This neighborhood is known for hosting community-driven events that celebrate the rich local art and culture scene in D.C. From its amazing restaurants and cozy coffee shops to its year-round pop-up events, there’s always something to do along H Street NE.
You won’t want to miss the upcoming H Street Festival, a hugely popular celebration that spans 12 blocks and offers a bit of everything for everyone. With 15 themed stages showcasing live music, dance, fashion, heritage arts, poetry and more, it’s no wonder the event draws in over 100,000 visitors.
The festival began 19 years ago as a small block party with only a few hundred attendees before exploding into the destination event it is today. This year, the festivities will be held on Sept. 21. You'll find vendors from local restaurants and shops, food trucks, dancing, live performances and much more!
Things to do:
Catch a Show at the Atlas Performing Arts Center: This non-profit performing arts venue is home to a diverse set of beautiful and entertaining performances in film, dance, music, theater, spoken word and much more. There are often free events in the lobby and opportunities to perform yourself at their open mic nights. Visit the venue’s website to find workshops, events and upcoming events to attend. Located at 1333 H St. NE.
Grab a slice of pie, catch a live show at The Pie Shop: On the first floor of The Pie Shop, you'll find a cozy dining area and a tempting menu featuring sweet and savory pies. Try the barbecue pulled pork pie for a hearty option or get into the fall spirit with the apple crumble pie. Pie slices are typically around $10. The upstairs of The Pie Shop is a live music venue that hosts a variety of artists each week. With tickets typically priced around $15, it’s the perfect spot for food and live entertainment. Located at 1339 H St. NE.
Explore the H Street Farmers' Market: The farmers' market is held from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays. The market opens for the season starting on April 6 and runs until Dec. 21. You can find everything from organic fruits and vegetables to grass-fed meats and pasture-raised eggs. Local vendors also sell sweet and savory baked goods, locally roasted coffee and much more. Located at 800 13th St. NE.
Try traditional Ethiopian coffee at Sidamo Coffee & Tea: Traditional Ethiopian coffee is prepared through a meticulous process of slow-roasting and grinding coffee beans, then brewing the coffee in a clay pot called a jebena. The coffee is served in small, brightly decorated cups. Enjoying coffee this way is a staple of Ethiopian culture and can be experienced at Sidamo Coffee. The coffee shop also serves smoothies, teas, lattes and breakfast staples. Menu items range around $5 to $10. Located at 417 H St. NE.
Ride the Streetcar: Explore all the shops and restaurants along H Street NE by riding the free streetcar. The streetcar goes from Union Station to Oklahoma Avenue along H Street NE and Benning Road. From Monday to Thursday, the streetcar operates from 6 a.m. to midnight. On Fridays and Saturdays, the streetcar runs until 2 a.m. On Sundays, it runs until 10 p.m. Visit the website to view the streetcar schedule and to receive service alerts.
Where to eat:
Cane: This Caribbean restaurant is renowned for serving delicious Trinidadian street food. Don’t miss the popular jerk wings or other flavorful dishes like oxtails and curried chicken. Entrees are typically priced around $20. Located at 403 H St. NE.
Copycat Co.: This Chinese restaurant offers a delightful array of dishes inspired by traditional street foods. Try the delicious chicken or lamb skewers. The menu also features soups, dumplings, noodles and traditional rice-based dishes. The entrees at Copycat Co. range around $15 to $25. Located at 1110 H St. NE.
Toki Underground: This popular ramen bar serves up rich, flavorful bowls of broth and noodles. Also, on the menu are steamed buns, dumplings and other Japanese-inspired small plates. Entrees at Toki Underground are about $20. Located at 1234 H St. NE.
Tiki Garden Thai Street Food: This Thai restaurant features classic dishes like pad thai, panang curry and drunken noodles. Don’t forget to try their crispy Thai donuts or mango sticky rice for dessert. Entrees at Tiki Garden range from $15 to $20. Located at 1252 H St. NE.
Milk and Honey Southern Inspired Kitchen: If you’re looking for a new brunch destination, give Milk and Honey a visit. This restaurant has an all-day brunch menu with classic dishes like berries and cream toast or their award-winning shrimp and grits. Menu items range from $15 to $25. Located at 1116 H St. NE.
How to get there:
From Foggy Bottom
- Metrorail: Take the Blue, Orange or Silver line train from Foggy Bottom toward New Carrolton or Largo. Get off at the McPherson Square Metrorail Station. Then catch the X2 bus heading toward Minnesota Station at H and 14th streets NW. Hop off at H and 3rd streets NE.
- Metrobus: Take the 32 or 36 toward Southern Avenue from 23rd and I streets NW. Hop off at H Street NW and Madison Place NW. Then take the X2 going toward Minnesota Avenue Station. Ride 11 stops until you reach H and 3rd streets NE.
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 directions above.
