Garden Apartment at Optimism House Guide Book!
Food Glorious Food!
Highlighting some local food - particularly if you are looking for international fare and reasonable prices (by DC standards).
The best Thai food I’ve found in town is at 3162 Mount Pleasant St. Dine in or order out: http://www.beauthaidc.com/ (Neighborhood: Mt. Pleasant)
106 yerel halk öneriyor
Beau Thai Mount Pleasant
3162 Mt Pleasant St NWThe best Thai food I’ve found in town is at 3162 Mount Pleasant St. Dine in or order out: http://www.beauthaidc.com/ (Neighborhood: Mt. Pleasant)
Love their Kati rolls, Indo-Chinese food (super spicy) and starters. If you are looking for more traditional North Indian fare, I suggest Salt & Pepper. https://www.bombaystreetfood.us/ (Neighborhood: Columbia Heights)
33 yerel halk öneriyor
Bombay Street Food
1413 Park Rd NWLove their Kati rolls, Indo-Chinese food (super spicy) and starters. If you are looking for more traditional North Indian fare, I suggest Salt & Pepper. https://www.bombaystreetfood.us/ (Neighborhood: Columbia Heights)
This progressive local chain of restaurants has more than just good American comfort food and drink (it has a giant menu with lots of good options), it also hosts performances and events, and has a wonderful book store, and “community tables” where you can work (there’s free wifi) during the day and order food at your leisure. I recommend the Mediterranenan Pizza, and they have a happy hour with really good lamb sliders. Visit the original location at 14th and V Streets NW. http://www.busboysandpoets.com (Neighborhood: U Street)
569 yerel halk öneriyor
Busboys and Poets
450 K St NWThis progressive local chain of restaurants has more than just good American comfort food and drink (it has a giant menu with lots of good options), it also hosts performances and events, and has a wonderful book store, and “community tables” where you can work (there’s free wifi) during the day and order food at your leisure. I recommend the Mediterranenan Pizza, and they have a happy hour with really good lamb sliders. Visit the original location at 14th and V Streets NW. http://www.busboysandpoets.com (Neighborhood: U Street)
A local fast casual chain of Mediterranean food. If you need something tasty and relatively cheap quickly, it’s a good option. The nearest one is located on 14th Street between Irving and Kenyon Streets. http://www.cavamezze.com/ (Neighborhood: Columbia Heights)
141 yerel halk öneriyor
CAVA
3105 14th St NWA local fast casual chain of Mediterranean food. If you need something tasty and relatively cheap quickly, it’s a good option. The nearest one is located on 14th Street between Irving and Kenyon Streets. http://www.cavamezze.com/ (Neighborhood: Columbia Heights)
local BBQ joint on Upshur Street NW between 7th and 8th. Big fans of how they mobilized to keep their supply chain folks employed and fed out of work restaurant employees during the pandemic. https://www.cinderbbq.com/ (Neighborhood: Petworth)
25 yerel halk öneriyor
Cinder BBQ
800 Upshur St NWlocal BBQ joint on Upshur Street NW between 7th and 8th. Big fans of how they mobilized to keep their supply chain folks employed and fed out of work restaurant employees during the pandemic. https://www.cinderbbq.com/ (Neighborhood: Petworth)
this diner/coffee spot/bar located corner at 11th and Monroe Streets. It’s a go to for me when I want to do some writing because they will let you hang out for a while. The people are nice, though the service can be kinda hit or miss. There’s free wifi. I recommend the mushroom reuben, kale caesar salad, avocado toast, and grain bowl. They also have yummy deserts – the pies and cookies stand out, good iced tea, and really good coffee. http://www.thecoupedc.com/ (Neighborhood: Columbia Heights)
299 yerel halk öneriyor
The Coupe
3415 11th St NWthis diner/coffee spot/bar located corner at 11th and Monroe Streets. It’s a go to for me when I want to do some writing because they will let you hang out for a while. The people are nice, though the service can be kinda hit or miss. There’s free wifi. I recommend the mushroom reuben, kale caesar salad, avocado toast, and grain bowl. They also have yummy deserts – the pies and cookies stand out, good iced tea, and really good coffee. http://www.thecoupedc.com/ (Neighborhood: Columbia Heights)
