Welcome to the colourful metropolis of Washington, DC, the place historical past, tradition, and pleasure converge in each neighborhood. You might already be accustomed to the iconic landmarks and bustling districts that outline this fascinating metropolis. Nonetheless, past the well-known sights, lies a treasure trove of hidden gems ready to be found.
On this article, we’ll take you on a journey to uncover the lesser-known pockets of attraction and character that make “The District” a really outstanding place to name residence. We reached out to locals to share their favourite hidden gems in Washington, DC, from enchanting parks to distinctive eating experiences and thriving native communities. So, whether or not you’re contemplating renting an condominium in DC, or are trying on Redfin and presently out there to purchase a home within the metropolis, put together to be captivated by the secrets and techniques this outstanding metropolis has to supply.
1. Large Bear Cafe
“Our favourite hidden DC gem is Large Bear Cafe in Bloomingdale, explains Meredith Sheperd, founding father of Love & Carrots, an city farming and edible landscaping firm. “The very best factor on their menu is the wooden fired pizzas, which style even higher eaten exterior on their beautiful backyard patio that we’ve planted and maintained for over a decade. The vine-enclosed patio is surrounded by edible landscaping and offers the whole area a comfortable secret backyard feeling, making it particularly nice for internet hosting occasions. Large Bear has one thing for everybody to take pleasure in at virtually any time of day, whether or not it’s a pure wine at an open mic evening, or an early morning native cheddar biscuit and espresso with the neighborhood birdlife.”
2. Chaia Tacos
“Chaia Tacos is a farm-to-taco restaurant with seasonal native produce with one of many solely gluten-free meal menus within the metropolis,” explains Take Care Store, providing pure skincare, magnificence, wellness and spa companies. “Their menu rotates primarily based on what’s recent and my present favourite is the collard and shishito pepper quesadilla. I like that it’s on the canal and proper by the waterfront, making it really easy to seize your bites and go for a stroll.”
3. Al Tiramisu and Bistrot Lepic
“For Italian meals, our go-to place is Al Tiramisu positioned simply off Dupont Circle and near our store in Georgetown,” shares Everard & Jennifer Nygard House owners of Everard’s Clothes, and upscale boutique in DC. “This hidden gem in DC is intimate, genuine, and ideal for date evening or only a weeknight outing – assume home made pastas and recent seafood. Favourite dish should embody lobster in fact, both the lobster linguine or lobster risotto.”
“For French meals, we keep on our block, mere steps from our store and head to Bistrot Lepic,” explains the Nygards. “Basic bistro meals with some surprises together with a implausible curry rooster and a wild boar steak particular. Additionally that includes stay jazz music on sure weeknights of their upstairs lounge.”
4. Boulangerie Christophe
“Boulangerie Christophe is the very best French bakery,” states Natasha Sewell, proprietor of NPS Images. The pastries and baked items are scrumptious and the courtyard within the again is magical! You are feeling such as you’ve been transported out of the town. It’s additionally canine pleasant which is a serious plus.”
5. Outlets in Georgetown
Sewell additionally suggests a pair native outlets to take a look at. “Storie Collective is the right store to discover a hostess reward or one thing distinctive on your residence or kitchen. Sara Swabb, the proprietor, has such a eager eye and I by no means depart with out shopping for one thing. As well as, Take Care DC is the perfect place on your skincare wants and particularly a facial. Becky the proprietor is so educated about each product they carry. And Erin is my go to for probably the most unimaginable facial on the town.”
6. Little Acre Flowers
“One other worthwhile cease is simply across the nook from Cafe Cino at what would be the “Little Others” pop up collaboration between Little Acre Flowers and Others Espresso,” says Co-founder and Co-owner of Others Espresso, Brian Raupp. “Starting the weekend of June tenth, Little Acre and Others can be remodeling a fantastic area positioned at 1722 Florida Ave, NW, right into a grab-and-go cafe/flower store each Saturday and Sunday all through the summer season.”
