Are you on the quest to explore D.C.'s most diverse and innovative culinary and dining experiences? Seeking a place that can accommodate a large group of friends? Look no further than the numerous food halls sprouting up around the District.

Unlock a World of Flavors in D.C.'s Food Halls

The Heights

Located in Friendship Heights, this food hall is a haven for food lovers. It boasts nine distinct dining areas, including a sit-down restaurant and eight local-chef food stalls. Additionally, it features two full-service bars and a speakeasy, adding to its allure. Teresa and Enrique Quezaba visited The Heights in search of Latin cuisine but were pleasantly surprised by the wide variety it offers. As Teresa shared with The Eagle, "It's convenient. For instance, if he doesn't fancy what I do, we have several options, and we don't have to settle for the same thing. It's great that people get the chance to try different and new things." The Heights presents a plethora of choices in a modern yet intimate dining space. From sushi crafted by a James Beard-nominated chef to vegan Indian street food and boba, there truly is something for everyone. Open from Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., it's just a quick train ride from the Tenleytown-AU Metro station.

The Square

The Square is a true showstopper with its stunning natural light, thanks to its location in downtown D.C.'s International Square's glass atrium. Its plant-filled interior creates a unique ambiance. Beyond food, it also hosts community events, which draw people to one of the many food halls popping up in the District. Natalie Russell, who dined at The Heights and is new to the D.C. area, expressed her thoughts. She said, "I like how it gives that sense of community without being overly intrusive. In many other cities I've lived in, food halls were where everyone came together for social events." With 13 chef-driven concepts, The Square offers a wide variety of vendors to try. Nativo Coffee Shop, Above Board Bar, and Brindle Boxer Kombucha provide delightful drinks, while hungry customers can choose from a range of food options, ranging from pizza to Spanish street food.

Union Market and La Cosecha

Reopening and renovated in 2012, D.C.'s Union Market has transformed into a bustling food hall, retail hub, and community event center. With plenty of spots to get a bite to eat and a drink, there are options both within The Market and the adjacent La Cosecha, a contemporary Latin marketplace with its own set of shops and restaurants. Union Market and La Cosecha are located within the larger Union Market District, which was once the city's hub for produce, meat, and fish vendors and businesses. It is now a vibrant hub for shopping, dining, and other local businesses.

The Roost

Situated in D.C.'s Capitol Hill neighborhood, The Roost is a food hall "created by the DC community, for the DC community." It is an extensive collection of diverse food and drink offerings and also includes a full-service restaurant. This community gathering space also features a mini store, Shop Made In DC, which provides a platform for D.C. residents to shop for local makers' goods. When searching for a new dining spot in D.C., consider trying a new cuisine, learning a new skill, or making some new friends at one of the many food halls across the city.