A Culinary and Cultural Journey: Discovering Capitol Hill’s Eastern Market and Ted’s Bulletin in Washington D.C.
One of the most delightful aspects of our apartment is its unparalleled proximity to a vibrant array of restaurants, eclectic shops, and efficient public transportation. This accessibility has truly transformed our lifestyle, allowing my partner, Connor, and me to embrace urban exploration with greater ease and spontaneity. The ability to venture into the heart of Washington D.C. whenever the mood strikes, unburdened by the usual stresses of parking woes and heavy traffic, is incredibly liberating. It’s particularly invaluable on those serendipitous days when we’re eager to discover a new neighborhood or sample the culinary delights of a highly recommended restaurant.
Since settling into our new home, a long-standing item on my D.C. must-visit list has been the iconic Capitol Hill’s Eastern Market. Its reputation as a community hub and a treasure trove of local goods precedes it, and the fact that it’s conveniently located on the same metro line as our Arlington residence made it an even more enticing destination. It had been many years since my last visit, and with the promise of a weekend adventure, we decided it was the perfect time to revisit this historic landmark and uncover its current charm.
Stepping Back in Time: A Morning at Ted’s Bulletin
As part of our weekend plans, before diving into the market’s bustling atmosphere, we aimed to experience a local breakfast spot. Within just a few blocks of the Eastern Market, we discovered Ted’s Bulletin – a name that had frequently popped up in our casual conversations about D.C.’s best breakfast joints. Our arrival confirmed its popularity: a considerable line stretched out the door, and we were promptly informed of an estimated 25-30 minute wait for a table. This wait, however, only amplified our anticipation and curiosity about what lay inside, a testament to its local reputation.
The moment we stepped through the entrance, we knew the wait would be worthwhile. The interior of Ted’s Bulletin was a delightful journey back in time, a meticulously curated space brimming with vintage charm. We happily spent a good portion of our waiting time simply soaking in the surroundings. The restaurant and bar were lavishly adorned with authentic art deco light fixtures, intricate displays, and captivating décor, all remnants thoughtfully salvaged from an old Philadelphia Civic Center. This unique touch, combined with televisions softly playing classic 1930s movies, created an immersive atmosphere. It felt as if we had been effortlessly transported to a bygone era, a sentiment further reinforced by menu items like their celebrated house-made pop tarts, blending nostalgic comfort with contemporary culinary execution.
Thoughtful Details and Hearty Offerings
Our positive impressions only deepened once we were finally seated. The menus, cleverly designed to resemble old newspapers and aptly named “Ted’s Bulletin,” were a charming touch that immediately caught our attention. We immediately ordered coffee, and what arrived was a delightful surprise: a large, thermal carafe placed directly on our table. This seemingly small detail was, in fact, a stroke of genius. At countless other breakfast establishments, I often find myself repeatedly trying to catch the waiter’s eye for warm-ups and refills. Ted’s Bulletin’s self-serve coffee solution was not only incredibly clever but also wonderfully efficient – a practice I sincerely wish more cafes and diners would adopt, truly enhancing the dining experience.
After thoroughly perusing the extensive breakfast menu, which boasted a delightful array of options, we made our final selections. Many of their breakfast specials leaned towards the generous side, often featuring substantial portions of meat and a distinct Southern influence, appealing to those with hearty appetites seeking a fulfilling meal. Seeking something a bit lighter yet satisfying, I opted for a classic and comforting choice: easy-over eggs accompanied by perfectly cooked hash browns and crispy bacon. However, instead of the traditional toast, I decided to venture for their highly recommended house-made corn bread, a decision that proved to be a fantastic culinary choice.
My expectation for the cornbread was modest – perhaps a small biscuit or a thin wedge, easily overlooked. What arrived, however, was a magnificent, generously sized slice that quite literally occupied half of my plate. It was absolutely delicious! Wonderfully moist and rich, imbued with a sweet buttery flavor that melted in my mouth, far exceeding my expectations of a simple side. The visible grill marks on its golden-brown crust hinted at its perfectly warmed state, adding a delightful texture to each bite. The shredded hash browns were equally impressive, remarkably moist and tender, providing the perfect savory complement to the slightly sweet cornbread and perfectly cooked eggs. It was a perfectly balanced, truly satisfying plate.
Connor, on the other hand, fully embraced the “hearty” side of the menu. He ordered the house specialty, the aptly (and cutely) named “The Walk of Shame” breakfast burrito. This formidable creation was generously packed with succulent sirloin steak, fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy hash browns, sharp cheddar cheese, and a zesty green chile sauce, all crowned with slices of fresh avocado. True to form, he thoroughly enjoyed every single bite, inhaling the entire burrito with his usual enthusiasm and declaring it a top-tier breakfast choice.
