Lying north of Pennsylvania Avenue and adjacent to Chinatown, Penn Quarter’s revitalization throughout the 90s shows no signs of slowing down, making it one of the most vibrant and exciting neighborhoods in DC.
Its mix of old and new, classic, and trendy keep visitors (and residents) flocking to its many attractions.
Capital One Arena played a big part in the revitalization of the area and its role as the home of the Wizards and Capitals and as a venue for major concert tours makes it the hub of an ever-expanding range of restaurants, shops, and other attractions. With more than 220 events each year, there’s always something going on in the neighborhood.
Penn Quarter Restaurants
Restaurants here are among the best in the city, with a wide variety of food styles and a range from uber-casual to upscale. Couldn’t get tickets to the big game? Watch it at Irish Channel (website) and hang out afterward where you might just get to meet some of your favorite sportswriters.
Get incredible charcuterie at The Partisan (website), the restaurant bestie of iconic butcher shop Red Apron. Be sure and check out their brunch menu or come by after a game or concert to sample the late-night menu.
Jose Andres’ Zaytinya is here (website) with its homage to Turkish, Lebanese, and Greek cuisines and the signature Andres style that has made this one of DC’s top restaurants for the past decade and a half. Chef Mike Isabella’s Graffiato (website) offers artisanal pizza and small plates plus innovative cocktails and regionally sourced wine and beer.
Penn Quarter Culture
Penn Quarter has also become a mecca for museums that are unique and innovative. The Newseum is a soaring space with fascinating exhibits that reflect the importance of the vibrant US press corps. Be sure to visit the 9/11 exhibit and the newspaper exhibit on the top floor, updated daily with front pages from around the world, and with access to incredible roof-deck views of the U.S. Capitol and the National Mall.
The National Portrait Gallery will interest even those who don’t normally love museum-hopping. Because the portraits are of famous Americans, there’s a story behind every picture. Current exhibits include portraits of Presidents and First Ladies, as well as figures from all walks of life–sports, the arts, politics, and more.
Looking for a hidden gem? The Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard is part of Penn Quarter’s Smithsonian American Art Museum and is enclosed by a spectacular glass canopy. The courtyard’s landscape design is a work of art in itself, and the space is host to a variety of concerts and other events throughout the year.
There is also a Courtyard Cafe here if you’re looking for lunch, an early dinner, or just a glass of wine and a snack.
The theater is also big here, with venues both old and new including National Theatre, Warner Theatre, and the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Lansburgh Theatre. Be sure and check out the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company which brings innovative, contemporary theatrical productions to the city, with an emphasis on “radical inclusion” and accessibility programs to bring theatre to audiences at all social and income levels.
Real Estate
Real Estate in Penn Quarter tends toward condos, with studio layouts available for around $300K all the way up to luxury condos for $2.5 million. With many buildings located right on Pennsylvania Avenue, you could possess an iconic DC address for less than you might imagine. Styles range from refurbished historical buildings to sleek and modern ones.
There’s so much to love about Penn Quarter and your Eng Garcia real estate agent wants to help you find your piece of this exciting neighborhood. Sign in at the website and let us start your custom search for this or any other great DC neighborhood. We love helping our clients find their perfect DC home.