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Wordless Wednesday: Kramerbooks and Afterwords Cafe

By
Real Estate Agent with eXp Realty of California, Inc. CA DRE #01490977

Wordless Wednesday: Kramerbooks and Afterwords Cafe

 

Kramerbooks and Afterwords A Cafe

 

I was in the nation's capital last week for the mid-year CRS meetings as part of the NAR meetings, at the Hilton right up the street from Dupont Circle.

 

As I do every visit during these annual jaunts (since 2006) in May I walked by an old (and I do mean OLD) haunt, the iconic Kramerbooks  and Afterwords Cafe on Connecticut Avenue just up from the actual circle. I didn't dine there this trip but have in the past - it's changed quite a bit as far as the cafe from the early years.

 

Kramers, as it's often fondly called, was established in 1976, the first DC bookstore/cafe, and is known far and wide. It always brings back very fond memories to see it even if I don't step inside - I worked there as a bartender and server in the summer of 1977 as I was graduating from the University of Maryland before heading off to grad school. Most importantly, it's where my wife and I met, the night before my graduation.

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Jeff Dowler, CRS
Certified Residential Specialist / Realtor®


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Sharon Lee
Sharon Lee's Virtual Assistance - Jonesborough, TN
Retired and loving life

What a great memory for you. A place that literally changed your life. 

May 22, 2019 03:20 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Sharon Lee 

It truly did. My wife was there during a trip back to DC but since we left in 1977 we have NOT been back to Kramers together. Some day perhaps!!

Jeff

May 22, 2019 03:24 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hi jeff - a favorite of mine when I lived in the District as Kramerbooks was just up the street from where I lived.  I am glad it's still there and thriving.  

May 22, 2019 06:09 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Jeff- I wish I'd known about this when we lived in the DC area. It's so nice to see that real brick and mortar bookstores are still around!! And what a nice memory for you. 

May 22, 2019 07:25 PM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

What a special place! I hope it is always there for you! It's nice to have such attachments to places.

May 24, 2019 08:18 AM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Jeff so glad I stumbled on this post, having met you, knowing you and as much as we love booksand cafe's this was a very special read...Endre

May 24, 2019 11:06 PM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

What a great name for a book and coffee shop, Jeff!  I love it!  The place reminds me of my 1970s hippie days!

May 26, 2019 05:11 AM
Sally K. & David L. Hanson
EXP Realty 414-525-0563 - Brookfield, WI
WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce

Awww...what a cool memory...more to do than just read in the bookstore !

May 26, 2019 06:21 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Jeff one more thing I did not know about you.  I did not know you were a bartender at one point in your life.

May 26, 2019 02:27 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Michael Jacobs 

Well Kramer's has grown a bit at least the cafe part, but it seems to have retained much of the feel from the early days and what has made it so popular.

Jeff

May 26, 2019 02:59 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Kathy Streib 

It's a pretty cool bookstore with quite a history, and in such a neat part of town. Too bad you never got to enjoy it!!

Jeff

May 26, 2019 03:00 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Sharon Tara 

It's pretty cool that it's been there so long, and is still thriving after all these years, given what's happened to many bookstores.

Jeff

May 26, 2019 03:04 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Endre Barath, Jr. 

I know how fond you are of books and such...you would enjoy this place. They used to have all kinds of book signings and speakers, and no doubt still do. I bought more than my share of books in the 4 months I worked there.

Jeff

May 26, 2019 03:05 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Myrl Jeffcoat 

It was a very cool bookstore with all kinds of people, and of course being in DC plenty of political people around. I had a great time working there and of course meeting my wife was a special bonus!

Jeff

May 26, 2019 03:14 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

I immediately thought of Endre Barath, Jr. when I read this post and see that he beat me to commenting here. What a wonderful story - I can totally see why this iconic bookstore has truly special meaning to you, Jeff!

May 29, 2019 08:52 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Sally K. & David L. Hanson  - there was always alot going on in this place when I worked there, especially on the weekends!

Jeff

May 29, 2019 09:01 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi George Souto  - jusst keeping you guessing!!

Debe Maxwell, CRS  - maybe someday I will share to story of our meeting.  My wife and I have slightly different versions, as one would expect!

Jeff

May 29, 2019 09:03 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

HaHa! Isn't that the way it always is, Jeff?! I love hearing both stories and choosing my own version somewhere in the middle! ;-)

May 29, 2019 09:11 PM