DC Corazon Fonda & Tequileria
3903-3905 14th Street NorthwestTruly delicious authentic Mexican Food! https://www.dccorazon.com/
Mt. Pleasant and Columbia Heights still are centers of the El Salvadoreano community who came to DC starting in the 1970s. If you want authentic pupusas and El Salvadoreano fare, go to El Rinconcito Café II, located across the street from Giant on Park Road between 14th and 13th Streets. Their food is great (some say the best pupusas in DC), the people are friendly, and they’ve adapted as the neighborhood has gotten fancier by adding a patio AND not using lard in their good. Which is particularly great for vegetarians, and folks who keep kosher/halal. (Neighborhood: Columbia Heights)
21 yerel halk öneriyor
El Rinconcito Cafe II
1326 Park Rd NWMt. Pleasant and Columbia Heights still are centers of the El Salvadoreano community who came to DC starting in the 1970s. If you want authentic pupusas and El Salvadoreano fare, go to El Rinconcito Café II, located across the street from Giant on Park Road between 14th and 13th Streets. Their food is great (some say the best pupusas in DC), the people are friendly, and they’ve adapted as the neighborhood has gotten fancier by adding a patio AND not using lard in their good. Which is particularly great for vegetarians, and folks who keep kosher/halal. (Neighborhood: Columbia Heights)
A cooperative coffee house and roastery in the neighborhood with yummy eats. Located on 1st St NW between Kennedy and Jefferson https://www.lacoopcoffee.com/ (Neighborhood: Brightwood Park)
15 yerel halk öneriyor
La Coop Coffee
5505 1st St NWA cooperative coffee house and roastery in the neighborhood with yummy eats. Located on 1st St NW between Kennedy and Jefferson https://www.lacoopcoffee.com/ (Neighborhood: Brightwood Park)
DC has a very large Ethiopian community, and thus lots of yummy Ethiopian food. Great cuisine for vegetarians and those who are gluten free. In my opinion, the best place for Ethiopian is Cher Cher which is at 9th and 0 Streets, NW. https://www.chercherrestaurant.com/
23 yerel halk öneriyor
Chercher Ethiopian Restaurant & Mart
1334 9th St NWDC has a very large Ethiopian community, and thus lots of yummy Ethiopian food. Great cuisine for vegetarians and those who are gluten free. In my opinion, the best place for Ethiopian is Cher Cher which is at 9th and 0 Streets, NW. https://www.chercherrestaurant.com/
This place has yummy Italian food and delicious pizza. Happy hour 7 days a week, Mondays are half priced pizza, and they do fun events like holiday meals. 14th and Randolph St NW. http://www.littlecocos.com/ (Neighborhood: Petworth)
57 yerel halk öneriyor
Little Coco's
3907 14th St NWThis place has yummy Italian food and delicious pizza. Happy hour 7 days a week, Mondays are half priced pizza, and they do fun events like holiday meals. 14th and Randolph St NW. http://www.littlecocos.com/ (Neighborhood: Petworth)
Easygoing bar with cool décor located at Georgia Ave between Princeton and Otis Streets. They do Tuesday nights trivia, and do have a bar menu. http://www.thelookingglasslounge.com (Neighborhood: Petworth)
252 yerel halk öneriyor
The Pub & The People
1648 North Capitol Street NorthwestEasygoing bar with cool décor located at Georgia Ave between Princeton and Otis Streets. They do Tuesday nights trivia, and do have a bar menu. http://www.thelookingglasslounge.com (Neighborhood: Petworth)
Love Ramen? We’ve got a Ramen Spot in the neighborhood! https://www.menyahosakidc.com/ (Neighborhod: Petworth)
18 yerel halk öneriyor
Menya Hosaki
845 Upshur St NWLove Ramen? We’ve got a Ramen Spot in the neighborhood! https://www.menyahosakidc.com/ (Neighborhod: Petworth)
A married couple who were both chef’s at the Japanese Embassy in Ethiopia (he’s a sushi chef and she cook Ethiopian) opened this spot in 2020 and it as truly lovely and affordable sushi. https://www.mitacafedc.com/ (Neighborhood: Brightwood Park)
Mita Ethio-Japanese Cafe
703 Kennedy Street NorthwestA married couple who were both chef’s at the Japanese Embassy in Ethiopia (he’s a sushi chef and she cook Ethiopian) opened this spot in 2020 and it as truly lovely and affordable sushi. https://www.mitacafedc.com/ (Neighborhood: Brightwood Park)