7. As You Are bar
Private Coach Bianca Russo of Bianca Russo Health suggests As You Are bar. “This bar is an LGBTQIA+-owned institution and is an area with sources centered round group care. The bartenders are sober-informed, so even the non-drinking patrons really feel welcome to socialize over the rooster tenders and fries with out judgment.”
8. Cafe Cino
“A must-visit hidden gem when you’re within the Adams Morgan space is Cafe Cino,” states Raupp. “Named after their eldest son, Cino, the cafe is a pop-up inside a fantastic plant store referred to as PLNTR. Ron and Carolina, homeowners of Cafe Cino, have an amazing choice of coffees from world wide (together with our espresso) and take large satisfaction within the preparation and presentation of every thing they brew.”
9. Filene Middle
“Washington DC’s finest saved hidden gem is the Filene Middle at Wolf Lure Middle for Performing Arts,” states Sara Polon, CEO & Co-Founder Soupergirl, providing Vegan, plant-based, kosher, and gluten-free soups. “This stunning out of doors venue positioned simply exterior the town is definitely a Nationwide Park! A few of the world’s finest artists play each summer season at this intimate, peaceable, out of doors oasis. Sting, Ziggy Marley, Elvis Costello, and Trombone Shorty are just some of the acts that routinely carry out on this legendary stage. Bonus! Guests are allowed (and even inspired!) to herald their very own meals and wine. Rose underneath the celebrities.”
10. Bitty & Beau’s Espresso Store
“Bitty & Beau’s Espresso Store is a conveniently-located espresso store that won’t solely fill your abdomen with impeccably crafted espresso, however encourage you with their mission to make use of individuals with mental and developmental disabilities,” explains Kristina Han Founding father of Personal Your Surprise. “It’s not about charity. It’s about scrumptious meals, drinks and repair, all of the whereas doing good for humanity. I like their tagline: ‘a human rights motion disguised as a espresso store.’”
11. The Blind Whino
“The Blind Whino is a cultural home and historic landmark, shares Morgan Murray, blogger at Much less or Morgan. “The constructing as soon as stood as a church when it was inbuilt 1886, however now stands as a middle for artwork in the area people. Uncover new artists, attend occasions, concert events, or benefit from the eclectic and colourful exterior of the constructing.”
12. Baked & Wired
Murray additionally recommends Baked and Wired, an area favourite bakery and occasional store in Georgetown. “The cupcakes are my go-to candy deal with to take pleasure in. When you are there, attempt the Oreo cupcake.”
13. Billy Goat path
“A must-visit place close to Washington, DC, and one in every of my favourite hidden gems is the Billy Goat path in Nice Falls, explains Dalia Hidayat of Yearning for Chocolate, a boutique chocolate atelier. “At any time when I must unplug and get just a few hours of peace, I stroll the path and take within the scenic waterfalls. On the best way again there’s a restaurant referred to as Previous Anglers Inn that I cease by and seize lunch. The restaurant is off the crushed path however on the highway again from the park and has a lush and delightful out of doors backyard patio the place I can seize an ahi tuna salad with a aspect of french fries. That is my go to flee for peace and tranquility.”
District of Clothes, a way of life model encouraging development, inspiring motion, and supporting self-love additionally suggests trying out Billy Goat Path. “There are such a lot of nice issues to do within the DMV space through the summer season, however our high decisions can be mountaineering the strenuous Billy Goat Path (part A)–it’s a virtually 5 mile mountaineering path that follows a path between the C&O Canal and the Potomac River. Second suggestion can be to have a salad, fries and rose at Summer season Home Santa Monica in North Bethesda.”
