12 Reasons to Visit Epiq Food Hall

With over 225 shops, Potomac Mills Mall is the largest outlet mall in Virginia and a top tourist attraction. Retailers and restaurants have popped up nearby, but one is an absolute standout: Epiq Food Hall.

the exterior of Epiq Food Hall, a large two-story building

About Epiq Food Hall

Named to reflect its proprietors’ epicurean interests and sometimes stylized as “epiQ,” Epiq Food Hall is the result of a partnership of a dozen distinct restaurants in one unique setting. In basest terms, it’s a giant, upscale food court!

The space itself is huge, about 13,000 square feet. From the entrance, shops are arranged in an inverted U. I found it easy to follow the shape of the room, browse each shop’s menu, and get a good sense of what my choices were before deciding.

diners at dozens of tables enjoy lunch from Epiq Food Hall's vendors — central seating at tables and chairs

Diners can choose from casual seating near the entrance, including bean bags and brightly-colored chairs with unique shapes. Traditional tables and some booth-backed seating can be found in the center of the food hall. Some bar-height tables can be found toward the back of the hall and a proper bar is also available up front.

a casual seating area at Epiq Food Hall features poufs and chaise lounges — casual seating beside the Sweet Bakehouse

The most appealing seating is located in the very back of the hall, where traditional tables overlook the entire restaurant from the second floor.

Epiq features live music several nights a week and plans to expand its outdoor seating and establish a beer garden.

Reasons to Visit

The reasons to visit are, of course, the amazing restaurants!

Bonfire Chicken

Crispy fried wings and chicken sandwiches are Bonfire Chicken’s specialty. All of the Korean-style fried chicken offerings can served in a combo, which includes French fries and soda.

Harmony Pho & Grill

When dining here, you can choose from pho (noodles, bean sprouts, jalapeno, basil and lime) and bun bo hue (vermicelli, lemon grass, spinach, carrot, onion). If you aren’t in the mood for a soup, Harmony Pho & Grill offers tacos, salads, noodle platters, and rice platters.

Jammin’ Island BBQ

The Epiq home of jerk, Jammin’ Island BBQ offers a wide variety of meats and sides. The most interesting menu item is the Coco Bread, a chewy pastry that is often served with a spicy beef patty.

Kiki’s Creations

Kiki’s serves up soft serve ice cream in four flavors and serves it in cups or waffle cones that are made in-house. Their specialty is the kikiyaki, an adorable waffle creature that an be filled with custard, cookie butter, Nutella, or jam.

London Chippy

London Chippy is a fried fish restaurant that serves up several varieties in their classic fish-and-chips baskets. Choose from cod, haddock, whiting, or catfish. You can also order shrimp, a fish sandwich, or a po’ boy.

Mr. Big’s Seafood

The signature offering at Mr. Big’s Seafood is a bucket of your choice tossed in their own blend of seasonings. Shrimp, clams, mussels, crawfish, lobster tails, and crab legs are all offered, plus combinations. Buckets include corn, potatoes, and andouille sausage.

Oki Bowl

Oki Bowl serves ramen bowls and rice bowls. Its must-try item is the Oki curry ramen bowl, which is made of curry broth, coconut milk, shallot, pickled cabbage, fried chicken, and crispy noodles.

Q Bar

Q Bar is the first spot you’ll see when you enter the food hall. This bar offers a variety of beers, wines, liquors, and mocktails.

Stacks

At Stacks, you’ll find burgers, turkey burgers, chicken sandwiches, and grilled cheese sandwiches with a variety of interesting toppings. Each is served with a side dish.

Teddy’s Taco Shack

Tacos, nachos, taco salad, chips and salsa, and elotes are available at this taco truck-turned-restaurant. It’s a good spot for vegetarians and vegans as it offers tacos for both.

Southern Flare

Southern Flare is home to comfort food inspired by the South, including chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, and fried catfish.

The Sweet Bakehouse

After dinner, treat yourself to a cake, tart, or macaron at The Sweet Bakehouse. Coffee and tea are also served here.

NuVegan Café

Coming soon!

My Experience

I ordered the chicken and waffles from Southern Flare. This is one of my favorite dishes and Southern Flare did it right! I received two large, crispy chicken thighs on top of a giant waffle. It was the perfect balance of sweet and savory.

chicken and waffles from Southern Flare at Epiq Food Hall

Southern Flare’s catfish is also delicious!

London Chippy didn’t disappoint with their fish and chips. The hush puppies were particularly good.

a to-go container of fish and chips with hush puppies from London Chippy at Epiq Food Hall

Kiki’s Creations served us frozen yogurt that was surprisingly good. We didn’t try the kikiyaki, primarily because our cups and cones came with two free toppings!

I took home a slice of red velvet cake from the Sweet Bakehouse. It was huge! I was unable to finish it alone. The cream cheese frosting (my favorite) was on point!