Put These Food Halls on Your Radar

Food halls have been in vogue for years, and Northern Virginia has its share. When you’re looking for a quick bite or a place to gather with friends, consider one of these local emporiums, where the abundant options are sure to satisfy every craving.

Assembly

This 29,000-square-foot space at Rosslyn City Center—with menus curated by executive chefs Brian Huston and Cameron Cousin—offers a variety of dining options for day or night, including a coffee and pastry shop, a full-service oyster bar, fancy sandwiches, Asian street food, and a coming-soon grocer and wine cellar, PNTRY. The hall, which Chicago-based DMK Restaurants opened in 2021, also hosts gatherings and food specials for the general public and can be rented out for private events. // 1700 N. Moore St., Arlington (Rosslyn)

The Block

The Annandale flagship of this Asian American and woman-owned food hall was the first of the brand’s three DMV locations to open, back in 2016. Hungry diners flock here for Asian-inspired comfort foods like banh mi and dan dan noodles from Balo Kitchen, or a bang bang chicken or ahi tuna bowl from Pokeworks. Meet for drinks at The Block Bar, and consider ending the night with a hearty serving of taro-flavored Taiwanese ice cream from Snocream. // 4221 John Marr Drive, Annandale 

Happy Eatery

You won’t find multiple counters at this Asian food hall in Rosslyn, launched in 2019 by the hospitality group (and Best Places to Work 2022 award winner) behind Chasin’ Tails, Teas ‘n You and other Northern Virginia dining concepts. Happy Eatery streamlines the ordering process via kiosks with multiple menus. In the mood for pho? They’ve got that. Feeling like pork belly fries? Add that to your cart. As you wait for your order, relax on a cushion in the spa-like space. And if you’re doing date night or hanging with friends, consider one of the wines by the bottle. // 1800 N. Lynn St., #102, Arlington (Rosslyn)

Quarter Market

Another food hall that pulled open its retractable doors in 2019 is Quarter Market, the food court update that accompanied the overhaul of Ballston Common (now Ballston Quarter). And if every member of your party is in the mood for something different? No problem. You’ll find a dozen concepts tucked into the vast space, including Turu’s (a spinoff of Timber Pizza), Latin street food depot Maizal, Hot Lola’s fried chicken and frozen treats by Ice Cream Jubilee. And don’t forget to step outside—one of the market’s most prized features is an expansive outdoor area where you can revel in lawn games, stretch out under the sun or stars, and enjoy your meal year-round.  // 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston)

Urbanspace

Opening first as Taste of Urbanspace in 2018 (a replacement for Mike Isabella’s Isabella Eatery), this Tysons Galleria food hall has a host of choices for daytime and nighttime fare. Pop by in the morning for a latte from Twelve Twenty Coffee, grab a slice at Andy’s Pizza or dig into a deep-fried Argentinian empanada from Empanadas de Mendoza. And keep an eye on the ‘Gram, as more openings and pop-ups are expected. // 2001 International Drive, Third Floor, McLean (Tysons)