Things to Do in the H-Street Corridor in DC

The H-Street Corridor is a vibrant DC neighborhood bursting at the seams with great boutiques, galleries, fun nightlife, dancing, delicious food, and walkable exploration.

A revitalization plan adopted in the early 2000s by city planners turned this historic commercial hub, which experienced a decline in the 60s and 70s, into a once-again economically booming and diverse area.

ARTS & CULTURE

This vibrant neighborhood known for its lively creative scene, including several art galleries:

• Atlas Performing Arts Center is a non-profit cultural hub originally built in the ‘30s. While it remained empty for many year, in the early 2000s restoring The Atlas became a part of revitalization efforts. It hosts a variety of live performance, include dance, theatre, film, and music.
• Mehari Square Gallery is a special independent art gallery focused on contemporary art by women-identified artists of the African diaspora. They also host a film series and aim to educate on Black art history through their programs.
• Creative Grounds DC - This hybrid art gallery and café offers a community space for artists, with rotating exhibitions of local art, including photography, painting, and mixed media. They also provide workshops and art classes.
• The Fridge DC - Although it's slightly off the H-Street corridor, this gallery is known for showcasing street art, graffiti, and alternative art forms.

FESTIVALS & FUN STUFF

H Street is known for a variety of festivals and recreation.

• The H Street Festival brings people from far and wide to delight in the unique cultural offerings at H Street. Annually in September, along 11 blocks, over 150,000 people gather to meet artists and local arts vendors, food vendors, and live performances.
• The H Street Farmers Market takes place weekly. Run by FarmFresh markets, these vendors offer fresh produce, coffee and food, cider, fermented foods, and more.
• The Intersections Festival is hosted by the above mentioned Atlas Performing Arts Center. This annual performance festival focuses DC-based artists and companies and inspire and connect community.
• Sherwood Recreations Center, managed by the DC Department and Parks and Recreation, in an indoor/outdoor center along H Street offering a gym, fitness room, games room, community garden, basketball courts, tennis courts, and a track. The playground is also popular, with modern and unique play equipment.

WHERE TO EAT

You can hardly walk three feet along the main drag of H street without encountering a hip and exciting eatery. Here are some of our favorites:

• Ethiopic Restaurant - A popular spot for authentic Ethiopian cuisine.
• Toki Underground - A well-known ramen restaurant with unique cocktails and Asian fusion dishes.
• Pie Shop - A tiny, hip bakery offering sweet and savory pies, along with live music upstairs.
• Maketto - A mix of Asian-inspired food, fashion, and occasional art exhibitions.
• Cane - A Caribbean-inspired restaurant with a focus on Trinidadian street food.
• Irregardless - An elegant space offering a variety of American and internationally influenced dishes.
• The Little Grand - A cozy neighborhood pizza spot known for wood-fired pizzas and cocktails.
• Chupacabra Taqueria - A vibrant taco stand offering a wide variety of delicious tacos and Mexican street food.
• The Queen Vic - A British-style pub offering a selection of traditional pub fare and beers.
• Sticky Rice - A popular sushi spot offering a blend of Japanese cuisine and American fusion dishes.
• Granville Moore's - A Belgian-inspired gastropub known for mussels, fries, and craft beers.
• Bronze - A newly opened restaurant focusing on Afrofuturistic cuisine and storytelling.
• Hiraya - A chic restaurant offering modern Filipino cuisine with a contemporary twist.

WHERE TO CAFFEINATE

• Sidamo - Family-owned Ethiopian café in DC known for its traditional coffee ceremonies and organic brews.
• The Ministry - A lively coffee and wine bar known for its craft drinks and vibrant atmosphere.
• Also check out Solid State Books below!

WHERE TO SHOP

H Street is an arts district with plenty of shops boasting unique goods, art, records, books, and more. Here are some spots to find great gifts, souvenirs, or home goods.

• Solid State Books - An independent bookstore offering a wide selection of books, author events, and a cozy café for readers.
• Cool Kids Vinyl - A record store specializing in vinyl records, DJ gear, and music-related events.
• A Ma Maniere - A high-end boutique known for its premium streetwear, footwear, and collaborations with top fashion brands.
• Sankofa Boutique - A boutique celebrating African and African-American culture through fashion, art, and books, with a focus on community engagement.

BARS & NIGHTLIFE

Some popular H-Street spots to enjoy a drink or show off your moves:

• Jimmy Valentine’s Lonely Hearts Club - A great bar with unique lighting and cool drinks that features DJs and an open dance floor on the weekends.
• Little Miss Whiskeys Golden Dollar Has a regular 80s night, and no-cover dancing on the second floor every weekend.
• The Haymaker Bar - Casual neighborhood bar known for its cocktails, craft beer, and laid-back atmosphere.
• The Pug - No-frills dive bar with a great selection of beers and a laid-back vibe, perfect for hanging out with friends.
• Copycat Co - A unique bar offering Asian street food on the first floor and creative cocktails upstairs.
• The Ministry - A lively coffee and wine bar known for its craft drinks and vibrant atmosphere.

COME HOME TO THE GANTRY

Located only .6 miles away from the H-Street Corridor in the Union Market District, The Gantry is an exciting new residential community that puts you in the center of culture, cuisine, and creativity. Enjoy modern new apartments with huge windows, luxe finishes, and fantastic amenities such as our rooftop pool, fitness and wellness spaces, community clubhouse, co-working, and more. Explore available floorplans today.