Located in DC’s Northwest quadrant, Columbia Heights is one of the district’s most well-known and historic neighborhoods. Notorious for being Jazz legend Duke Ellington’s home in the 1920’s, the neighborhood is now known for its more affordable housing, major retailers such as Target and Best Buy, and many accessible transportation options. However, where you can find most of the locals is on 11^th Street, a quieter row where there are traditional row houses and excellent eateries.

Here are 4 places you can’t miss when you’re in the area:

El Chucho

Located on the corner of 11^th St and Lamont St in a bright turquoise row house with a large rooftop patio, El Chucho is serving some of The District’s most affordable Latin-inspired eats. Don’t miss their All-Night Happy Hour on Monday’s, when house Margaritas and chicken or beef tacos will only run you $5.50 and $3, respectively. For those in search of brunch on the weekends, El Chucho offers a brunch entrée such as Chilaquiles, plus bottomless mimosas, for only $23.95. If you find yourself here, be sure to try to ‘lengua’ tacos and the ‘elote’.

The Coupe

The Coupe is a local favorite for breakfast and brunch, although they’re open for lunch and dinner as well. The space is brightly lit and airy, with comfortable seating for waiting, and large booths and tables to accommodate any party. By day, Columbia Heights residents are sat with coffee in hand working on their laptops, and by night, the bar area is lively, especially for Tuesday Night Trivia. Come here for classics such as ‘Two Eggs Any Style’, or try something a little exotic like the ‘Masala Scramble.’ Two personal favorites are the ‘Hashbrown Bowl’, and the ‘Bloody Cowboy’, a BBQ twist on the ‘Bloody Mary.’

The Wonderland Ballroom

There aren’t many establishments where you can dance the night away to 90’s hip hop on a Saturday, and have an unassuming, yet hardy breakfast the very next morning. Wonderland Ballroom fits that bill. Patrons can enjoy their fare on the tree-filled patio, sat on picnic benches under twinkling lights, or the inside with a dive bar feel, with walls covered in pictures and posters related to life in DC. Try one of their skillets, like ‘The Hacienda’, with crispy hash browns, plenty of cheese, eggs, and a smoky salsa.

Bad Saint

Out of the other establishments in the list, Bad Saint is the most exclusive and upscale, even one of the most exclusive restaurants in America. It’s been called the country’s most popular Filipino restaurant, and for good reason.  They cannot accommodate parties over four, so if you are planning to go here, be prepared to wait in line for one of the few coveted spots in the small dining room. People have been known to line up around the block as early at 3pm in order to score a seat. The menu changes frequently, but with a reputation for being one of America’s essential dining experiences, you can’t go wrong with what you order.

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