Neighborhoods- Adams Morgan

The Charles Condos are located at 2431 Ontario Rd NW in Adams Morgan.  I lived for several years right around the corner on Mintwood Place, so this area is near and dear to my heart.  It's an exciting place to live not only because it has so many bars and restaurants, but also because it's so close to everything.  From Ontario Rd., you're a 10 minute walk from people-watching in Dupont Circle, the Zoo in Woodley Park and shopping in Columbia Heights.  Here are some favorite neighborhood spots:

1.  The Diner (2453 18th St NW)

 

 

The Diner has a massive menu with large portions, and it's open 24 hrs.  What more could you possibly want?  Photo curtesy of stationstart.com

The Diner is a restaurant on 18th St that has excellent food and a fun atmosphere.  It serves everything you'd expect at a diner- like breakfast all day and hamburgers- but they also surprise you with dishes like salmon with mango salsa.  Another good bet here is a pressed sandwich, like a cuban or a croque madam. 

2.  Tryst (2459 18th St NW)

Tryst is a unique establishment that is hard to define.  Photo courtesy of about.com

Tryst is a little bit of everything- restaurant, coffeeshop, bar and meeting space.  Whatever it is, it works.  This place is packed at almost every hour of the day with people meeting friends, meeting for work or just relaxing with a book.  There have a variety of comfortable couches, large tables and normal tables for whatever it is you've come here to accomplish.  I enjoy coming here for a large cup of tea- which comes in a french press- and a homemade muffin.

3.So's Your Mom (1831 Columbia Road NW)

This is how a real pastrami sandwich should look and taste.  Photo courtesy of iflipforfood,com

So's Your Mom is the best authentic Jewish deli in DC.  They serve only top quality Boar's Head meats, H and H bagels and make all of their own tuna, chicken and liver salads.  My favorite sandwich here is the "half and half"- half pastrami and half corned beef on toasted rye with mustard and muenster cheese. 

4.  Pasta Mia (1790 Columbia Rd NW)

Pasta Mia is for serious pasta fans.  Photo courtesy examiner.com

It's small and easy to miss, but Pasta Mia is worth the search.  It's a tiny restaurant that almost always has a wait and opens and closes pretty much whenever they feel like it.  However, people still line up here every night and often wait over an hour to try the homemade gnocchi, rigatoni and spaghetti.  I'd recommend coming hungry because the portions are enormous.

5.  Bourbon (2321 18th St NW)

Even if you don't drink bourbon, Bourbon the bar is a great place to grab a drink with a friend.  Photo courtesy dc.metblogs.com

Adams Morgan is famous for the nightlife, so this list wouldn't be complete without at least one bar.  Bourbon is a great bet because it has an incredible selection of bourbon, great food, and a down-to-earth vibe.  On a crowded night, it doesn't feel cramped because they have a second level for private parties and a hidden outdoor patio (shh...keep it a secret).  If you eat here, don't pass up the peanut butter pie for dessert- it's homemade and incredible.

6.  Harris Teeter (1631 Kalorama Rd NW)

The Harris Teeter is large, well-stocked and clean.  Photo courtesy of dcist.com

The Harris Teeter is only a block away from The Charles, which will be a huge benefit for the new residents.  This grocery store opened just three years ago in a building that used to be an ice rink.  Even though I now live on the other side of town, I still drive out of my way to do my shopping here.  The prices are good, the produce is fresh and the store has a great layout.  If for some reason you have loyalty to another store, you're in luck because there is a Safeway a block away and a Giant about four blocks away in Columbia Heights.