Capitol Hill is the historic heart of the D.C. political scene and one of the capital’s most vibrant neighborhoods. The district was built according to Pierre Charles L’Enfant’s 1791 plan for a new Federal City. Flanked by the world-famous Library of Congress and United States Supreme Court, the iconic United States Capitol building is the district’s centerpiece.
The distinctive rowhouses lining the streets near the Capitol comprise D.C.’s largest historic district. This prestigious district has been revitalized in recent years with the addition of contemporary townhomes and condominiums. Capitol Hill’s blend of old and new extends to its dining and nightlife scenes, with hip new bars and trendsetting restaurants joining lively old taverns and classic fine dining spots. Eastern Market is a great example of Capitol Hill’s evolution, as it was one of three public markets included in the L’Enfant Plan and reimagined in 2009 as a 21st-century neighborhood shopping space.
Given its proximity to the major landmarks of American democracy, Capitol Hill has long been a favored home for those involved in politics and journalists covering the political scene for major newspapers. Capitol Hill is also a centrally located community in the heart of D.C., with some of the city’s premier restaurants and nightlife spots within walking distance. Consequently, Capitol Hill is consistently in high demand for anyone who wants the convenience of having the best of the capital’s amenities on their doorstep.
Eastern Market moved to its current location in 1837 and has been a community hub ever since. The original building was sadly destroyed by a fire in 2007, but award-winning renovation work completed in 2009 means Eastern Market is as great a neighborhood resource as its ever been. Here, you can pick fresh produce every day of the week or visit the expanded selection of vendors on weekends for gourmet foodstuffs and art.
The diverse restaurants clustered close to Eastern Market include Bullfrog Bagels, elegant French eatery Montmartre, Spanish tapas spot Joselito Casa de Comidas, and Hank’s Oyster Bar for delicious chowders and lobster rolls. Beuchert’s Saloon serves sophisticated seasonal cuisine in a setting that retains the charm of what was once a Prohibition-era speakeasy. Barrell offers braised ribs and other decadent meat dishes along with one of D.C.’s most extensive whiskey collections.
Head south down Barracks Row from the Eastern Market metro station for Chinese and Korean cooking at Chiko, an unforgettable omakase experience at Sushi Hachi, rustic Balkan cuisine at Ambar, and mouthwatering Italian sandwiches at Mangialardo & Sons. Barracks Row’s first-class fine dining options include innovative tasting menus at Michelin-starred establishments Rose’s Luxury and Pineapple & Pearls. Long-time favorites of Capitol Hill’s political elite include boisterous Irish pub The Dubliner and fine dining spot The Monocle, which opened in 1960 as the capital’s first white-tablecloth restaurant.
Tourists from around the world converge on Capitol Hill to experience some of the United States’ most well-known landmarks. The public is able to enter the famous Capitol building to see Congress in session, take self-guided tours of the United States Supreme Court, and view the world’s largest literary collection in the Gilded Age splendor of the Library of Congress.The Folger Shakespeare Library is another must-visit for literary buffs, housing the world’s largest collection of Shakespeare’s works and an award-winning Elizabethan theater which stages plays written and inspired by the Bard.
On sunny days, the picturesque grounds of Capitol Hill or sprawling Lincoln Park make the perfect place for a picnic. On Friday nights between May and August, head to the U.S. Marine Barracks for parading marines and patriotic music.
Capitol Hill is zoned to the District of Columbia Public School District. Highlights includes:
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