Staff Reporter
After seasons of suspense and shifting timelines, Commas Food Hall has softly opened its gates inside Ellsworth Place mall in downtown Silver Spring. Nestled on the third floor, in the long-vacant space of the former F21 Red, this much-anticipated culinary hub welcomes visitors with a vibrant medley of flavors—from loaded fries to Nepalese dumplings and craft cocktails. Though full operations are yet to unfold, the current launch offers a tempting glimpse. With more vendors warming up behind the scenes, Commas now begins its theatrical entry into Silver Spring’s dining spotlight.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
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Commas food hall begins soft launch at Ellsworth Place mall, Silver Spring.
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Located on third level, formerly occupied by F21 Red (closed 2019).
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Open vendors include:
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TATO’s (loaded fries, wedges, baked potatoes)
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J&J Mex-Taqueria (Tex-Mex, also at Solaire Social)
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Momo Hub (Nepalese dumplings)
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C³ (beer, wine, cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks)
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Mall spokesperson Jenn Buonanotte confirms more vendors will open “in coming weeks” pending inspections.
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Remaining vendors to include MV Asian Kitchen, The Champs Kitchen, 6 Skewers, Claude Have Mercy, Tokoa Cheesesteaks.
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Only three of twelve vendor spaces are still marked “coming soon.”
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Original opening delayed from late 2023 due to renovation and permitting hurdles.
After several rounds of delays and much local anticipation, the Commas food hall has finally begun a soft launch inside Ellsworth Place mall in downtown Silver Spring. Positioned on the third floor in the space formerly occupied by F21 Red — a store that closed its doors in 2019 — the venue is beginning to welcome diners with an initial wave of vendors while the rest prepare to open in phases.
As of now, four of the planned eateries have officially opened for business, showcasing a curated mix of cuisines that reflect the cultural diversity of the area. One of the standout vendors is TATO’s, known for its comfort-style offerings such as loaded fries, wedges, and baked potatoes, served with a variety of toppings and sauces.
Joining TATO’s is J&J Mex-Taqueria, a family-run Tex-Mex operation based in D.C., already familiar to local foodies for its presence at the Solaire Social food hall. The eatery brings classic Mexican-American fusion dishes to the Commas lineup.
Another addition is Momo Hub, which introduces patrons to the flavors of Nepal through its specialty — momo dumplings, served both steamed and fried, and often accompanied by tangy sauces. Rounding out the currently open quartet is C³ (Commas Cocktail Bar), offering a broad beverage menu that includes beer, wine, signature cocktails, and non-alcoholic alternatives.
Mall representative Jenn Buonanotte confirmed the soft launch, stating,
“We’re excited to see Commas come to life after a long development process. Several vendors are in their final stages of inspection and permitting, and we expect them to open over the next few weeks.”
Commas, which was initially slated to open by the end of 2023, saw multiple postponements due to a range of issues related to construction, renovation, and approval processes. Though the delays stretched beyond the expected timeline, mall officials have maintained confidence that the project will reach full operational capacity soon.
“Out of the twelve total vendor spaces planned for Commas, only three remain unoccupied,” Buonanotte added. “These are clearly marked as ‘coming soon,’ and we’re in active talks to finalize their tenancy.”
Several new eateries are expected to open shortly as the rollout continues. These include MV Asian Kitchen, a pan-Asian concept; The Champs Kitchen, a vendor specializing in Caribbean-style street food; 6 Skewers, a Persian eatery focused on grilled meats and traditional sides; Claude Have Mercy, a seafood-forward restaurant; and Tokoa Cheesesteaks, a College Park favorite known for its loaded subs and regional flair.
While the full launch is still pending, the partial opening is being viewed by many as a step in the right direction for the food hall concept, which aims to reinvigorate the upper level of Ellsworth Place with a modern culinary hub. The variety of cuisines and the communal atmosphere are designed to draw in both casual mall-goers and destination diners alike.
As Commas Food Hall steps into the spotlight with its soft launch, it signals more than just the arrival of new eateries—it marks a fresh culinary chapter for downtown Silver Spring. With a careful rollout of diverse vendors and a space built for community, the food hall stands poised to become a lively anchor within Ellsworth Place. While a full launch still awaits, early visitors are already sampling the promise. If the initial offerings are any hint, Commas is cooking up a flavorful future worth watching.
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