Best Of: Capitol Hill (2024)

50 Things to do in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, D.C.

August 2019 update: Ben and I lived in Washington, D.C.’s Capitol Hill neighborhood for nearly a decade before starting our RV adventure. It will always hold a special place in my heart. And while it’s only a few steps away from the Smithsonians and the Capitol building, Capitol Hill feels less touristy than other parts of the city. I highly recommend a visit!

The next time you find yourself in D.C. for a long weekend, or even just a few hours, here’s my ultimate Capitol Hill bucket list of what to eat, drink, and do in this historic and ever-changing part of our Nation’s Capital.

Locals know that Washington, D.C. is more than just government buildings. In many ways, the Capitol Hill neighborhood feels like a small town. I love how it is constantly evolving. It’s a mix of ages, demographics, backgrounds, and ethnicities. It’s a dog friendly place – in fact you might be surprised by how many D.C. residents are dog people. And it has become a restaurant destination in its own right. (January 2023 update: my thoughts on Capitol Hill were included in a round up of insider tips from Redfin on moving to D.C.)

Capitol Hill is the term generally used to describe the neighborhood east of the Capitol building. The “Hill East” and “H Street” neighborhoods are adjacent on one side of it and “Navy Yard” is on the other. D.C. is a very walkable city and you can go between most anywhere on this list within 30 minutes by foot. Some exceptions are noted. The Metro (D.C.ers’ term for the subway system) also services these neighborhoods. Metro is great, except when it isn’t. Fewer trains run on the weekends – plan accordingly.

• Capitol Visitors Center – this underground space is located in front of the Capitol building. It includes a variety of exhibits about the history of our Nation’s Capital. You can set up a Capitol tour here on your own or through your Representative or Senator’s office.
• Library of Congress – everything about the main building is breathtaking. Stop by to see Thomas Jefferson’s surviving book collection and pick up your library card.
• Supreme Court – the highest court in the land offers self-guided tours and exhibits. Be forewarned that it is closed on the weekends.
• U.S. Botanic Garden – a beautiful, huge greenhouse located next to the Capitol that is home to plants from all over the world. My favorite time to visit is during the holidays. So festive!
• Congressional Cemetery – a historic old cemetery that also doubles as one of the most prestigious (and competitive!) dog parks in the city. There’s a waiting list to get a spot.
• Smithsonians – there are 19 total museums in the Smithsonian’s system. Many are within walking distance from Capitol Hill down the National Mall. All are free to enter but the newest addition, the African American museum, still requires free tickets that you can get online. I highly recommend visiting the American Indian museum and eating lunch in its café, where you can sample a wide range of traditional, regional foods from around the country.

• Beuchert’s – an upscale, food-focused saloon that features locally sourced ingredients. Great drinks, too! Plus, they have two bison above their bar.
• Barrel – a friendly spot that dishes southern-leaning comfort food. Plus, a “secret” co*cktail bar downstairs. August 2019 update: check out The Eastern, Barrel’s “sister” wine bar.
• Lavagna – my favorite local Italian spot. Great food and wine. Their ragu is the best. Every neighborhood should have a place like this.
• Eatbar – a tiny restaurant and bar that turns out tasty food. Great for brunch or dinner. You can’t go wrong choosing the chicken and waffles or the pimento cheeseburger. And there’s a free jukebox! August 2019 update: sadly, Eatbar has closed!
  
• Ted’s Bulletin – the first outpost of a small local chain. Ted’s is beloved by locals and tourists alike for its all day breakfast, boozy milkshakes, and of course, the infamous homemade pop tarts. All of it lives up the hype and more.
• Rose’s Luxury– if you visit D.C., this is the place your foodie friends will probably ask you about. I have a love/hate relationship with Rose’s. There is no doubt the food is wonderful; however, they don’t take reservations and even years later there are still lines down the block for the first seating of the day. But, Rose’s certainly does deserve the acclaim as a special occasion spot for excellent food and drink.
• August 2019 Update: I visited Schilling Canning Co., a new mid-Atlantic spot in nearby Navy Yard, and feel compelled to add it to this list for its duck confit and buttermilk dumplings. A very fun addition to the neighborhood!

• Tortilla Café – can’t get enough of the tamales and pupusas from this little spot by Eastern Market.
• Chiko – wow. I never knew fast-casual could be so delicious. This neighborhood newcomer serves creative Asian food in a postage stamp sized storefront. The best fried rice I have ever had in my life. Period.
• Peregrine – My go-to coffee shop. It has earned acclaim for its espresso. Great scones, too.
• District Taco – while D.C. suffers from a lack of sit-down Mexican restaurants, DT hits the ball out of the park when it comes to fast casual tacos, quesadillas, burritos, and guacamole. This growing local chain has several posts through the DMV area.
• Bullfrog Bagels – Killer bagel sandwiches with things like smoked salmon but also brisket.
• We the Pizza and Good Stuff – the original locations of Chef Spike Mendelson’s local chain of burgers and creative pizzas. Go for the fries w/old bay mayo or the buffalo mozzarella and tomato pizza.

