread was really tragic as well soft to the touch which made eating a supposed "sandwich" all the more difficult to pick up with confidence. The condiments they had to offer were very slim I feel like if your serving seafood throw in some lemon or old bay on the condiment table not salt, pepper and ketchup ?!? I also got the cucumber salad no issues there very acidic and fresh but might've not been made the same day as the cucumbers became very limp, I understand lemon juice can do that but I've had cucumber salads from other places where they still had a crunch to them at the least. Not trying to be so negative here I would come back and try their breakfast items and maybe even some other lunch items just kind of sadden by the results of today's feast.
Rachele Clegg
The pancakes alone were worth it. Didn’t love the grits or the potatoes but think I’ll go for a crab cake next time!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pancakes Including Our Bluebucks
Brian Temple
Best pancakes in DC. Even when busy the line moves pretty fast especially if you order breakfast. Prices aren’t bad at all.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pancakes Including Our Bluebucks
Markina B.
Arrived at 8am and asked for a sausage egg and cheese on white toast. The woman on register rushing me and not listening points to some bread in a smart manner "yea we have it". Of course it was wrong. On a bun. SMH I'm just tired of terrible customer service.
Tracy B.
The pancakes are awesome however as of today, they will not give you crispy bacon. Thats ludicrous because the bacon has a great deal of fat. Quite disappointing. Seems like its a way of weeding out certain people. Disallowing this small gesture is disappointing.
Leo C.
Weekend breakfast is the best. Always get the Blue/Buck pancakes and Crab cake eggs benedict. Pics are crab cakes with eggs, sunnyside up and french toast.Seating is a bit limited and the line can get long but worth the wait. Staff is friendly and helpful Credit cards are accepted now.
I had the pleasure of paying 12 dollars for the worst omelette I’ve ever had at a restaurant. It was oily, flat, and flavorless. OJ was put into plastic cups to appear fresh squeezed. Don’t be fooled by long lines here; you can make better breakfast at home with minimal effort.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 2
Tahja P.
The PANCAKES The PANCAKES The PANCAKES Can you tell that I LOVVVVVE their pancakes?! Plain or blueberry...they are equally divine! All of their food is delicious! The fish and grits are my other FAVES!! Quick and efficient service located in busy and bustling Eastern Market! Can be noisy (with a crowd) so don't go in looking for peace and relaxation! You must experience them for yourself! You won't be disappointed!!! *It was cash only since FOREVER but due to COVID they began accepting cards! Yey!!
The blueberry pancakes are outstanding, parking and seating is a little tight but the food makes it worth the visit.
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!
Parking was difficult and selection was mid. We ended up leaving without purchasing anything since the venders didn’t seem interested in being there.
Delicious French toast and great price. No frills, very casual. Limited seating (just the one communal table). Walking distance to the Capitol building & a neat bookstore
Tried this spot on a whim and was in the mood for some seafood. Place was inside the market area of Easter market so seating was available. I got the crab cake sandwich and although filled with meaty crab and no fillers, I just couldn't get any satisfaction on my tastebuds. The sandwich lacked seasoning and fell apart as I picked it up in some cases that seems like a win for flaky fall apart crab, but I ordered a sandwich so I want it to be held and eaten with no difficulties. The bread was really tragic as well soft to the touch which made eating a supposed "sandwich" all the more difficult to pick up with confidence. The condiments they had to offer were very slim I feel like if your serving seafood throw in some lemon or old bay on the condiment table not salt, pepper and ketchup ?!? I also got the cucumber salad no issues there very acidic and fresh but might've not been made the same day as the cucumbers became very limp, I understand lemon juice can do that but I've had cucumber salads from other places where they still had a crunch to them at the least. Not trying to be so negative here I would come back and try their breakfast items and maybe even some other lunch items just kind of sadden by the results of today's feast.
The pancakes alone were worth it. Didn’t love the grits or the potatoes but think I’ll go for a crab cake next time!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pancakes Including Our Bluebucks
Best pancakes in DC. Even when busy the line moves pretty fast especially if you order breakfast. Prices aren’t bad at all.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pancakes Including Our Bluebucks
Arrived at 8am and asked for a sausage egg and cheese on white toast. The woman on register rushing me and not listening points to some bread in a smart manner "yea we have it". Of course it was wrong. On a bun. SMH I'm just tired of terrible customer service.
The pancakes are awesome however as of today, they will not give you crispy bacon. Thats ludicrous because the bacon has a great deal of fat. Quite disappointing. Seems like its a way of weeding out certain people. Disallowing this small gesture is disappointing.
Weekend breakfast is the best. Always get the Blue/Buck pancakes and Crab cake eggs benedict. Pics are crab cakes with eggs, sunnyside up and french toast.Seating is a bit limited and the line can get long but worth the wait. Staff is friendly and helpful Credit cards are accepted now.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Buckwheat Blueberry Pancakes, The Brick, Eggs Benedict, Crab Cake Breakfast, Breakfast Sandwiches
Restaurantji Recommends
Nice market. Lots of dining choices, clean bathroom, but not alot of seating.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Me and my fam are big fans of the weekend breakfast! Food is always good especially crab cakes and
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Buckwheat Blueberry Pancakes, Potatoes, Fried Soft Shell Crab, Crab Cake Breakfast
Best pancakes ever!! Highly recommended??
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I had the pleasure of paying 12 dollars for the worst omelette I’ve ever had at a restaurant. It was oily, flat, and flavorless. OJ was put into plastic cups to appear fresh squeezed. Don’t be fooled by long lines here; you can make better breakfast at home with minimal effort.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 2
The PANCAKES The PANCAKES The PANCAKES Can you tell that I LOVVVVVE their pancakes?! Plain or blueberry...they are equally divine! All of their food is delicious! The fish and grits are my other FAVES!! Quick and efficient service located in busy and bustling Eastern Market! Can be noisy (with a crowd) so don't go in looking for peace and relaxation! You must experience them for yourself! You won't be disappointed!!! *It was cash only since FOREVER but due to COVID they began accepting cards! Yey!!