If you like the Vietnamese noodle soup Pho, this is a convenient place to get it. Located on Park Road between 14th and 16th Streets NW. It’s delicious any time, but particularly good when you feel a cold coming on. http://www.dcpho14.com/ (Neighborhood: Columbia Heights)
119 yerel halk öneriyor
Pho 14
1436 Park Rd NWIf you like the Vietnamese noodle soup Pho, this is a convenient place to get it. Located on Park Road between 14th and 16th Streets NW. It’s delicious any time, but particularly good when you feel a cold coming on. http://www.dcpho14.com/ (Neighborhood: Columbia Heights)
Get your Neapolitan Pizza fix and sit outside at a picnic table at the corner of Park Road and 11th St NW. https://www.redrockscolheights.com/ (Neighborhood: Columbia Heights)
173 yerel halk öneriyor
RedRocks Columbia Heights
1036 Park Rd NWGet your Neapolitan Pizza fix and sit outside at a picnic table at the corner of Park Road and 11th St NW. https://www.redrockscolheights.com/ (Neighborhood: Columbia Heights)
A recent addition to the neighborhood that serves tasty modern Laotian food and has a full bar. It’s been written up and on a lot of “top” lists recently, so you might want to make a reservation. https://www.thipkhao.com/ (Neighborhood: Columbia Heights)
127 yerel halk öneriyor
Thip Khao Restaurant
3462 14th St NWA recent addition to the neighborhood that serves tasty modern Laotian food and has a full bar. It’s been written up and on a lot of “top” lists recently, so you might want to make a reservation. https://www.thipkhao.com/ (Neighborhood: Columbia Heights)
Really tasty brick-oven pizza and salads done in a very busy and casual store front. It’s very popular (and got written up in some national food magazines), so it gets packed. http://www.timberpizza.com/ (Neighborhood: Petworth)
175 yerel halk öneriyor
Timber Pizza Company
809 Upshur St NWReally tasty brick-oven pizza and salads done in a very busy and casual store front. It’s very popular (and got written up in some national food magazines), so it gets packed. http://www.timberpizza.com/ (Neighborhood: Petworth)
My favorite spot to meet someone for breakfast has a great selection of hot teas, wonderful iced tea, and an Asian-inflected menu. Also, I highly recommend trying a salty oat cookie. They are addictively good. There are a couple of locations in the city, but I favor the one on R St NW off Connecticut Ave (near Dupont Circle). https://www.teaism.com/
55 yerel halk öneriyor
Teaism Dupont Circle
2009 R St NWMy favorite spot to meet someone for breakfast has a great selection of hot teas, wonderful iced tea, and an Asian-inflected menu. Also, I highly recommend trying a salty oat cookie. They are addictively good. There are a couple of locations in the city, but I favor the one on R St NW off Connecticut Ave (near Dupont Circle). https://www.teaism.com/
UNION MARKET – from the 1960s- 1980s, Union Market was an indoor food market in DC surrounded by wholesale food distribution warehouses. In the last decade it has been revitalized for the modern era with 40 local vendors, a pop-up movie theater, and events held quite often. It’s a fun place to go if you want to check out some of the diversity in DC’s culinary scene in one place. https://unionmarketdc.com/market/
906 yerel halk öneriyor
Union Market
1309 5th St NEUNION MARKET – from the 1960s- 1980s, Union Market was an indoor food market in DC surrounded by wholesale food distribution warehouses. In the last decade it has been revitalized for the modern era with 40 local vendors, a pop-up movie theater, and events held quite often. It’s a fun place to go if you want to check out some of the diversity in DC’s culinary scene in one place. https://unionmarketdc.com/market/
Yummy Peruvian rotisserie chicken joint and cocktails (if you imbibe). Neighborhood: U Street
28 yerel halk öneriyor
Chicken + Whiskey
1738 14th St NWYummy Peruvian rotisserie chicken joint and cocktails (if you imbibe). Neighborhood: U Street
Fried chicken, shrimp, and even vegetarian option (fried Mushroom) right in the neighborhood. Super tasty. Neighborhood: Petworth
16 yerel halk öneriyor
Honeymoon Chicken
4201 Georgia Avenue NorthwestFried chicken, shrimp, and even vegetarian option (fried Mushroom) right in the neighborhood. Super tasty. Neighborhood: Petworth
Local Businesses
A few favorite locally-owned businesses!
Cute boutique with women's clothes and accessories and some homewares. It's in the back of the Loyalty Books space on Upshur St NW (Petworth)
34 yerel halk öneriyor
Willow
4203 Upshur St NWCute boutique with women's clothes and accessories and some homewares. It's in the back of the Loyalty Books space on Upshur St NW (Petworth)
Shop Made in DC now has 6 locations around the city - in Georgetown, Dupont Circle, The Wharf, PA Ave and more. Great place to shop for gifts and souvenirs created by local makers. And they do some really fun workshops where you can learn to make things too. https://www.shopmadeindc.com/
17 yerel halk öneriyor
Shop Made In DC
325 Morse Street NortheastShop Made in DC now has 6 locations around the city - in Georgetown, Dupont Circle, The Wharf, PA Ave and more. Great place to shop for gifts and souvenirs created by local makers. And they do some really fun workshops where you can learn to make things too. https://www.shopmadeindc.com/
Sightseeing
Visitors' guides and travel books will give you all the details on the classics like the National Mall. Here are a few other spots that sometimes get less attention, but are really worth visiting!
Abraham Lincoln and his family spent quite a bit of his presidency not living in The White House. Instead, they lived three miles north in a cottage where he was surrounded by an encampment of injured soldiers returning from The Civil War, and where his horseback commute took him past contraband camps of runaway slaves. This historic house requires you to book a tour, but it’s so well done, because they use the place as an opportunity to tell extraordinary stories of Lincoln the man. It’s about 1.5 miles from my house in the Petworth neighborhood of DC. http://www.lincolncottage.org/
126 yerel halk öneriyor
Başkan Lincoln'ün Kulübesi
140 Rock Creek Church Rd NWAbraham Lincoln and his family spent quite a bit of his presidency not living in The White House. Instead, they lived three miles north in a cottage where he was surrounded by an encampment of injured soldiers returning from The Civil War, and where his horseback commute took him past contraband camps of runaway slaves. This historic house requires you to book a tour, but it’s so well done, because they use the place as an opportunity to tell extraordinary stories of Lincoln the man. It’s about 1.5 miles from my house in the Petworth neighborhood of DC. http://www.lincolncottage.org/
FREDERICK DOUGLASS NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE – many visitors to DC never make it to the “other side of the river,” which is how DC’s wards 7 & 8 – which are primarily African-American and poorer than NW DC are often referred to. And honestly, many DC residents don’t make the trip, though it has some vibrant communities, art, and history to check out. While Donald Trump might not know who Frederick Douglass is, I highly recommend a visit to his home in the Historic Neighborhood of Anacostia. Douglass’s personal history is fascinating – from escaping slavery to his rise to prominence as an abolitionist, orator and writer, to the range of roles he served in government and you can learn about him and check out his beautiful house which sits on a hill with an amazing view. Really worth the visit. https://www.nps.gov/frdo/index.htm
67 yerel halk öneriyor
Frederick Douglass Ulusal Tarih Alanı
1411 W St SEFREDERICK DOUGLASS NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE – many visitors to DC never make it to the “other side of the river,” which is how DC’s wards 7 & 8 – which are primarily African-American and poorer than NW DC are often referred to. And honestly, many DC residents don’t make the trip, though it has some vibrant communities, art, and history to check out. While Donald Trump might not know who Frederick Douglass is, I highly recommend a visit to his home in the Historic Neighborhood of Anacostia. Douglass’s personal history is fascinating – from escaping slavery to his rise to prominence as an abolitionist, orator and writer, to the range of roles he served in government and you can learn about him and check out his beautiful house which sits on a hill with an amazing view. Really worth the visit. https://www.nps.gov/frdo/index.htm
ANACOSTIA ARTS CENTER – if you are heading over to Anacostia to check out the Frederick Douglass house, consider pairing it with a visit to the Anacostia Arts Center which features contemporary work by arts, largely people of color and those who come from East of the River. There are also some cool little shops as well, and they do a range of events. http://anacostiaartscenter.com/
29 yerel halk öneriyor
Anacostia Arts Center
1231 Good Hope Rd SEANACOSTIA ARTS CENTER – if you are heading over to Anacostia to check out the Frederick Douglass house, consider pairing it with a visit to the Anacostia Arts Center which features contemporary work by arts, largely people of color and those who come from East of the River. There are also some cool little shops as well, and they do a range of events. http://anacostiaartscenter.com/