The Famous Homemade Pop-Tarts
Of course, no visit to Ted’s Bulletin would be complete without sampling their highly acclaimed home-made pop tarts. This signature item had been the subject of much anticipation, frequently mentioned in reviews and by locals. We perused the tempting variety, which included intriguing options like an Elvis-inspired pop-tart featuring bacon and peanut butter – a fun, albeit adventurous, idea that ultimately wasn’t quite our preference for a sweet treat. Instead, following a helpful suggestion from our waitress, we opted for a classic and universally appealing choice: the strawberry pop-tart, hoping for a taste of nostalgic comfort.
As someone who had never experienced an actual Pop-Tart before, my expectations were a blank slate, open to any possibility. Yet, the homemade version easily surpassed any preconceived notions. The pastry was beautifully executed, resembling a sweet, flaky butter cookie – light, tender, and perfectly golden brown, with a pleasant sugary glaze. While the pastry itself was stellar, both Connor and I agreed that the strawberry filling, though pleasant, could have been more abundant and perhaps offered a greater tartness to balance the sweetness of the crust. Despite this minor critique, the pop-tart was undeniably a fun and memorable treat, a testament to Ted’s commitment to playful, nostalgic comfort food. Overall, our breakfast experience at Ted’s Bulletin was fantastic – a lively, unique, and delicious start to our day, definitely worth a visit if you find yourself exploring the Capitol Hill area of D.C. for a taste of retro charm and hearty American fare.
Exploring the Vibrant Eastern Market
Rejuvenated by our delightful breakfast, we then made our way to the main attraction: the historic Eastern Market. This bustling hub, operating since 1873, is a true embodiment of community and commerce, and we spent a good amount of time immersing ourselves in its diverse offerings. We thoroughly explored the vibrant farmer’s market, where local growers proudly displayed an abundance of fresh, seasonal produce, from crisp greens to colorful root vegetables. The air was filled with the scents of ripe fruits and earthy vegetables, and the lively chatter of vendors and shoppers created an exhilarating atmosphere, a sensory feast that defines local markets.
Beyond the fresh produce, we also delved into the expansive flea market, a treasure hunter’s paradise overflowing with unique antiques, vintage collectibles, and an assortment of curiosities. Furthermore, the local craft stands showcased the incredible talent of regional artisans, featuring everything from handmade jewelry to intricate artworks and unique home decor. One of my most exciting discoveries of the day was a generous supply of fairytale eggplant, available for an incredible price of only $2/lb. These miniature, striped eggplants are not only visually appealing with their delicate purple and white hues but also incredibly versatile and delicious when roasted simply with olive oil. I instantly regretted not purchasing more of these delightful vegetables, already planning the next meal.
At the flea market section, a few particular items caught my eye, notably some truly enormous mirrors beautifully framed with salvaged old tin-ceiling tiles. Their unique aesthetic and historical appeal were captivating, hinting at stories from forgotten buildings. However, my initial excitement quickly dissipated the moment I saw the price tags. These striking pieces were priced between $500 and $800 each, far exceeding my budget for a spontaneous market find. So much for my hopeful quest of finding a cheap flea market treasure! It was a good reminder that “flea market” doesn’t always equate to “bargain basement,” especially in a vibrant and historically rich D.C. neighborhood like Capitol Hill.
Neighborhood Charm and Future Explorations
After our adventures inside the market, we decided to take a leisurely stroll around the surrounding Capitol Hill neighborhood. This is where my personal passion for real-estate snooping truly comes into play. The streets are lined with beautifully preserved historic townhouses, each with its own unique character. I found myself repeatedly telling Connor that we should have planned our visit for a Sunday. On Sundays, the area often hosts open townhouses, offering a delightful (and purely recreational) opportunity to peek inside these beautiful historic homes and admire their architecture and interior design, imagining life within their walls. Don’t even try to tell me I’m the only one who indulges in this delightful pastime – it’s a common, if unspoken, joy for many!
Our day trip to Capitol Hill, encompassing both the unique culinary experience at Ted’s Bulletin and the vibrant energy of Eastern Market, was an absolute success. It perfectly encapsulated the charm and dynamic spirit of Washington D.C., offering a blend of history, culture, and delicious food. We left feeling satisfied, inspired, and eager for our next urban adventure. Given the myriad of things to see and do, the allure of those charming townhouses, and the promise of more unique finds, I guess I’ll just have to head back over to the Eastern Market sometime very soon to continue our exploration of this captivating D.C. gem!