With its old-timey architecture, small-town feel and global flavor, this leafy neighborhood draws locals and visitors with relaxed restaurants and shops.
Ellē
Founded by a cast of DC dining all-stars in a one-time bakery, Ellē quickly made a name for itself in the city's buzzing restaurant scene and was named one of Bon Appétit's 50 best new restaurants in America in 2018. The hybrid cafe-bakery-restaurant has filled the void of an all-day eatery in the neighborhood, doling out a diverse selection of baked goods (think: savory focaccias and sweet turnovers) by day and medium plates by night. Diners rave about the clam spaetzle and the grilled kimchi toast with spicy XO sauce and homemade labneh.
One of the liveliest farmers’ markets in the city takes place on the paved, main plaza in “Mt. P” every Saturday morning from May through December. Expect baked goods, cheese, produce and snacks like sandwiches or pork buns. Live music ups the appeal.
Right on the border of Mount Pleasant is a Capital Bikeshare station, positioned beside the back entrance of the National Zoo. It’s a great location to grab two wheels and ride into DC’s leafiest green space, where you’ll find birds, other bikers and a meandering creek.
Dig in to the Asian nation’s trademark spicy-sweet fare at this family-run spot in an elegantly rehabbed brick townhouse. The vivacious owner is often on duty, suggesting dishes like lumpia (spring roll-like appetizers) and rice noodle stir-fries. The fruit-forward desserts are standouts and there’s brunch on weekends too.
Bold Fork
Pop into DC's only culinary bookshop Bold Fork for all sorts of food-and-drink-related writings: cookbooks, novels, magazines, guidebooks, children's books and more. As restaurant-industry vets, the founders have also curated kitchenware, DC-specific publications and a few specialty items like a classic cookbooks puzzle and a notepad shaped like a stick of butter. Be sure to keep an eye on their events calendar for author events and book clubs.
The Christmas lights are always on inside this Mount Pleasant mainstay, where strong margaritas and frequent live bands attract a diverse crowd. The menu of Mexican-Salvadoran chow, strong margaritas and karaoke nights also fuel good times until the wee hours. Sample a Salvadoran classic and order a pupusa platter while you're at it.
Continue your exploration of global flavors with a stop to Mount Desert Island Ice Cream, where scoops are adventurous, international and always rotating. DC favorites include sakura (Japanese cherry blossom) and salmiakki (Nordic-style salty licorice).
Situated in the renovated living room of a row home on Mount Pleasant Avenue, we're willing to bet that a screening at Suns Cinema may be the most intimate you may ever attend. Before you settle in for your classic or arthouse film, strike up a conversation with another cinephile or chat with the staff as they whip you up a cocktail. A word to the wise: arrive on the early side to get a comfortable seat.
© Matthew Cavanaugh / The Raven Grill
In business in one way or another since 1935, the Raven Grill doesn’t serve food anymore. But the narrow, retro watering hole does dole out PBR beers, simple mixed drinks and a quirky jukebox. The walls are covered with graffiti and photos of classic rockers (Hendrix, Jagger et. al); the crowds lean young.
Ready for more? Continue on to the nearby neighborhood of Columbia Heights.
