Shaw, located just below U Street NW, is a historically African-American neighborhood that was once home to D.C.’s great jazz scene. These days, it is a Northwest cool-kid hangout filled with dive bars, cute alleyways, and some of the best Ethiopian food in D.C.
First, Coffee!
Start the day with a cardamom latte and pastry from The Coffee Bar on S Street NW. The people-watching on their tree-covered patio is unbeatable. Or try The Royal. a Latin American restaurant with some of the best and most creative coffee in D.C. Last time, I got a pink pepper rosemary cortado. And of course, the oat milk draft latte at La Colombe in Blagden Alley is also a winner.
What To Eat
I have a list as long as my arm of restaurant recs in Shaw. But to start, I would check out 9th Street NW, also known as D.C.’s “little Ethiopia.” There, you’ll find Habesha Market, and a little farther south, Cher Cher, with some of the best Ethiopian in the city.
If you’re going upscale, you can’t do any better than the Peruvian restaurant Causa, although Rob Rubba’s vegan restaurant Oyster Oyster puts up some stiff competition. For an underrated gem, try Qui Qui or Pho House.
Cher Cher. (Kaela Cote-Stemmermann/City Cast DC)
What To Do
Shake off that food coma; it’s time to hit the town. Nightlife is where Shaw shines. (So much so that some grumpy neighbors tried to ban liquor licenses there a couple years ago.) Tear up the floor at 9:30 Club or see a show at DC9. Or if you don’t want to sweat, catch a production at Howard Theater or walk up a block to Atlantic Plumbing for an indie flick.
What To Drink
Shaw has a plethora of what I call “first date bars,” casual, borderline divey spots that are perfect for cheap drinks and a chat. Passenger, All Souls, and Lost & Found are all perfect for that. 600 T is an intimate speakeasy with a wooden interior and cozy fireplace. And of course, no trip to Shaw is complete without a wander down Blagden Alley, where you can visit Calico, a bar specializing in adult juice boxes and tater tots.
