DC: Eastern Market Eats Food Tour (5 Food Stops + Dessert)

Explore Washington DC’s Historic Eastern Market with a Tasty Twist

The DC: Eastern Market Eats Food Tour offers a flavorful journey through one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Priced at $99 per person and lasting 3 hours, this guided experience blends delicious food samples at five stops with a touch of local history. The tour begins at 7th and C St Southeast, outside the “Duck and the Peach” restaurant, marked by a historic sign, and takes you inside the Eastern Market, established in 1873, a cornerstone of Capitol Hill’s community life.

What makes this tour stand out is its focus on supporting local favorites and veteran-owned establishments. It’s perfect for foodies eager to indulge in authentic flavors while gaining insights into Washington DC’s past. While the tour does not cater to vegan or gluten-free diets, vegetarian options are available at every stop, making it a solid choice for those open to a variety of traditional foods.

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Key Points

• Duration: 3 hours in the afternoon
• Price: $99 per person
• Includes: 5 food stops plus a dessert
• Location: Begins at 7th and C St Southeast, near “the Duck and the Peach”
• Highlights: Eastern Market architecture, historic taverns, support for local and veteran-owned businesses
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, live English-speaking guide

Visiting Eastern Market: The Heart of Capitol Hill

The tour centers around Eastern Market, one of Washington DC’s oldest public markets still operating since 1873. Visitors explore its lively stalls filled with fresh produce, meats, baked goods, and handcrafted crafts. The market’s historic charm provides a vibrant setting for the culinary adventure, with many of the stops located inside or directly adjacent to it.

This spot offers a chance to see local artisans and sample delicious food in an atmosphere buzzing with community spirit. The market’s architecture itself is worth admiring, adding a visual layer to the tasting experience.

Inside the Historic Eastern Market

The guide takes you inside the Eastern Market, where local restaurant favorites prepare the food samples. Here, you’ll get a taste of homemade poptarts, a nostalgic treat with a gourmet twist, and cheese samples from Bower’s Cheese. The market’s bustling environment enhances the tasting experience, giving you a real sense of the local food scene.

The market’s setting also allows for a relaxed pace, giving enough time to enjoy each sample without feeling rushed. This aspect makes the tour accessible and enjoyable for all participants.

Sampling Authentic Pupusas and Mid-Atlantic Specialties

One of the tour’s highlights is tasting authentic pupusas, a traditional Salvadoran dish known for its hearty, cheesy filling. This stop offers a genuine flavor of Central American cuisine, crafted with care by local vendors.

Plus, you’ll try a Mid-Atlantic specialty while learning about the oldest taverns in DC. The guide shares stories about historic taverns and their role in the city’s development, adding a storytelling element that complements the food.

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Supporting Local and Veteran-Owned Businesses

A unique feature of this tour is the emphasis on supporting local businesses, including a veteran-focused pub. During the visit, you’ll learn about the oldest Marine Corps post and enjoy a bar favorite at the veteran-owned pub. This aspect provides a meaningful connection to the city’s military history while enjoying a local brew or classic pub snack.

All stops are carefully chosen to highlight authentic and community-oriented establishments, enhancing the cultural value of the experience.

The Hidden Sweet Surprise: Homemade Poptarts

A memorable part of the tour is the homemade poptarts, which are elevated beyond their nostalgic roots. These gourmet treats are a must-try, showcasing creative flavors and quality ingredients. Sampling these poptarts offers a delightful combination of sweetness and artisan baking in a fun, approachable way.

Cheese Tasting at Bower’s Cheese

Inside the market, Bower’s Cheese provides a tasting session where a variety of delicious cheeses are sampled. This stop allows visitors to explore different textures and flavors, enriching the overall culinary journey. The cheese samples perfectly complement the other tastings and highlight the local cheesemaking scene.

Pacing and Overall Experience

The 3-hour duration strikes a balance between tasting enough food and enjoying the sights. The guided tour ensures a smooth experience, with the English-speaking guide sharing stories about the architecture, history, and culinary traditions of Eastern Market and Capitol Hill.

While the tour focuses on traditional foods and historic landmarks, it maintains a comfortable pace suitable for most visitors. The group size is manageable, and the wheelchair accessibility makes it inclusive for guests with mobility needs.

Logistics and Meeting Details

Participants meet at 7th and C St Southeast, outside the “the Duck and the Peach” restaurant. The guide is described as enthusiastic and knowledgeable, ready to share both food insights and historical background. The tour includes inside access to Eastern Market, making it more than just a walking food experience.

For those needing assistance, the provider recommends contacting via SMS using the Call Activity Provider to ensure smooth communication. The tour is flexible with full refunds available if canceled 24 hours in advance.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience appeals most to foodies interested in local flavors and history. It suits those who enjoy supporting small businesses and are curious about Washington DC’s cultural landmarks. Since vegan and gluten-free options are not specifically accommodated, vegetarians and omnivores will find plenty to enjoy. The 3-hour length is ideal for a relaxed, immersive exploration without feeling rushed.

Final Words on the Eastern Market Food Tour

The Eastern Market Eats Food Tour offers a compelling combination of tasty bites, local history, and community support. The $99 price covers five food stops, a dessert, and insights into Capitol Hill’s past. It’s especially recommended for visitors eager to explore beyond typical sightseeing and dive into Washington’s culinary scene.

With enthusiastic guides, authentic food, and a historic setting, this tour provides a well-rounded experience. Be prepared to sample hearty pupusas, cheese, gourmet poptarts, and enjoy stories about the city’s taverns and military history. It’s a lively, flavorful way to spend part of an afternoon in DC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, vegetarian options are available at every stop, though vegan and gluten-free diets cannot be accommodated.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, typically in the afternoon.

Where does the tour start?
Participants meet at 7th and C St Southeast, outside the “the Duck and the Peach” restaurant, marked by a historic sign.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled 24 hours in advance.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby