Destination H Street
H Street is right at that point where it has all the tools for a great night but not that many people know about it. What do I mean? Unlike its cousin neighborhoods: Adams Morgan, U Street, Chinatown, etc., you can place your order at the bar without a crazy crowd on a Friday night, you can get a table at its most popular eating establishments without having to wait a ridiculous amount of time and there’s no metro close by so you can avoid the tourist crowds. Sadly, I do not venture here often and spend most of my time in the cousin neighborhoods, but after a recent media dinner in the neighborhood, I had an excuse to hop in a cab to the other side of town. Here the five reasons I will spend most of my summer in this neighborhood:
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1. Smith Commons: Design 36ixty is the mastermind behind a decor that combines classic high-back chairs with soft lounge furniture. The three level space brings the contemporary, trendy setting often found in other parts of the city to the Atlas Arts District. With plenty of patio space to catch up with friends, I will surely enjoy one of the $5 cocktails offered at happy hour (5 pm-7 pm) once this weather lightens up.
2. The Pug: Why did I not know about this place?! Relax, throw on your jeans with the holes in them and pull up a seat at the bar after a long work week. They have few rules but one of them is no talk of politics, unheard of in the District! But I love it especially when I’m just looking for a drink and some light conversation.
3. Fruit Bat: Between the soft sounds of old school reggae playing in the background and the fresh seasonal juice cocktails, I was slightly hypnotized into believing I was in a small lounge in Jamaica instead of in DC in 30 degree weather. Fruit Bat prides itself on letting you choose your own poison: Choose vodka, gin, rum, etc., then choose your liqueur (i.e. sweet? tart?) and then pick your seasonal fruit. It brings the flavor of the beach to the concrete world of DC.
4. The Palace of Wonders: Choose your friend who is the biggest prude for this adventure. The Palace of Wonders epitomizes what H street represents: the Atlas Arts District, basically be who you are, no matter how off the beaten path that takes you. The burlesque show will make your prude friend flinch at the sight of the live comedic striptease act. Bring cash, they are not down with the plastic.
5. Horace and Dickies: Now this is where you’re going to run into the long line. It is, however, oh so worth it. Talk about the guilty pleasures of food piled onto one plate: fried, crispy, golden brown fish on top of soft white bread. All the greasiness necessary to end a good night…I would not suggest starting with this on your trek through the neighborhood, it can make you a little lethargic and this where the night may end. Start with a cocktail or two and indulge on your way out. *Bring cash, they’re not down with the plastic either…
Category: Food.Fun.Stuff., restaurant reviews, Washington D.C.
About the Author (Author Profile)
Johnna French is a Harlem NY native with deep roots in Panama, Washington, DC and North Carolina. All four places have heavily influenced her life and the foods she loves today. After graduating Howard University School of Law and beginning her life as a young professional in the city she was led to start Johnna Knows Good Food in November 2007 to keep family, friends and colleagues updated on where to go and what to eat while dining in the nation’s capitol. French, who still practices law, leads a team of three writers to cover the ever expanding Washington, DC food scene. French has been featured in print and television, appearing in Washingtonian Magazine and is a regular contributor to various local TV affiliates including WUSA 9, FOX 5 DC and WJLA (ABC Affiliate) News Channel 8. During the 2016-2017 football season, Johnna aired on Comcast Sports Mid-Atlantic (CSN) show, Redskins Life, as the weekly tailgate host. Johnna is currently a regular contributor to the FOX Baltimore Weekend morning show.Subscribe
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Great post Johnna. You should check out Granville Moore’s the next time you’re in that area. And get the muscles. Your tastebuds will thank you.
The next time you’re on H Street you should check out Granville Moore’s and get the muscles with one of their great beers. I’m a huge fan.
Ooo thanks for the suggestion;-) I have heard alot of good things about that spot.
Thanks;-) Will do, the mussels have received rave reviews.