The cyclical nature of Washington, DC’s neighborhoods means that every few years a new area of the city gets the honor of being ground zero for up and coming businesses and an influx of young and hip residents. This year is Shaw’s year as developing corridors of the neighborhood such as U Street and 9th Street NW are converging in a neighborhood-wide renaissance.
Shaw’s redemption started with the revival of its food and nightlife scene. A bevy of trendy speakeasies, eateries and small businesses have recently set up shop in the area, serving up a healthy blend of innovative dishes and libations, as well as a few throwbacks from golden eras of the past.
On the drink front are a few new spots that are bringing the laid-back feel of the neighborhood in with old-school cocktails and locally-stewed microbrews. A&D Neighborhood Bar on 9th Street is one such establishment with a rotating menu written on chalkboards that includes classic items such as eggnog. Just up the street is Chaplin’s, which opened earlier this year in tribute to the late silent film star. The menu at Chaplin’s is about as throwback as it gets with cocktails such as The Tramp, which is a mix of bourbon, bitters and an orange peel. After a few drinks, patrons can indulge in one of the inventive dishes created by Chaplin’s Japanese chef who has become somewhat of a local legend for his ramen bowl.
Shaw isn’t just for drinking, however. Foodies have reveled in establishments such as Eat the Rich, a fresh seafood joint from James Beard Award nominee Derek Brown. Baby Wale is another eatery that has been making major waves in the neighborhood with its casual menu featuring inventive takes on the ham and cheese sandwich and meatball casserole.
Many More Attractions to Condo Buyers Coming to Shaw
With so many businesses already making their mark in the neighborhood, locals have wondered what could possibly be on the horizon for the burgeoning district, but new projects don’t seem be slowing down. Developer JBG recently announced two exciting new projects with some very important tenants coming to Shaw later this year.
The Shay, which is a residential and retail development on Florida Avenue NW between 8th and 9th Streets NW, just landed hipster glasses maker Warby Parker and Freehand, a restaurant concept from local celebrity chef Tim Ma. Compass Coffee is also slated to open its second location in the development.
Down the street another development called Atlantic Plumbing is adding restaurants in droves. In addition to existing establishments such as Declaration Pizza and Tasty Burger, the development is now looking to add a few more high-end concept restaurants from the Neighborhood Restaurant Group and the group who created Daikaya in Chinatown, a ramen and izakaya restaurant.
The development will also feature an indie-film focused cinema from Landmark Theaters. The national chain has been testing smaller theaters to showcase films other than the Hollywood blockbusters. The Atlantic Plumbing location will feature six screens, which is about one-fifth the size of the typical movie house these days.
Washington, DC is chock full of vibrant neighborhoods such as Shaw. If you are looking for the perfect Washington, DC condo from which to explore these neighborhoods, please give me a call today.
http://www.thecondohub.com/blog/rick-bosl/shaw-heats-major-developments-planned
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