Your Guide to Columbia Heights, DC
Lifestyle
One of DC’s original streetcar suburbs, Columbia Heights experienced a wave of development in the early 2000s. Today, it stands as a bustling enclave that blends modern architecture with historic buildings both charming and grand.
With its dynamic fusion of architecture, Columbia Heights reels in a mix of creatives, international professionals and, thanks to its leafy parks, bikers and picnickers descend here in droves.
It’s one of DC’s most densely populated ‘hoods, too, supporting a swath of homey restaurants and bars. Plus, a longtime Hispanic population means attractions like the GALA Hispanic Theatre and the Mexican Cultural Institute lend the area a multicultural vibe. Keep reading for everything you should know about this vibrant neighborhood that never slows down!
Things To Do In Columbia Heights
#1 Have a Picnic at Meridian Hill Park: Seeking a slice of Europe without leaving the District behind? Look no further than picturesque Meridian Hill Park. Benches, a large grassy area and tall, shade-producing trees make this destination an ideal spot for relaxing with a book, packing a picnic with your kids, or for taking a jog. On weekends, the greenspace hops with yoga-doing millennials, frisbee-throwing families and, every Sunday afternoon, an African-style drum circle.
#2 Sample the Saturday Farmer’s Market: From April through December, produce farmers, flower sellers, taco-makers and local crafters set up shop on Saturday mornings on a paved plaza near the Metro station on 14th Street NW. Live music and kids activities like balloon-animal making add to the fun. More details here.
#3 Catch a Show At The GALA Hispanic Theatre: Located in a portion of the restored Tivoli Theatre, one of the country’s oldest and most respected Spanish-language theatre groups puts on plays (with simultaneous English translation) and regularly hosts visiting acts like Spanish flamenco dancers and Argentine musicians. Visit website.
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Where to Eat & Drink in Columbia Heights
#1 Bad Saint: Stellar reviews and limited seating mean lines form as early as 3:30 PM at this storied neighborhood gem. Its sophisticated approach to Filipino food elevates a cuisine that has captured the attention (and hearts) of local diners.
#2 El Chucho: While there are plenty of good taco places in the neighborhood, the Mexican street-style corn with mayo and cheese, and frozen margaritas are what makes people return to El Chucho.
#3 Le Caprice: This bakery is beloved for its gourmet breads and pastries. Find regular, chocolate, and almond croissants as well as macarons and hearty breads. And be sure to head over for tiger bread, known to some as Dutch crunch, which features a rice flour paste on top that produces a crackly exterior.
#4 Little Coco’s: For neighborhood Italian, Little Coco’s is a little more ambitious than the usual red sauce joint. The menu features a variety of pasta dishes as well as deep fried and Neapolitan-style thin crust pizzas. There’s a new rooftop beach bar this summer too, dubbed “Coco Beach.”
➤ For more DC wine & dine inspiration be sure to check out:
How to Get Around
Thanks to its centralized location and convenient Metro access, Columbia Heights is an ideal home for people working anywhere in (and around) the city.
The area is served by the Columbia Heights Metro Station, with service on the green and yellow lines, which means that professionals living in the neighborhood enjoy seamless commuting to DC’s many districts.
In addition to the Metro, the area is served by several bus routes, making transportation a breeze no matter where you are headed.
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Homes for Sale: Already sold on Columbia Heights? Check out one of our newest local listings, 770 Girard Street NW, Unit 2E. Contact jsmira@compass.com for more information.
