Things to Do in the H-Street Corridor in DC

Pretty, Victorian-style brick homes ion a tree-lined street in Washington, DC.

At The Gantry, we are just steps from the H-Street Corridor, a vibrant neighborhood bursting at the seams with fun nightlife, dancing, bars, delicious food, and walkable exploration.

Just one stop away on the Metrorail, or a quick bus ride, will take you to one of the best areas in DC. Known for colorful, charming restored buildings with restaurants, bars, and dance venues operating out of them, this area is ideal for experiencing Washington, DC at it’s most fun.

A revitalization plan adopted in the early 2000s by city planners turned this historic commercial hub, which was devastated by post-WWII politics and white flight in the 60s and 70s, into a once-again economically booming and diverse area.

ARTS TO SEE

H Street is especially known for being an arts hub, so we can only represent a small sampling of what you’ll find there, but here are our personal favorites:

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.

Public Art in the H Street Country Club: The alley outside the H Street Country club is a beloved public mural space featuring colorful paintings created by local artists.

The Gallery O on H is a popular modern art gallery with rotating exhibits. It hosts a diverse range of exhibits, including outsider art. Their charming back patio surrounded by brick also acts as a venue space for music or can be reserved for private events.

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.

WHERE TO DANCE

The heart of a nightlife scene is great places to let loose and dance your heart out to great music. Here are some H Street club spots to show off your moves:

Jimmy Valentine’s Lonely Hearts Club in a great bar with unique lighting and cool drinks that features DJs and an open dance floor on the weekends.

Little Miss Whiskeys has a regular 80s night, and no-cover dancing on the second floor every weekend.

THINGS TO DO

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, 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 performance festival, especially focused by DC-based artists and companies, and on performances that inspires connected 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 especially beloved, 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
Toki Underground
H Street Country Club
District Daiquiri at Sol
Sticky Fingers Diner
Pie Shop
Maketto
Brine

WHERE TO DRINK

Don’t forget that some great wine, beer, and cocktails are everywhere—for a nightcap after dinner, check out these awesome bar locations:

Biergarten Haus
The Pursuit Wine Bar and Kitchen
Copycat Co. Cocktail Bar
The Haymaker Bar
Bar Elena

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.