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Kalorama Community Guide Home to ambassadors, professional athletes and the movers and shakers of Washington DC

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Updated 3/24/2023

History and Flavor

Everyone knows that Washington, DC is where the action is.

No matter what area of the city you live in, you are likely to find yourself rubbing elbows with politicians, international power brokers, professional athletes, and prominent business people. But nowhere does politics make such strange bedfellows as the Kalorama neighborhood of Northwest DC.

Encompassing the neighborhoods Kalorama Triangle and Sheridan-Kalorama, this enclave close to Dupont Circle and Woodley Park is surrounded by Connecticut, Massachusetts, Florida Avenues, Columbia Road, Calvert Street, and Rock Creek Park.

The neighborhood has a storied past, which is only getting more impressive over time. The original Kalorama was an opulent home owned by Joel and Ruth Barlow. They originally planned to buy Mt. Vernon but took the recommendation of Barlow’s friend Thomas Jefferson to buy a home called Belair.

The Barlows renamed the home Kalorama, and it became a social and cultural center of the area due to the Barlows’ hospitality and many influential friends.

Kalorama is known for its embassies–a total of 28 within the neighborhood. It is also the home of the French Ambassador’s residence and many other top officials and foreign dignitaries.

Entertainment

Music & Parks

  • JoJo Restaurant & Bar– Elegant venue offering an American menu & live jazz, blues, funk, soul & R&B nightly.
  • 9:30 Club– A nightclub and concert venue in Washington, D.C. In 2018 the 9:30 Club was named one of the ten best live music venues in America by Rolling Stone, and in 2019 the club was named “Venue of the Decade” by VenuesNow.
  • Songbyrd Music House and Restaurant– A coffeehouse/music shop with vinyl & java for sale, plus listening booths & a 1947 recording booth.
  • The Spanish Steps– Constructed on a steep slope in the Kalorama neighborhood, the steps were intended to provide a pedestrian link between S Street and Decatur Place on a route thought too steep for vehicles. It is the only Washington public park that occupies a street.
  • Rock Creek Park– An urban oasis that borders Kalorama. With dozens of miles to hike and bike, wildlife to spy, historical artifacts, colonial homes, horseback riding, boats, and a planetarium, you’ll find the best of rural life right in the middle of the city.
  • Kalorama Park– 3-acre park featuring a recreational center, community garden & green space in an urban setting.
  • Mitchell Park– A neighborhood park with a field & court for multiple sports, plus gardens & walking paths.
  • Meridian Hill Park– Meridian Hill Park is a structured urban park located in the Washington, D.C. neighborhood of Columbia Heights; it also abuts the nearby neighborhood of Adams Morgan. The park was designed and built between 1912 and 1940.

Shopping/Restaurants 

Popular Shopping and Eats

  • Washington Square– A refined mix of shops, restaurants & services offered in a modern, corporate landmark.
  • Shop Made in DC– Chic counter-serve & showcase for local purveyors with bagels, tacos, coffee, beer & a gift shop.
  • Urban Dwell– Unique DC-themed gifts and then some.
  • Dupont Little Flea Market– A marketplace for vintage and antique housewares, furniture, artwork, jewelry, and more. A rotating roster of an ever-changing selection of high-quality goods at great prices.
  • McClellan’s Retreat– Named after a Civil War general, this cozy bar pours craft cocktails inspired by historical figures.
  • Sushi Ogawa– A sushi master crafts omakase meals in artful surroundings with hand-painted fish on the ceiling.
  • Lapis– Rugs & ornate furnishings lend a homey charm to this bistro serving Afghani kebabs, stews & more.
  • Zorba’s Cafe’– Blue-&-white, counter-serve Greek joint with outdoor seating & a second level with a view.
  • Annabelle– This intimate oasis, created by Ashok Bajaj, features modern American cuisine with a menu crafted by the former White House chef Frank Ruta who served three presidents. His menu at Annabelle showcases retro classics that reflect the restaurant’s inviting new interior. 

Schools

Best Public High Schools

Best Public Elementary Schools

Public Transportation

Buses/Trains

Dupont Circle– Bus stop

Connecticut Ave & Kalorama Rd– Bus stop

Connecticut Ave NW & 20th St NW– Bus stop

Connecticut Ave NW & Florida Ave NW– Bus stop

Connecticut Ave & Dupont Circle– Bus Stop

Median Home Value

$1,200,000 as of 2023

Renters: 46%

Owners: 54%

Demographics

Population 2,604

Median household income –  $174,449

Median age: 43

Families with children – 9%

High school diploma or equivalent – 3%

College Degree: 96%

72% White

9% Hispanic

8% Asian

6% African American

5% Other

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