Image by the Western Market DC Facebook Page
By Claire Leibowitz, Media and Relations Manager
The emergence of Western Market has added a plethora of new dining – and study spot – options for GWorld and Gelman-exhausted students.
Western Market, according to its website, offers “something for everybody.” The renovated space made its debut last October, opening little by little. Currently, seven food options are open right now, with more on the way. 2000 Penn aims to offer great food at great prices and bring excitement to the Foggy Bottom area.
Also according to the Western Market website, the facility started on 20th and H Street in 1802, created by Pierre L’Enfant. In 1961, after operating at 20th and K Street for some time, Western Market was demolished to make space for an office building. The George Washington University owned 2000 Penn and enacted the revitalization in 2018.
Here are the seven current vendors to support and try!
Rawish
Cuisine: Juices, smoothies and bowls
GWorld Accepted: Yes
Rawish offers a wide array of options with their entirely plant-based and soy-free menu. Try out juices, smoothies and smoothie bowls, salads, toasts, desserts and more to experience cleaner ingredients, as well as refreshing snacks and meals. Rawish founders Taneena Yarborough and her husband James went vegan after her cervical and breast cancer diagnosis in 2018. Since then, the couple has been committed to cleaner eating and living.
Falafel Inc.
Cuisine: Falafel
GWorld Accepted: No
According to the Western Market website, Falafel Inc. partners with the World Food Program to aid refugees around the world. Show your support for a good cause and try some of their great and cheap options! They offer options for bowls, sandwiches, zaatar fries and more. No item is more than $5, making Falafel Inc. college-student friendly.
Capo Italian Deli
Cuisine: Deli sandwiches
GWorld Accepted: Yes
Capo Deli has its roots near U Street. The Italian counter offers great subs and sandwiches with a great selection of meats, cheeses and other ingredients. Sandwiches come hot or cold, and they’re always stacked and piled high. If you’re over 21, Capo Deli also features to-go cocktails in the “Fauci Pouchy,” including passion fruit margaritas and gin strawberry lemonades.
Onkei
Cuisine: Sushi
GWorld Accepted: Yes
Owner Ferry Huang brings “authentic East-meets-West small plates, signature sushi, Japanese sake, and wines to the table,” according to the Western Market website. With the laid-back environment of the space, it’s a great way to catch up with friends. Enjoy hot and cold dishes, soups, ramen, salads and more in addition to classic sushi. The wide array of menu options make anyone want to go back for round two.
Arepa Zone
Cuisine: Authentic Venezuelan
GWorld Accepted: Yes
Arepa Zone offers meat and vegetarian options that everyone can enjoy. They serve arepas, cachapas and tequeños. According to their website, Arepa Zone stems from Antojitos de tu Pais, a company that sells Venezuelan cheeses, baked goods, candies, drinks, flours and condiments. They started from a food truck and now have multiple locations and sister concepts sprouting around the District.
Roaming Rooster
Cuisine: Chicken
GWorld Accepted?: no
Roaming Rooster originated with a fried chicken food truck offering free-range and grain-fed fresh chicken. With increasing popularity, the truck has been able to convert into restaurants around D.C. Roaming Rooster offers sandwiches, salads, wings and tenders, with buttermilk fried chicken and classic add-ons like coleslaw. Craving comfort food? Check out Roaming Rooster’s crispy chicken options.
Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls
Cuisine: Lobster
GWorld Accepted: Yes
Mason’s Lobster prides themselves on their freshness and dedication to tradition when preparing lobster rolls, according to the Western Market website. The rolls are served with the basics, like lemon, butter and mayo, to keep things classic and simple. With lobsters sourced right from Maine and following old practices, the quality of Mason’s offers a great new cuisine to Foggy Bottom. Try their classic lobster roll, or branch out with menu items featuring tried-and-true Northeastern adaptations.
Nim Ali Shukos & Antojitos
Cuisine: Guatemalan
GWorld Accepted: No
Nim Ali is a new feature to Western Market offering Guatemalan fast food. According to their website, Nim Ali has a food truck on Florida Avenue and another restaurant on 7th Street. Their menu features tamalitos, empanadas, many shuko (street hotdog) options, fried plantains, churros and more. Nim Ali prides itself on its fresh ingredients and unique dishes. Also, according to their website their objective is to give consumers “unmatched attention with the best and authentic Guatemalan food.”
