Neighborhoods- Columbia Heights

The Gracie Condominiums are located in the southwest corner of Columbia Heights. This area is very popular for several reasons. First, it's right on top of the red line of the metro, so it's it's easy to get anywhere else in the city very quickly. Also, it has a gorgeous housing stock, with lots of old grand Victorians as well as several new condo buildings. Finally, the DC USA development a few years ago brought 30+ new stores, the largest of which include Target, Best Buy, Giant and Bed, Bath and Beyond. However, the real benefit of these huge shops was the smaller, more local places that followed that really give the neighborhood some unique flavor.  Here are some of the best:

1. Red Rocks Firebrick Pizzeria (1036 Park Road NW)

The basic Margherita pizza is a great bet.  Photo courtesy of seriouseats.com

Red Rocks Pizza opened in 2007 and has been packed every day since. It's in a small converted rowhome that features exposed brick and a very comfortable feel. They have an outdoor patio with picnic tables in the warm months. The pizza here is incredibly fresh and flavorful, and very reasonably priced.

2.  The Meridian Pint (3400 11th St NW)

The coolest part of this bar is the beer taps at each table.  Photo courtesy of dcbeer.com

Meridian Pint opened last year and provided the neighborhood with its' first real upscale bar.  The beer menu here is also huge and they have several microbrews on tap.  

3.  Taqueria Distrito Federal (3463 14th St NW)

The tacos are simple and tasty.  Photo courtesy of cuisinivity.com

TDF is a small taco stand just north of the metro station.  They serve some of the most authentic tacos in DC, and specialize in meats that are difficult to find elsewhere.  I've heard the tripe and tounge tacos are good, but I've never tried either.

4.  Tynan Coffee (1400 Irving St NW)

Lots of space to do work and free Wifi.  Photo courtesy of GTM Architects.

Tynan is a large coffee shop that is a popular meeting place.  The space is large and the couches are perfect for spreading out with your laptop and getting work done.



5.  The Wonderland Ballroom (1101 Kenyon St NW)

Wonderland is the neighborhood bar that most neighborhoods wish they had.  It's very casual and attracts a booming crowd on weeknights.  However, it's even more fun to go for brunch on the weekends and sit outside on one of the picnic tables.

6.  The Heights (3115 14th St NW)

The Heights has one of the best brunches in the city.  Photo courtesy of theheightsdc.com

The Heights is a large restaurant with a huge patio that serves some of the best casual food in the city.  The menu is nearly identical to Logan Taverns' because they have the same owners.  However, there might be an hour wait at Logan Tavern on a Sunday morning, but you can usually get a table in 15-20 minutes at The Heights.  It's a little-known secret.