Capitol Hill Charm: A Weekend Adventure at Eastern Market and Ted’s Bulletin

One of the most remarkable benefits of our apartment, which we’ve truly come to appreciate during our time living here, is its incredibly close proximity to an abundance of restaurants, unique shops, and reliable public transportation. This accessibility has completely transformed our weekends, allowing my partner, Connor, and me to venture into the vibrant heart of the city whenever the mood strikes. The freedom to explore new neighborhoods, discover hidden gems, or simply try out a highly-rated restaurant without the usual urban stressors like worrying about parking or battling endless traffic is an invaluable perk. It empowers us to spontaneously embark on adventures and truly immerse ourselves in the dynamic energy of Washington D.C.’s diverse areas.

Ever since we settled into our new place, a visit to the iconic **Capitol Hill’s Eastern Market** has been high on my list of priorities. Its reputation as a cultural hub and a vibrant community gathering spot precedes it, and the fact that it’s conveniently located on the same metro line as our stop in Arlington made it an even more enticing destination. Despite hearing countless recommendations and seeing pictures, it had been many years since my last visit, so the anticipation for this particular weekend adventure was palpable.

As part of our plan to fully embrace a local experience, we decided to kick off our Eastern Market expedition with a hearty breakfast at a nearby establishment. Within just a few blocks of the bustling market, we stumbled upon Ted’s Bulletin. It quickly became apparent that we weren’t the only ones drawn to its charm; a substantial line snaked out the door, and we were promptly informed that a table would require an estimated 25-30 minute wait. Normally, such a wait might deter us, but something about the vibrant atmosphere and the eager faces in line hinted that this place was worth every minute.

The moment we stepped inside, the decision to wait was instantly validated. The interior of Ted’s Bulletin was a feast for the eyes, and we happily spent a good portion of our waiting time simply soaking in the incredible surroundings. The entire restaurant and bar area was a meticulously curated display of vintage elegance, featuring stunning art deco light fixtures, elaborate displays, and charming décor. We learned that many of these unique remnants were salvaged from an old Philadelphia Civic Center, giving the space an authentic sense of history and character. With televisions discreetly playing classic 1930s movies and a menu boasting delightful throwbacks like homemade pop tarts, I felt as though I had been effortlessly transported to a different, more glamorous era. It was a perfectly executed blend of nostalgia and modern comfort.

Our positive impressions only deepened once we were finally seated and handed our menus. True to the restaurant’s thematic brilliance, these weren’t just ordinary menus; they were ingeniously printed to resemble an old newspaper, appropriately titled “Ted’s Bulletin.” This attention to detail immediately charmed us. We both ordered coffee right away, and to our delight, it was served in a large, thermal carafe that was thoughtfully left at our table.

This small yet significant detail was an absolute game-changer for me. At most breakfast establishments, I often find myself constantly trying to catch a waiter’s eye throughout the meal, requesting warm-ups and refills. Ted’s Bulletin’s solution was not only clever but incredibly efficient, allowing us to enjoy endless, hot coffee without interruption. It’s a brilliant idea that I sincerely wish more cafes and breakfast spots would adopt. It truly elevated the dining experience, making it feel more relaxed and accommodating.
After thoroughly perusing the extensive menu for a while, carefully weighing our options, we finally made our decisions. The breakfast specials at Ted’s Bulletin are known for being quite generous in portion size, often meat-heavy, and distinctly influenced by Southern culinary traditions. Since I was in the mood for a somewhat lighter breakfast option, I opted for something comforting and simple: easy-over eggs accompanied by perfectly shredded hash browns, with crispy bacon (which was included in the dish).

However, instead of the traditional toast as my side, I couldn’t resist the allure of their **house-made corn bread**. I admit, I was anticipating a modest serving—perhaps a small biscuit or a thin wedge. But Ted’s Bulletin, as I quickly learned, does not do things by halves. This place was not kidding around!

The magnificent piece of cornbread literally commanded half the plate, a golden-brown testament to its generosity. And it was absolutely delicious! Rich with butter, subtly on the sweeter side, and remarkably moist – not at all dry, which can often be the downfall of cornbread. You can even see the perfect grill marks, indicating how they expertly warmed it before serving, adding a lovely crispness to the exterior. The shredded hash browns were equally impressive, perfectly cooked to a golden crispness on the outside while remaining incredibly moist and tender on the inside, complementing the cornbread wonderfully.

