Your Guide to Shaw, DC
Lifestyle
A historically African-American neighborhood with a storied past, Shaw is home to the 1910 Howard Theatre, where jazz greats like Ella Fitzgerald and DC local Duke Ellington once performed. Today, Shaw is known as one of the city’s hippest enclaves — a place where urban attractions and residential charm collide. Between its craft cocktail bars, beer gardens, indie clothing boutiques, and trendy global restaurants, Shaw is a place with something for everyone to enjoy. Keep reading to discover why it’s one of DC’s most beloved destinations — and to learn what to do on your next visit!
What To Do In Shaw, DC
#1 Catch a show at the Howard Theater: During the first half of the 20th century, crowds would flock to this iconic theater to catch the jazz stylings of big names like Ella Fitzgerald and Marvin Gaye — to name just a few. Restored in 2007, the two-level concert hall now hosts jazz, rock, and blues acts. A statue of DC-born Duke Ellington, who played here, sits outside the theater.
#2 Immerse yourself in history: Nestled on a corner plaza, this outdoor memorial pays tribute to African-American Civil War soldiers with a dramatic statue of combatants and walls listing the names of 209,145 soldiers who fought for the Union in the Civil War. A small museum contains related photos, letters, and uniforms.
#3 Watch a movie at Atlantic Plumbing: Glam decor, a trendy bar set-up, and a roster of indie movies keep this boutique cinema buzzing with locals. The on-site bar serves up inventive cocktails, wine, and small bites to enjoy while you wait or while you watch.
Where To Eat & Drink
With new restaurants and bars opening their doors virtually every day, it’s almost hard to keep up with Shaw’s eclectic dining scene. The good news there? Getting bored isn’t really an option. Here are a few of our favorite local spots!
#1 Emmy Squared: It may be the latest New York restaurant group to enter DC, but this pizza-fueled spot channels Detroit-style pies. The wings and burgers are also serious contenders to consider ordering as a main or side dish.
#2 Right Proper: This homegrown brewpub earns its hospitably Southern name by dishing up macaroni and cheese, fried chicken sandwiches, potato salad, plus traditional bar fare like pretzel bread and bratwurst. The ever-evolving beer menu includes offerings with names like “Raised By Wolves” and “The Duke,” which pays tribute to a U Street jazz legend Duke Ellington.
#3 Columbia Room: Although it’s been named the best bar in America by Esquire, Columbia Room isn’t resting on its accolades. In fact, the bar is constantly reinventing itself, adding new cocktails to its spirits library and developing themed-tasting menus that up the ante on what they’ve done to date.
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How To Get Around
One thing Shaw locals don’t have to worry about? Getting around. Not only does the neighborhood have two dedicated metro stops along the green and yellow lines (at Shaw-Howard University and U Street), but it also boasts several major bus lines that run through main street like U Street, 7th Street, Rhode Island, and 14th Street. The bottom line? Residents here are never stranded — or far from their next destination.
The Lifestyle
Shaw was mostly developed in the early 1900s with urban residential streets and bustling commercial districts side by side. It was the home to cultural luminaries before the Harlem Renaissance and has held on to that proud heritage despite economic decline in the 1980s. Today’s Washington residents are experiencing a renaissance of their own here thanks to Shaw’s blend of historic and modern homes alongside revitalized retail, trendy restaurants, and pulsing nightlife.
Shaw has everything you need in close proximity, from shops, cafes, bars, eclectic alleys, and restaurants to a newly rebuilt Giant inhabiting the shell of a restored 19th-century market. But when you do need to venture out, it’s just one stop south on the Green Line metro to the Convention Center and downtown — or north to the bustling Columbia Heights corridor. And if you prefer walking, you can soak in DC’s residential and urban mix as you stroll downtown or even to the National Mall.
Home to families who have spanned generations, Shaw is also a hotspot for younger families and single professionals who appreciate the vitality of an urban lifestyle. Streets like 9th and 7th are rapidly developing into the city’s favorite foodie destination for drinking and dining.
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The Shaw Real Estate Market
Prospective buyers can expect a mix of single-family and multi-unit row homes and modern loft condominiums, while newly constructed luxury condominiums provide increased housing options in the heart of the neighborhood.
In December 2021, Logan Circle-Shaw home prices were up 16.2% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $808K. On average, homes in Logan Circle-Shaw sell after 39 days on the market compared to 39 days last year. There were 102 homes sold in December this year, down from 117 last year.
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Find Your Place In Shaw, DC
Already sold on Shaw? We don’t blame you! Luckily, the neighborhood offers up a dynamic blend of housing options — from curated condos to luxury single-family townhomes. Browse this list to find the one that’s right for you!
Or contact us to buy and sell in Shaw DC today!
