Union Market in DC has been in 'soft open' mode for a number of weeks, and is scheduled to officially launch next Saturday the 10th of November. I visited a couple of weeks ago for the first time, and returned today for more exploration and of course shopping.
The New Market
Union Market is just north of Union Station, off Florida Avenue and next to Gallaudet University. It is a reimagination of a market that has been at the same location since at least 1931. I believe every city at one time had at least one great urban market. Some cities have maintained their markets, like Victoria Market in Melbourne, and other cities have great new markets like Borough Market in London. I am hopeful that Union Market can follow in the steps of Borough Market.
Union Market has obviously been imagined as a social space, not just a place to shop.
Rappahannock Oyster Co.
Rappahannock Oyster Co. already looks like one of the anchors for the market. Even in the middle of a Sunday afternoon it was busy and I can't wait to return and sample some oysters and wine.
I had a productive time shopping, getting exceptional smoked salmon from Neopol Smokery and merguez sausage from Border Springs Farm. I also dropped off some knives for sharpening, and picked up some spices.
Peregrine Espresso
I also purchased some coffee beans from Peregrine Espresso, and enjoyed the complementary cup of coffee they offer when you buy a package of beans. Peregrine coffee is private label Counter Culture, and delicious.
The Old Union Market
The old Union Market is about a block away from the new. From reading the history, at its peak it had 700 vendors, but could not sustain itself when DC banned the open air sale of meat and eggs in 1962. There are all kinds of reasons for frustration about the stupidity of that decision, but 50 years later I am more curious about whether the relatively small new Union Market can spur the rejuvenation of the old.
Fresh Goat
There are still quite a few merchants in the old market, and from the number of trucks it looks like they do a big wholesale business. A city the size of DC can certainly support a market far larger than the new Union Market. I hope that the new market is a catalyst to reinvigorate the old, creating a market with scale fitting for a capital city.