Recap: 2014 H Street Festival in Washington, DC

Thousands flocked to Northeast Washington on Saturday for the H Street Festival.  The festival spanned 10 blocks and featured more than 200 businesses, restaurants, community organizations and churches.  Vendors were selling jewelry, clothing, household items and other wares. Businesses such as Zipcar, Isagenix and DC Brau were also represented. With performances by various dance troupes, musical acts, and food and drinks of all kinds, there was something for everyone to enjoy.  

Street Performer

The festival started in 1985 and was attended by only about 500 residents then.  Today with over 125,000 people in attendance, the festival attracts everyone from Capitol Hill staffers and young professionals in the DC area to DC natives of all ages.  Recently, H Street has experienced a revival since being deserted after the 1968 riots.  It’s now home to many bars and restaurants and has become a popular area among DC residents and tourists alike.

After strolling the length of the festival, I spent the remainder of my time at the H Street Country Club and one of my favorite bars, Avery’s Bar and Lounge.  I was able to enjoy H Street Country Club’s $7 margaritas and $3 tacos (the pork belly tacos are delicious), and then headed across the street to enjoy Avery’s rooftop party and $20 fishbowls (yes, you read that right…they offer drinks in fishbowls!).  The festival felt like a big day party that spanned blocks.  Count me in for next year!

Exploring Washington, D.C.: Rooftop Bar Crawl in Shaw

This weekend, I had the opportunity to participate in a Rooftop Hawaiian Bar Crawl, right in my own neighborhood of Shaw.  When I go to my neighborhood favorites, I tend to only go to the same places, so I was excited to venture into new bars and restaurants.

The neighborhood of Shaw is considered the area bounded by Massachusetts Avenue NW, New Jersey Avenue, NW, Florida Avenue, NW, and 11th Street, NW.  If you’re not familiar, it’s very close to the bustling area of U Street, where the famous Ben’s Chili Bowl and Lincoln Theatre are located.

First Stop: DC9 (1940 9th St NW, 20001)

Bar crawlers gathered here, where we were immediately “lei’d” upon entering (I love a good theme!).  On the rooftop, we were able to enjoy drink specials and the speciality cocktail, the “Blue Hawaiian” – rum, pineapple juice, sweet and sour mix, and Blue Curacao. This bar had lots of tables and chairs to enjoy food and drinks with friends.

Second Stop: 1905 (1905 9th St NW, 20001)

1905 had a nice, quaint rooftop.  We mixed, mingled and enjoyed free snacks, including bacon-fat covered popcorn.  Yum!  Make sure you go to the second floor of this building, as the first floor is not associated with the bar.

Third Stop: Dunya (801 Florida Ave NW, 20001)

I loved Dunya’s rooftop and it was right in the heart of Shaw, at the corner of Georgia and Florida Avenues.  As I walked onto the rooftop, I took a peak into the restaurant and it seemed so chic that I’ve made a mental note to go back.  It looked like it had the perfect ambiance for an intimate date night.

Fourth Stop: Brixton (901 U St NW, 20001)

Brixton is one of my go-to bars when I want a nice, laid back atmosphere with good music.  Since it’s not quite in the heart of the U Street corridor but still close enough to the craziness, there’s always a fun crowd.

I gave my liver a break and decided to eat since they had food specials from 4-9 pm.  The sliders, fries and samosas were delicious and the perfect bite-sized bar foods.

Fifth Stop: Nellie’s (900 U St NW, 20001)

I was sad for the bar crawl to end but Nellie’s was a great place to finish.  While I had never been, this U Street mainstay is always crowded when I drive by and now I know why.  It has a large deck, great views, and a very friendly staff.

Nellie’s is known to have a fabulous Sunday drag brunch that I’ve been meaning to try.  By the way, don’t you just love these stairs? Great reminder!

If you’re visiting or living in DC, make sure you support these small businesses.  Great drinks, food, music, and atmosphere…everything you need for a fun day or night in DC!  Thanks to Lisa of Growth Matters and Shaw Main Streets for the invite.

Cheers!

Ashlee

Photo Credit: Ashlee Tuck