The DMV’s newest food hall UPSIDE on Moore opened in Rosslyn yesterday right next to the Metro. It has nine local food vendors – including two original concepts – tons of seating, an outdoor patio, and really, really good wifi.
Behind the Scenes:
The food hall is the brainchild of Mothersauce, the same group behind City State Brewing and Takoma Beverage Co. Founder Nick Freshman says they are taking a very different approach from The Assembly, the short-lived food hall that preceded Upside on Moore, by prioritizing local vendors and marketing to primarily Rosslyn residents.
“Rosslyn is not known for being cool, but it has great density and it’s super walkable. We want people who live here to have somewhere to stay and hang out,” said Freshman.
Reuben and fried cauliflower from Lili’s and Pulehu Chicken from Kam & 46, both UPSIDE original concepts. (Kaela Cote-Stemmermann/City Cast DC)
The Food:
The vendors span local favorites like Lucky Danger, Ghostburger, and Stellina Pizzeria, plus newer concepts like Kam + 46, a Hawaiian and Filipino restaurant that started as a popular food truck (don’t miss their tropical cake!).
Mothersauce also developed two original concepts: Lightning Coffee Co. and American fare restaurant Lili’s to fill cuisine gaps in the food hall’s offerings. There are also two cocktail bars.
The Space:
What sets this food hall apart is how comfortable and spacious it is. There is tons of seating, outlets everywhere, and strong wifi. Freshman said they intentionally created a space where people could spend all day. “Food halls can really be amazing third spaces. We want to lean into that,” he said. UPSIDE is also ramping up its programming which will include artisan fairs, night markets, yoga, and workshops.
Lightning Coffee Co. at UPSIDE. (Kaela Cote-Stemmermann/City Cast DC)
Food Hall Heaven:
This is one of several food halls to open in the last year. In 2023, the DMV saw the opening of Love Makoto, Water Park, Bryant Street Market, and The Square. So, if you’re having déjà vu, that’s why!
