Originally referred to by its cross streets of “18th and Columbia,” Adams Morgan didn’t get its name until the 1950s. This came about after the principals of two local elementary schools that were racially segregated decided to start working together. John Quincy Adams School on 19th Street, which had a white student population, and Thomas P. Morgan School, which had a Black student population, worked with residents and created the Adams-Morgan Better Neighborhood Conference with the mission of peacefully desegregating the schools. When the city eventually formalized the neighborhood, it was named Adams Morgan in recognition of the educators’ efforts.
Adams Morgan has long been a lively neighborhood, recognized as a destination for nightlife. It is also home to some of the best restaurants and shops in the city. There’s plenty to explore and you’ll never be at a loss for something to do in Adams Morgan, including attending one of the many festivals the neighborhood hosts throughout the year. The upcoming Adams Morgan Day Festival will be held on Sept. 8 this year. The free festival features live music and international food as well as sidewalk vendors and cultural performances.
What to Do:
Visit Local Coffee Shops
Tryst is a great spot to visit if you’re looking to get some work done, sit down with a good book or catch up with friends. This cozy coffee shop has become a neighborhood staple over the years. The menu offers seasonal drinks that are accompanied by the coffee shop’s signature of two animal crackers. Tryst is also a great place to take in live music on select nights like their “Music Mondays” series. The coffee shop also supports local artists by displaying rotating artwork on the walls throughout the café. Located at 2459 18th St. NW.
Yerevan Cafe is a place to try Armenian food and experience cultural events like traditional coffee making, wine tastings, as well as discussions with authors and artists. The menu features traditional Armenian dishes and the cafe is also known for its sweet and savory pastry offerings. Keep up to date on the café’s events on its website. Located at 2204 18th St. NW.
Go Shopping
There are lots of opportunities to support locally owned businesses in Adams Morgan by visiting any of the many shops in the neighborhood.
Lost City Books is an independently owned multilevel bookstore where you can discover new reading material. Located at 2467 18th St. NW.
Urban Dwell is a veteran-owned, boutique gift shop where you can find anything from home decor to accessories. Located at 1837 Columbia Road NW.
Mercedes Bien Vintage, the long running vintage shop is the perfect place to spend an afternoon if you're looking to do some thrifting. Take your time perusing through the endless offerings of clothes, jewelry and shoes. Located at 2423 18th St. NW.
Because Science is a gift shop that also has space designated for a craft lab. The store is a celebration of the fusion of science and art. You can buy decorative science-themed items like jewelry, greeting cards, stickers and much more. The store also has a space with plenty of free events including mostly free adult classes, presentations and science festivals. Located at 1759 Columbia Road NW.
Karaoke
Bring some friends and sing your heart out at Muzette, a karaoke joint with a small dining area serving home-style Korean dishes. Muzette has over 70,000 songs to choose from in various languages including Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Spanish and Vietnamese. You can book rooms starting at $35 an hour thanks to happy hour specials Muzette runs. Located at 2305 18th St. NW.
Stand-Up Comedy Show
Hotbed comedy club hosts some of the best stand-up comedians in D.C. every week. Hotbed’s DC's Best features rising local comics along with occasional sets from up-and-coming comics visiting from across the country. Tickets are around $25. Hotbed also hosts free shows every week that feature short sets from 10 to 15 different comics. Registration is not required to attend a free show, but seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Located at 2477 18th St. NW.
Visit an Art Gallery
DC Arts Center is dedicated to fostering underrepresented artists in every discipline. It is a great place to view work from local artists. You can stroll through the art gallery for free or see a show at the theater. Located at 2438 18th St. NW.
Where to Eat:
Tsehay: This Ethiopian restaurant has been mentioned in the Michelin Guide for three consecutive years. The menu features classic, flavorful Ethiopian dishes with plenty of vegetarian and gluten free options. Entrees are typically around $20. Located at 2429 18th St. NW.
The Diner: Open 24/7, this modern take on the classic diner serves up classic comfort food like burgers and shakes with plenty of breakfast favorites also on the menu. Most dishes are around $10 to $20. Located at 2453 18th St. NW.
Bukom Cafe: This restaurant has been open since 1992, specializing in West African cuisine. The menu highlights traditionally prepared dishes from Senegal, Nigeria, Ghana and Liberia. Most entrees are around $20. Bukom Cafe is also a destination to enjoy live music. Located at 2442 18th St. NW.
BUL Korean: This restaurant specializes in Korean comfort foods with traditional favorites like Odeng Soup on the menu and innovative signature dishes like K-Pork Fried Rice. Entrees are typically around $20. Located at 2431 18th St. NW.
Taqueria Al Lado: The tortillas at Taqueria Al Lado are made in-house and the menu features Mexican street food like elote, tacos and quesadillas. Prices for tacos are $4.50 and menu items range at about $10 to $15. Located at 1792 Columbia Road NW.
Sakuramen: The chefs at Sakuramen strive to create the best ramen in the world. Most bowls are less than $20 and come in a variety of broths. Located at 2441 18th St. NW.
Lucky Buns: This restaurant takes flavors from all over the world to craft their beef burgers and chicken sandwiches, ranging from $15 to $17. Located at 2000 18th St. NW.
The Cakeroom: Satisfy your sweet tooth with a slice of pie or any of the many baked goods offered at this Adams Morgan bakery. The treats at The Cakeroom are made from scratch with a wide array of baked good options like brownies, lemon bars, cupcakes, cheesecakes and more. Individual desserts are priced around $4 to $6. Located at 2006 18th St NW.
How to get there:
From Foggy Bottom:
● Metrorail: Take the Red line train from Farragut North toward Shady Grove to the Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan stop. Then, walk along the Duke Ellington Memorial Bridge until Calvert Street NW becomes 18th Street NW.
● Metrobus: Take the 42 or 43 north toward Mount Pleasant from 23rd and G streets NW or catch it later in the route at 18th St. and Pennsylvania Ave. Hop off at Columbia Rd. and 18th St. NW.
From Mount Vernon:
● Campus Shuttles: Take the Vern Express from the Mount Vernon campus to the Foggy Bottom campus. Then, use the Metrorail or Metrobus methods mentioned above.
