Welcome to Columbia Heights
A revitalized and eclectic neighborhood minutes away from downtown D.C.
Just two miles north of downtown and the National Mall, Columbia Heights offers residential living with the convenience of ample amenities. In the 1900s, the area was originally planned to be the upscale living quarters of government officials. It quickly became one of the most affluent neighborhoods in Washington D.C. The addition of Columbia Heights Station in 1999 saw an influx of new residents and construction that revitalized the city.
The architecture in Columbia Heights ranges from 19th-century Victorian row houses to luxury condominiums. Historic landmarks, like the 1924 Tivoli Theater and the cascading fountains at Meridian Hill Park, have been beautifully preserved alongside modern buildings. The opening of DC USA in 2008 brought national chain stores and restaurants to the area while boutique storefronts and fine-dining options can be found on 11th Street. Wide tree-lined sidewalks make it a great walking city. Public transportation allows easy access to other parts of Washington D.C. The Green and Yellow Metro Lines run north to south into downtown, as do local buses along 14th and 16th Streets.
What to Love
- Quick commute to downtown DC
- Amenities within walking distance
- Numerous retail stores and restaurants
- A vibrant and varied food scene
Local Lifestyle
Columbia Heights is often bustling with pedestrian traffic. Neighborhoods are within walking distance to grocery stores and retail shops. Public buses and bicycles are preferred over personal transportation adding to the urban feel of Columbia Heights. Residents like to frequent the many restaurants and bars along 11th and 14th Streets.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Columbia Heights has a fantastic food scene. A local hangout on 11th Street is El Chucho, a taqueria bar with great happy hour and brunch menus. Across the street is Bad Saint, a Filipino restaurant that earned a James Beard Award for Best Chef. Makan is a Malaysian restaurant known for hearty rice and noodle dishes and is a popular spot with the brunch crowd. It’s next to The Thirsty Crow, a sports bar serving burgers, wings, and food from Makan itself. For wood oven pizzas and craft beers, head over to RedRocks. Or if you’re looking for diner fare, there’s The Coupe, a neighborhood café and bar where former President Obama was spotted twice. On weekends, the Wonderland Ballroom is open late for drinks with DJs and music.
Another restaurant haven is 14th Street. Thip Khao Lao Cuisine is a well-known local favorite that serves tasty curries and stir-fries. Across the street is Pho Viet, a family-run restaurant serving authentic Vietnamese food. For vegetarian options, CAVA is a Mediterranean restaurant offering ready-to-eat customizable bowls and pita sandwiches. French bakery, Le Caprice, boasts the best croissants in town.
DC USA also has many department stores and restaurants to choose from. Letena Ethiopian Restaurant serves authentic cuisine with vegetarian options. Next door is Mi Cuba Café. For casual Indian cuisine, Bombay Street Food across the street is highly rated. For alcohol purchases, D’Vines has craft beer, wines, and spirits predominately from local producers.
Things to Do
In addition to shopping and dining, there are several green spaces scattered around the city. European-styled Meridian Hill Park is great for picnics or even just people-watching. The park also hosts events sometimes on nights and weekends. Close to the boutique stores, 11th and Monroe Street Park is another popular spot to sit and relax. Just a couple of blocks away is the off-leash Columbia Heights Dog Park for those with furry friends.
The Civic Plaza has outdoor concerts and the weekly Freshfarm Farmers Market. Every Saturday, vendors sell handmade crafts, farm-fresh ingredients, locally grown produce, and some ready-to-eat fare. The historic Tivoli Theater is now home to the GALA Hispanic Theater which hosts English and Spanish performances.