ARTECHOUSE – Art + Technology in the form of immersive installations. Artechouse is a short walk from the L’Enfant Plaza Metro station and puts on some very cool shows. I will warn that the most recent show I saw there was quite intense in terms of the sensory experience, so I wouldn’t recommend it for children, or folks who have issues with flashing lights (migraine-sufferers) or people who are susceptible to seizures. https://www.dc.artechouse.com/
52 yerel halk öneriyor
Artechouse DC
1238 Maryland Avenue SouthwestARTECHOUSE – Art + Technology in the form of immersive installations. Artechouse is a short walk from the L’Enfant Plaza Metro station and puts on some very cool shows. I will warn that the most recent show I saw there was quite intense in terms of the sensory experience, so I wouldn’t recommend it for children, or folks who have issues with flashing lights (migraine-sufferers) or people who are susceptible to seizures. https://www.dc.artechouse.com/
If you’re here in summer, it’s definitely worth a visit to the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens - the only Aquatic Gardens in the U.S. National Park System. There you can see all sorts of water lilies bloom. https://www.nps.gov/keaq/index.htm
97 yerel halk öneriyor
Kenilworth Parkı ve Su Bahçeleri
1550 Anacostia Avenue NortheastIf you’re here in summer, it’s definitely worth a visit to the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens - the only Aquatic Gardens in the U.S. National Park System. There you can see all sorts of water lilies bloom. https://www.nps.gov/keaq/index.htm
Glenstone Museum - This private contemporary art museum is really unlike any other with an amazing sculpture walking path. You need a free reservation ticket to visit. Or - depending on COVID-19 restrictions, if you ride the bus out there for guaranteed entry. It’s worth it! https://www.glenstone.org/
20 yerel halk öneriyor
Glenstone Müzesi
12100 Glen RdGlenstone Museum - This private contemporary art museum is really unlike any other with an amazing sculpture walking path. You need a free reservation ticket to visit. Or - depending on COVID-19 restrictions, if you ride the bus out there for guaranteed entry. It’s worth it! https://www.glenstone.org/
Parks & Recreation
If you're looking to get a workout in while staying at the Garden Apartment, here are a couple of places I recommend.
Nice locally owned yoga studio with a bunch of locations. Options for classes in person, online, and sometimes in parks!
34 yerel halk öneriyor
Yoga District
500 H St NENice locally owned yoga studio with a bunch of locations. Options for classes in person, online, and sometimes in parks!
Another lovely local yoga studio if you're looking to practice while in the neighborhood.
21 yerel halk öneriyor
Yoga Heights
3506 Georgia Ave NWAnother lovely local yoga studio if you're looking to practice while in the neighborhood.
About a 8 blocks away, there is a giant urban national park with running and hiking trails, a horse barn, golf, tennis, a planetarium, historic structures, picnic tables, and lots more right smack dab in the middle of Washington, DC! https://www.nps.gov/rocr/index.htm
584 yerel halk öneriyor
Rock Creek Parkı
3545 Williamsburg Ln NWAbout a 8 blocks away, there is a giant urban national park with running and hiking trails, a horse barn, golf, tennis, a planetarium, historic structures, picnic tables, and lots more right smack dab in the middle of Washington, DC! https://www.nps.gov/rocr/index.htm
I recommend the Wilson Aquatics Center on Connecticut Ave and Abermarle St NW in Tenleytown – it’s the best indoor pool in DC – with a 50 m x 25 y lap pool, hydropool, and kids pool. Unfortunately the closest pool - Takoma Recreation Center is closed for renovations until 2022
10 yerel halk öneriyor
Wilson Aquatic Center
4551 Fort Dr NWI recommend the Wilson Aquatics Center on Connecticut Ave and Abermarle St NW in Tenleytown – it’s the best indoor pool in DC – with a 50 m x 25 y lap pool, hydropool, and kids pool. Unfortunately the closest pool - Takoma Recreation Center is closed for renovations until 2022
The only National Park with its own rollerskating rink is right here in Washington, DC. And if you happen to be here on weekends in summer, they have a deejay! https://www.nps.gov/anac/planyourvisit/roller-skating.htm
65 yerel halk öneriyor
Anacostia Park
1500 Anacostia DrThe only National Park with its own rollerskating rink is right here in Washington, DC. And if you happen to be here on weekends in summer, they have a deejay! https://www.nps.gov/anac/planyourvisit/roller-skating.htm
Gym and great pool just about a mile from Optimism House. Out of towners can buy a pass to work out here while in town (DC Residents can access for free).
