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Dig into Black history, cool concert venues, dining and some of the city’s hippest shops
Big names like Ella Fitzgerald and Marvin Gaye performed at Howard Theatre during the first half of the 20th century. Restored in 2007, the two-level concert hall now hosts jazz, rock and blues acts. A statue of DC-born Duke Ellington, who played here, sits outside the theater.
Shaw had a thriving alley culture in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, historic areas like Blagden Alley and Naylor Court buzz with bars, restaurants and other businesses in old carriage houses and warehouses. Try the Alley’s Mid-Atlantic farm-to-table darling The Dabney or Naylor Court’s Sundevich.
On a corner plaza, the outdoor memorial pays tribute to Black Civil War soldiers with a dramatic statue of combatants and walls listing the names of 209,145 soldiers who fought for the Union in the Civil War. A small museum contains related photos, letters and uniforms.
Sleek and modern design, reserved stadium seats and a roster of indie movies keep one of the most distinctively named boutique cinemas around crowded with locals. The on-site bar serves up unusual cocktails, wine and small bites to enjoy there or take into a screening room.
The District has one of the largest Ethiopian populations outside of Africa. Many expats run restaurants on 9th Street NW, aka “Little Ethiopia,” where diners can sample spicy stews alongside spongy injera bread. A couple of local favorites are Dukem and Chercher – the latter also touts an attached market where you can purchase spices to bring home.
Duke, the prodigal son of DC, is celebrated in a photo-friendly memorial standing proudly outside the facade of Howard Theatre. The statue depicts Ellington next to a treble clef, emblematic of his contribution to music and culture in DC. Nearby you'll find the Howard Theatre Walk of Fame, a stunning tribute to 20th century African American icons. Extending from the 1900 block of 7th Street NW to the theater's entrance on T Street NW, the walk depicts its honorees in bronze medallions featuring hand-sculpted bas relief portraits embedded in the sidewalk. Even certain architectural details from the theater's facade are mirrored in the medallions. As you walk, you’ll notice the incredible array of musicians honored, including Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown, Marvin Gaye, Chuck Brown and Mamie Smith. Each one performed at Howard Theatre and helped to establish the vital legacy that the venue holds today.
Another way to immerse yourself in the musical fabric of Shaw is by stopping by Eighth Street Lounge and Bar to enjoy live performances and DJ sets featuring genres like jazz, funk, Latin, Afro house and more. Each floor plays a different style, so settle onto an antique couch for a candlelight hangout, relax on the outdoor patio or dance the night away to whichever vibe you choose.
Sip made-on-site suds and chow down on sandwiches at an arty brewpub outfitted with colorful wall murals and vintage wrought iron. An in-house cheese-monger is in charge of the long list of artisanal cheeses and there are frequent special tastings.
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