Connor, on the other hand, fully embraced the heartier side of the menu and chose to indulge in the house specialty: the breakfast burrito, which came with the amusing and memorable name, “The Walk of Shame.” This substantial burrito was generously filled with tender sirloin steak, fluffy scrambled eggs, savory hash browns, sharp cheddar cheese, a zesty green chile sauce, and topped with fresh, sliced avocado. It was a truly satisfying and flavorful combination, and as usual, he thoroughly enjoyed it, practically inhaling the entire thing with gusto.

And, of course, no visit to Ted’s Bulletin would be complete without trying their famously celebrated **home-made pop tarts**. It was an absolute must-do, so we ordered one on the side to complement our meals. The selection of pop-tarts offered a delightful range of flavors, including an intriguing Elvis-inspired concoction featuring bacon and peanut butter. While a fun and creative idea, it wasn’t quite what we were craving that morning.

Instead, acting on the helpful suggestion of our waitress, we decided to go with a classic choice: a strawberry pop-tart. As someone who had never actually eaten a ‘real’ Pop-Tart before, my expectations were a blank slate. However, I can confidently say that the experience definitely surpassed what I might have vaguely imagined. It was a delightful surprise, adding a playful and sweet note to our breakfast.

The pastry itself was wonderfully delicate, resembling a sweet, flaky butter cookie – a perfect texture that crumbled deliciously with each bite. However, both Connor and I agreed that the strawberry filling, while pleasant, was a bit lacking. We felt it needed a more pronounced tartness to truly balance the sweetness of the pastry, and a more generous quantity of filling would have made it even better. Despite this minor critique, it was undoubtedly a fun and memorable idea that added to the unique charm of Ted’s Bulletin. Overall, our entire experience at Ted’s Bulletin was fantastic. It was a lot of fun, the food was delicious, and the ambiance was unparalleled – definitely worth a visit if you find yourself exploring the vibrant Capitol Hill area.

After our thoroughly enjoyable and filling breakfast, we made our way over to the historical **Eastern Market**. The market was a hive of activity, and we spent a considerable amount of time exploring its diverse offerings. We perused the bustling farmer’s market, where vendors displayed an array of fresh, seasonal produce, vibrant flowers, and artisanal goods. The adjacent flea market was a treasure trove of antiques, vintage items, and quirky collectibles, while the local craft stands showcased the incredible talent of regional artisans, offering everything from handmade jewelry to intricate artworks. It was a truly immersive experience, filled with sights, sounds, and smells.

One of my most exciting discoveries of the day was finding **fairytale eggplant** for an incredibly low price of only $2/lb. This was such a steal! These adorable, tiny eggplants are absolutely delicious when roasted simply with olive oil, developing a tender texture and sweet flavor. I instantly regretted not having bought more of them, anticipating all the wonderful dishes I could have created. The quality and value truly highlighted the benefits of shopping at a local D.C. farmer’s market.

While wandering through the flea market section, several unique finds caught my eye. I was particularly captivated by some huge mirrors that were beautifully framed with old tin-ceiling tiles – a truly distinctive and charming design. My initial thought was that these might be an incredible, affordable find for our apartment. However, my excitement quickly turned into a humorous retreat; I literally ran away when I saw the price tags. The mirrors were priced between $500 and $800 each, to be exact! So much for my original idea of finding a cheap flea market treasure; it was a gentle reminder that unique, salvaged items often come with a premium.

After our adventures at the market, we decided to take a leisurely stroll around the surrounding Capitol Hill neighborhood. This wasn’t just any walk; it was an opportunity to indulge in my personal passion for real-estate snooping. I love admiring the local architecture, peeking at charming facades, and imagining the lives lived within these historic homes. I kept telling Connor that we really should have planned our visit for a Sunday, specifically so we could have popped into any open townhouses – purely for fun, of course, just to appreciate the interior designs and layouts. I’m convinced I’m not the only one out there who enjoys this peculiar pastime!

Our weekend adventure through Capitol Hill, encompassing both the culinary delights of Ted’s Bulletin and the vibrant atmosphere of Eastern Market, along with our neighborhood exploration, was truly a memorable experience. Guess I’ll just have to head back over to the Eastern Market sometime very soon to continue discovering its endless charms!