| Lived here for years, and have never been - but want to. Can anyone give me an Eastern Market primer? Best day/time of the week to go? Any vendors you recommend? Any to avoid? What kinds of things are worth it to get? Tell me everything you know, if you're in the know! |
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This is what I know. I went there many years ago to find some Japanese style pottery. It was a workshop where a potter worked and sold a few things. Other than that I have not been back. I remember taking a wrong turn after getting off the metro. Just a couple of blocks from the main drag and it looked bleak and impoverished. It was scary. If you have to go, stay on the main drag.
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| Hahahahaha. Pp that is flipping hilarious. OP, the flea/craft market is Saturday and Sunday. Go then. There are tons of food vendors as well. And it's safe. But parking is a pain so taker metro or a cab. |
And you win the pearl clutcher award for the day.
OMG. How can you live your life this way? |
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OP here. I've hitched a ride, traveling alone in a foreign country before. I'm pretty sure I'll be perfectly safe walking down any street/neighborhood in DC, during the morning or afternoon!
Any continued suggestions? Preferably for edibles (produce, baked goods, etc)? Can I go on a weekday, or are weekends best? Will it be slim pickins on weekend afternoons, or are early mornings recommended? |
| Go early, really early, and get in line at Market Lunch for the blue bucks pancakes for breakfast. They are SO good. |
| Go weekends for the craft fair. Lines are horrendous though for the popular food stalls. And you do need to get several blocks off track before needing to worry about bad hood, and it usually isn't an issue on a weekend morning anyway. |
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You want to go on a Saturday or a Sunday when the weather is nice. That's when 7th St SE is closed and arts and crafts vendors are out.
Some of the best vendors are across the street from Eastern Market in the flea market parking lot. Market Lunch is good for breakfast or lunch. There are good food stalls on North Carolina Ave. If you want a sit down restaurant, there are plenty along Pennsylvania Avenue, 7th, and 8th. |
Good Lord. Yes, be careful. You might walk past a house that is only worth $700,000 instead of $1.2 million, or get run over by a fancy stroller and a Goldendoodle. |
If it's your first time, you really must go for the blue buck pancakes. Preferably on a Sunday when you have lots of time to stroll afterward. Either get there early, or bring coffee and a paper for the wait in line. Hanging out with people in line is part of the experience. |
This is actually a hazard. Be careful out there. |
plus 1!!! |
| Market Lunch is not worth it on the weekends. Get pickles, interesting pasta, not-found in the grocery store meats like ground lamb, rabbit, bison, turkey sausage and hit the outside vendors for really good fresh produce. |
Is it expensive, organic fresh produce or regular priced produce? |
Both! Check out all the outside folks -- there are samples of everything. |