The Foods of Eastern Market

Our Market tours focus on the various public and ethnic markets located throughout the Washington DC metro area. The market tours typically focus on the market within a neighborhood, and less on a neighborhood itself. The first of our market tours series takes us to Eastern Market - the longest running public market in Washington DC.

Take a sneak preview courtesy of Metromix DC

Part of a city-wide public market system, Eastern Market was built in order to provide a convenient supply of goods to Capitol Hill residents. It acted as an anchor to the Capitol Hill neighborhood; its presence helped to both retain and attract neighborhood residents.

Additionally, Eastern market was a symbol of urbanization, as Washington DC worked to remove the sleepy southern town image it had since the founding of the Federal city.

Eastern Market is the oldest continuously running food market in the Washington, DC area, still serving its original function as a public market. Eastern Market has been the center of life within Capitol Hill for over 200 years.

Our Eastern Market Food Tour will give you an inside look at the legendary market. You will have the opportunity to meet the long standing vendors and taste their specialties which include a variety of local products produced and grown within the Washington DC area.

Tour participants should understand that Eastern Market is much smaller than traditional public markets. Do not expect a large public market such as Reading Terminal or Pike Place.

Regardless, Eastern Market remains a culinary gem in Washington DC filled with history, character, and delicious food.

If you are interested in a tour of the Capitol Hill neighborhood, please take our Capitol Hill Culinary Experience.

The Foods of Eastern Market Details:

Your Food Tour may include the following specialties:

  • Salvadorian Empanadas
  • Regional and International Cheese selection
  • Locally grown fruit
  • Artisanal Bread
  • DC Half Smokes
  • Homemade Korean BBQ and kimchi
  • Turkey Jerky
  • Mamma's Greek pies
  • Eastern European Jewish Dessert
After the tour, you will understand the importance of Eastern Market within Capitol Hill as well as Washington DC. All dishes served are included in the tour. Enough food is served that for most participants, dinner afterwards will not be needed. Expect to stand up throughout the duration of the tour. Unlike our standard Food Tours, the Eastern Market does not have any sit down restaurants.

Tour Information

When:Tuesdays-Fridays between 5:30 and 7:00 pm, Sundays 3:30-5:00pm (please see the event calendar for current availability)
Where:  Meets near Eastern Market Metro (The exact meeting location will be provided upon ticket purchase)
How long:The food tour will last approximately 1.5 hours
Who:All age groups and fitness levels are encouraged to take the tour
How much:$30 per adult ticket (plus a $3 ticketing fee).
What to wear:Comfortable clothing and shoes
What is included: All food and drinks are included in the tour.
Weather conditions:Food tours will take place rain or shine- tours may be rescheduled based on severe conditions



Rave Reviews

"Going into it I did know what to expect. From my understanding there was food involved and I was very happy about that. Our tour guide was great. She did an extraordinary job telling us about the history of the area and of Eastern Market. The food was excellent and I strongly recommend it to others."

- Jose R.

"Eastern Market: Definitely recommend! We learned the history of the Eastern Market, and enjoyed some great food. I thought I was not going to get enough to eat but by the end of the tour I was very satisfied! Planning to try one of the other tours from the company."

- Segayle T.