Neighbourhood: Southeast Washington, DC
1 May 2019
Discover this political pocket quickly finding its groove
Home to the nation’s capital, Washington DC is known for its monuments, world-class museums, and of course politics. As a result, it often gets overlooked as a destination worth exploring. The city’s #DCisOpen campaign – in response to the recent government shutdown – showcases that there are plenty of hidden treasures and quaint neighbourhoods waiting to be explored, if you choose to venture away from the National Mall.
Washington is divided into four distinct quadrants: Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, and Southwest, all of which offer their own distinct vibe. Starting south of the US Capitol building, Southeast DC is made up of a diverse community of neighbourhoods that stretch all the way west, across the Anacostia River.
Today, it’s one of the city’s fastest-growing areas in terms of development and gentrification. You can find everything from 200-year old houses in the historic Capitol Hill neighbourhood to lively baseball games at Nationals Park in the Navy Yard, as well as Michelin-starred restaurants, artisanal coffee shops and desserts.
The neighbourhoods of Southeast DC are best explored on foot; so put on your comfiest pair of shoes and head out.
Start At Slipstream DC
Given the work ethic of DC locals, it’s no surprise that the district has its fair share of artisanal roasters and specialty coffee shops. But Slipstream, founded by husband-and-wife duo Miranda Mirabella and Ryan Fleming, does things a little differently. By day, the cafe serves pour over coffees and breakfast – if you’re visiting on a weekend, brunch is not to be missed, neither should their artisanal toasts – before it makes the switch into a relaxed bar with a well-crafted cocktail menu, plus a selection of wines and local draft beers.
82 I Street SE, Washington, DC, +1-202-560-5095. slipstreamdc.com
An 11-minute walk past Nationals Stadium to Anacostia Riverwalk Trail
Walking south from Nationals Stadium leads you to the end of the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, a 28-mile recreational area along both sides of the Anacostia River. The Riverwalk Trail provides both locals and tourists a new way to experience the city with bike paths, picnic areas, a skateboard park, and much cleaner water views. The Anacostia, once considered to be one of the most polluted rivers in the US, has seen a change in recent years due to a decade of consistent cleanup and most recently, a US$2.6 billion sewer upgrade responsible for diverting household waste headed to the river. The Ballpark Boathouse, which opens in the spring, rents kayaks and canoes, offering a chance to explore DC by water.
100 Potomac Avenue, SE Washington DC, capitolriverfront.org/go/anacostia-riverwalk-trail
A seven-minute walk to Steadfast Supply
What started as a pop-up by founder and designer Virginia Arrisueño now has a brick-and-mortar store at the Yards Park to call home. This 3,000- square-foot space features carefully curated items from 100 independent brands from all over the country, with an emphasis on local, DC-based artisans. They offer something for everyone – perfect for unique souvenirs – home goods, jewellery, clothing, and more, including Arrisueño’s own line, DeNada, of handmade Peruvian alpaca knits. The store also hosts a variety of events from wellness classes to paint n’ sip nights.
301 Tingey Street SE, #120 (Entrance on Water Street), +1-202–308–4441. steadfastsupplydc.com
A one-minute walk to District Winery
Inside DC’s first urban winery, you’ll find California native and lead winemaker Conor McCormack either overseeing the winemaking process or giving tour groups a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into making wines in the city. Instead of growing their own grapes, the winery sources them mainly from the West Coast before the regular wine-making process of destemming, fermentation, and aging can begin. Their first wine, a dry rosé, is a nod to the district’s long-held love of this pink drink (with a consumption exceeding that of every other state). Tours of the vast space – which also has a tasting room, event space, and restaurant overlooking the Anacostia – run at 6pm every Monday to Friday, and at 1pm on weekends.
385 Water Street, +1-202-484-9210. districtwinery.com
A four-minute walk followed by a four-minute bus (four stops) to Eastern Market
Set in the historic Capitol Hill neighbourhood, this landmark building has served as a public market since its completion in 1873. On weekends, there is an outdoor flea and farmer’s market with vendors selling everything from fresh produce and locally-made foods to one-of-a-kind art and vintage clothing. Grab a bite to eat at Market Lunch, a popular food stall that’s been serving breakfast and lunch inside Eastern Market since 1978.
225 7th St, +1-202-698-5253. easternmarket-dc.org
A one-minute walk to Capitol Hill Books
Across the street from Eastern Market, in a narrow, quintessential Capitol Hill rowhouse, is a treasure trove for book- lovers. Beloved by locals, Capitol Hill Books offers three chaotic and mildly claustrophobic levels of used and rare books for sale; no space is book-free, including the bathroom, which houses the foreign language section. Last year, it was sold by owner Jim Toole to a group of patrons and former employees in order to preserve its 28-year old legacy as an independent bookstore.
657 C Street, +1-202-544-1621. capitolhillbooks-dc.com
A nine-minute walk to Rose’s Luxury
Located among the slew of dining options along Barracks Row, this one-Michelin-starred restaurant by chef Aaron Silverman has taken the DC dining scene by storm since its opening in 2014. Considered to be one of the district’s best and most creative restaurants, their ever-changing seasonal menu features small plates, fresh pastas, and family-style meat dishes. Their new same-day online reservation system means that diners no longer need to spend an hour or more waiting in its notorious lines.
717 8th St, +1-202-580-8889. rosesluxury.com
A seven-minute walk to Pitango Gelato
Satisfy your post-dinner sweet tooth with a serving or two of gelato from Pitango Gelato, a local, family-owned chain. Using fruits from local orchards, organic milk and free-range eggs from its own dairy farm in Pennsylvania, every flavor of gelato and sorbet is churned in-store to ensure freshness. In the mood for gelato? Try the chocolate hazelnut gianduja and nocciola. For sorbets, the bosc pear and mojito come highly recommended.
660 Pennsylvania Avenue, +1-202-701-6222. pitangogelato.com
Words: Christabel Lobo