The Square - D.C.’s newest food hall – opened yesterday on K Street NW, almost taking up a whole block. The hall’s initial opening includes six vendors and a 42-seat atrium bar. We tried every single vendor that was open; here’s the skinny (or should I say the square?).
Hours:
Right now, they are open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays. They’ll extend to weekends and dinner service in the coming months.
The Vibe:
It’s giving upscale mall food court meets hotel lobby. The space is very big and very loud. Good for a work happy hour or co-worker lunch, but maybe not for that intimate date you’re planning.
The Food
:
Chefs Richie Brandenburg (creator of Union Market) and Rubén García (creative director of José Andrés Group) have brought together a thoughtful and unique selection of vendors. The prices tend to run a little high for a food hall. We paid $17 for the sobrasada sandwich and $19 for the sausage and veggies platter, but the portions were substantial.
Of what we got, the oysters and meats were delicious. Service was very fast though, and we left full and happy. But some of the other dishes felt like meals we could make ourselves. Will we go for this over Grazie Grazie down the block? Right now, probably not. But we’re excited to see where it’s headed.
The Square food hall atrium. (Kaela Cote-Stemmermann/City Cast DC)
What’s Coming Next:
The market will be opening for dinner service this fall, with several new vendors including Flora Pizzeria, Cebicheria Chalaca, KIYOMI Sushi by Uchi, and more.
The Bigger Picture:
The surrounding blocks are packed with cheap and great lunch options, so the Square has some competition. However, Chef Brandenburg told us he plans to make this a destination, not just an office lunch spot. The team’s planning comedy nights and live music events. Could this be the gem we need to draw people downtown again?