10 yerel halk öneriyor
Takoma Pool/Recreation Center
300 Van Buren St NWGym and great pool just about a mile from Optimism House. Out of towners can buy a pass to work out here while in town (DC Residents can access for free).
Day Trips!
Want to do a day trip? Here are a few ideas out of town!
Baltimore is a cool, far grittier city than DC, and just a 45 minute drive away (depending on traffic). My favorite place to visit there is the American Visionary Art Museum, art produced by self-taught individuals, usually without formal training, whose works arise from an innate personal vision that revels foremost in the creative act itself. I have seen some amazing, totally unique exhibits here. http://www.avam.org/
186 yerel halk öneriyor
Amerikan Vizyoner Sanat Müzesi
800 Key HwyBaltimore is a cool, far grittier city than DC, and just a 45 minute drive away (depending on traffic). My favorite place to visit there is the American Visionary Art Museum, art produced by self-taught individuals, usually without formal training, whose works arise from an innate personal vision that revels foremost in the creative act itself. I have seen some amazing, totally unique exhibits here. http://www.avam.org/
If you're going to head out to Baltimore for a day, definitely check out Nick's Fish House. Beautiful location right on the water and yummy food! Super busy on the weekends, but lots of outdoor spaces.
39 yerel halk öneriyor
Nick's Fish House
2600 Insulator DrIf you're going to head out to Baltimore for a day, definitely check out Nick's Fish House. Beautiful location right on the water and yummy food! Super busy on the weekends, but lots of outdoor spaces.
The Billy Goat Trail Hike at Great Falls Park -- A great hike within 30 minutes of DC, the Billy Goat Trail is challenging (the A section is the tough part) and pretty iconic in these parts. You also get to see the beautiful river and falls at Great Falls. https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/billy-goat-trail.htm
226 yerel halk öneriyor
Büyük Şelale Parkı
9200 Old Dominion DrThe Billy Goat Trail Hike at Great Falls Park -- A great hike within 30 minutes of DC, the Billy Goat Trail is challenging (the A section is the tough part) and pretty iconic in these parts. You also get to see the beautiful river and falls at Great Falls. https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/billy-goat-trail.htm
If you are interested in Presidential History, it’s worth the trip to Northern Virginia to visit George Washington’s Mt. Vernon. The house tour is great, but if you’re there when there’s a festival and the reenactors are out, even better. The gentleman who plays George Washington takes questions from kids of all ages, and really knows his stuff. http://www.mountvernon.org/plan-your-visit/
191 yerel halk öneriyor
George Washington's Mount Vernon
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial HwyIf you are interested in Presidential History, it’s worth the trip to Northern Virginia to visit George Washington’s Mt. Vernon. The house tour is great, but if you’re there when there’s a festival and the reenactors are out, even better. The gentleman who plays George Washington takes questions from kids of all ages, and really knows his stuff. http://www.mountvernon.org/plan-your-visit/
Neighborhoods
Cute and quirky neighborhood to walk around on a day trip to Baltimore with antique shops, record and book stores. And a lovely park right nearby.
114 yerel halk öneriyor
Hampden
Cute and quirky neighborhood to walk around on a day trip to Baltimore with antique shops, record and book stores. And a lovely park right nearby.
City/town information
Looking for a day trip to a historic small city and state capitol right by the water? Look no further than Annapolis!
209 yerel halk öneriyor
Annapolis
Looking for a day trip to a historic small city and state capitol right by the water? Look no further than Annapolis!