• Beuchert’s – upscale saloon vibes with spirit-forward drinks. Try the Millionaire. And don’t forget about those friendly bison at the bar!
• Barrel – classic co*cktails upstairs; an ever-changing “secret” theme bar downstairs at Elixir Bar. August 2019 update: Barrel is officially the thing we miss most after leaving D.C.!
• Harold Black – the truest speakeasy on Capitol Hill, located above Aqua Al 2. Enter through a side door. Hint: you can make reservations online. 🙁 Harold Black and Aqua Al 2 closed during the pandemic.
• Joselito – a relative newcomer to the Hill. Their sangria stole my heart. The secret? They freeze fruit into the ice cubes. Pure genius.
• Cotton & Reed – D.C.’s first rum distillery. Located in NE near Union Market, this is not walkable from the Hill but worth the quick jaunt. A great selection of drinks using house-made rums.
• CopyCat Co – this is not technically on the Hill but I am including it because it is hands down my favorite co*cktail bar in D.C. The menu is always changing at this H Street NE spot but pro tip: you can access all their past menus online and they will make pretty much anything you request. Order bao and dumplings from the shop located below it.
• The Brig – a German-style beer garden that is a perfect spot to hang out on a sunny day.
• Hank’s Oyster Bar – probably the closest I ever came to being a regular was at this spot on Penn Ave. Hank’s is known for its seafood and its co*cktails.
• Wisdom – a beloved Capitol Hill gin bar with cozy nooks and old-school co*cktails. Sadly, Wisdom closed in 2020.
• Tune Inn –A D.C. institution. If you find yourself here, it’s probably either 2 am or you are hungover. Not that there’s anything wrong with that! Get a beer and a grilled cheese sandwich.

• National Arboretum – it’s just a short (15 minute) drive from the Hill to this hidden gem in NE. Pack a picnic, take a stroll through the columns, or check out the bonsai exhibit. D.C. is also very proud that in recent years a pair of bald eagles has taken to nesting here each spring.
• Bartholdi Fountain – located next door to the Capitol building and the U.S. Botanic Garden, this is a peaceful spot to take a break from touristing. It recently went through an extensive restoration and landscaping revamp. The fountain itself is gorgeous and was designed by the same person who later designed the Statue of Liberty.
• Run the National Mall – here’s a handy map for a three mile loop around this very popular running spot.
• Wander Down East Capitol Street to Lincoln Park – One of the most beautiful streets in D.C., East Capitol Street is home to stately townhouses and peaceful gardens. Take a stroll from Lincoln Park, a large greenspace in NE, past Eastern Market for a straight shot to the Capitol.
• Search for Street Art – there’s lots of art to be found on the streets of Capitol Hill and around D.C. Here’s a helpful rundown of some of the most eye catching (and Instagram-friendly) spots from around town

• Eastern Market – this historic marketplace has been in continuous operation since 1873. On the weekends, stop by for to pick up produce from local farmers and peruse the flea market booths. The main building is also open during the week and includes an array of vendors, from bakeries to fresh flowers to seafood.
• Capitol Hill Books – I guarantee you’ve never been a bookstore like this one before. A converted townhouse filled to the brim with used books. Venture into the basem*nt… if you dare!
• Hill’s Kitchen – a favorite stop for cooking supplies, décor, or gifts. I always leave with a few things in hand that I didn’t know I needed.
• East Side Books – a new-er addition to the neighborhood. A large selection of new books, cards, and gifts. They host several book clubs and special events down stairs.
• Labyrinth – Capitol Hill’s favorite game and toy store! This place has become neighborhood fixture. Lots of great gift ideas for kids and adults alike.
• Howl to the Chief – everything your pet could ever need, including political-themed squeaky toys. Dog grooming, too.
• Union Market – a quick drive is all that’s required to get to this NE food hall and marketplace, which helped launch the redevelopment of an industrial area since it re-opened in 2012. It’s fun to check out the rotating selection of food vendors.
• Yards Park – it’s just a short walk to one of the newest neighborhoods in D.C., the home of Nats Park. A few fun places worth trying out: Ice Cream Jubilee (a local scoop shop), Bonchon (Korean fried chicken chain), Bluejacket Brewery (lots of options), Saltline (seafood), and Whaley’s (more seafood). The Yards also hosts free special events throughout the year.

• Nats Game – is there anything better than a hot dog and a beer at a baseball game on a sunny day? I may be biased but I don’t think there’s a bad seat at Nats Park. Check out my food guide for some tips for where to find the best food and drink in the park!
• Howloween – Howl to the Chief hosts an annual dog costume parade at Lincoln Park in honor of Halloween. It’s hilarious and honestly, some of the creative costumes are just plain impressive.
• Capitol Hill Arts Workshop – CHAW hosts a variety of art classes for kids and adults.
• Fourth of July – there is nothing more patriotic than spending the Fourth in D.C. I think everyone should experience the music and fireworks from the Capitol lawn at least once.
• Labor Day Parade – the Capitol Hill Labor Day Parade is one of those things that reminds you that our neighborhood is a small town at heart. School groups, marching bands, and even the neighborhood greyhound rescue club walk in the parade!
• Evening Parade – the Marines host a summer concert series on Thursday nights, May through August. A limited number of seats are held each night for guests without reservations.
• Summer Outdoor Movies – D.C. is a city that loves its outdoor movies on the lawn! There are several options in different neighborhoods each week. Pack a picnic and enjoy a movie under the stars. But be forewarned that summer in D.C. often means thunder storms – so your plans may change at the last minute!
• Bingo at the American Legion – every first and third Saturday, a hodgepodge of millennials, veterans, and everyone in between come together for a few friendly rounds of Bingo. Come early to get a good spot!
• Live Music at Mr. Henry’s – this restaurant has been a neighborhood fixture since the 60s and offers live music (jazz, folk, bluegrass, and more) several days a week. Good pub food, too.

I hope this list inspires you to spend some quality time in Capitol Hill. Soak in the history and make time to wander through the colorful blocks of rowhouses. Did I miss one of your favorite stops? Please make sure to tell me in the comments!

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