14. M.O.B Classic
“M.O.B Classic, positioned exterior of DC on Kensington Vintage Row, is a captivating stretch of classic and vintage outlets,” explains Hadiya Williams, founding father of Black Pepper Paperie CO., a DC-based artwork and design studio. “As a lover of all issues previous, from properties to things and garments, visiting this space is all the time a delight. Proprietor Mike O’Bryant has expanded from one store to 4, with a devoted space for Mid-Century Trendy furnishings and decor, which is a private favourite of mine. My associate, who went to highschool with Mike in historic Shepherd Park, launched me to this gem, and now it’s turn out to be our annual Christmas custom.”
15. Blagden Alley in NW
“Blagden Alley in NW is my favourite hidden gem in DC,” shares Opare Densua, Founder and CEO of Elevated Tea Co. “This historic group was as soon as residence to 60+ African American households in search of refuge after the Emancipation Proclamation. The alley was additionally residence to the second elected Black U.S. Senator Blanche Ok. Bruce. Now a vibrant industrial district, it boasts distinctive alley dwellings, stylish eating places, a espresso store, and dynamic artwork murals. Causa/Amazonia, a two-part Peruvian restaurant with a rooftop and distinctive cocktails (attempt the Ocapa), is my private favourite.”
16. Hana Market
Han additionally recommends Hana Market. “This surprising and old-school Japanese grocery store appears to be like like several previous nook retailer from the surface. When you’re inside, you’re handled to a wide selection of all issues Japanese and also you’ll really feel such as you’re in the midst of Tokyo. Simply to stroll down every crowded aisle searching 1,000,000 noodles and spices is a enjoyable approach to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the surface.”
17. Purple Patch
“Once I wish to spend an evening out, Purple Patch is my particular spot that provides me a lot pleasure and love,” shares Rose Nguyen, proprietor of Rose Ave Bakery, an Asian-American bakery providing pastries which might be enjoyable, creative and rattling scrumptious. “Chef Patrice exudes hospitality in every thing she does, particularly the meals and repair. The meals is spectacular and represents Filipino tradition so properly.”
18. Nationwide Cathedral and grounds
“A favourite hidden gem of mine is the Washington Nationwide Cathedral and grounds,” says Joel Finkelstein, proprietor and roaster for Qualia Espresso positioned within the Petworth and Eckington neighborhoods of DC. “The constructing itself provides each a wealth of architectural particulars, not the least of which is a myriad of gargoyles carved into the stone work over the 100 years it took to finish, in addition to an remark deck positioned at one of many highest factors in DC. Within the Bishops’ Backyard, the grounds additionally characteristic probably the greatest picnicking and leisure spots to take pleasure in a sunny day.”
19. Sospeso
“Sospeso is our go-to neighborhood restaurant for Mediterranean meals on H Road NE,” says Seda & Suzy of Shopkeepers, a store and cafe in DC. “For dinner, we all the time get the Mezze Platter with a bottle of wine. For brunch, their Turkish breakfast is nice due to the steadiness of flavors and textures. The decor is cozy and the employees is pleasant. Excellent spot to meet up with associates, particularly on Mondays when plenty of eating places are closed.”
20. The Peacock Room
“The Peacock Room on the Freer Gallery is a shocking sea of blue and inexperienced designed by James McNeill Whistler to showcase a Chinese language blue-and-white porcelain assortment,” explains Amy Rutherford, President of kitchen important store Crimson Barn Mercantile and stationary retailer, Penny Submit. “Marvel at its magnificence and the feats of engineering it took to convey the room from London to Detroit to Washington, DC. Positively well worth the journey.”
Rutherford goes on to share, “Previous City Alexandria is an absolute gem. A visit to DC wouldn’t be full with out a cease in our little hamlet. Historical past, purchasing, eating, and nature mix for a beautiful day journey throughout the river.”
Washington, DC, is a metropolis that by no means ceases to amaze, providing a numerous variety of experiences from serene greenspaces to distinctive neighborhoods with native attraction. Embracing these hidden gems in DC is the important thing to immersing your self within the metropolis’s delights and discovering out why DC is an efficient place to stay. Put together to be captivated and eternally related to this outstanding metropolis.
