 | Go Mama Go!
1809 14th Street, NW
www.gomamago.com | 299-0850 |
Owner Noi Chudoff began selling Asian flatwareyears ago at Eastern Market. While these are stillavailable at her shop, they are only a fraction ofthe home accessories that have made her shop sopopular. Write-ups in The New York Times and TheWashington Post certainly have not hurt foottraffic, as shoppers clamor to snatch up her constantlyrotating selection of lamps, plates, glassware, and(sometimes edgy) artwork from over 16 artists.The store is a tremendous splash of colors, from itsvibrant tapestries to its brightly colored dinnerware. Her holidayaccents are not to be missed and definitely worth a special trip. | Habitat
1510 U Street, NW
www.habitatstyle.com | 518-7222 |  | They bill themselves as a home accents store,but failing to emphasize the well-priced (mostlyArgentinian and Mexican designed) jewelry is acrime. The jewelry for both men and women rangesfrom bold and sassy to simple and clean, but it’s theeye-catching stones and jewels that are earningfans all over DC. All at very affordable prices, thisupper-level shop boasts interesting lighting designsand glassware from South America and Mexico.Wall hangings, mirrors, candles, vases and lampsare some more of the modern pieces that will helpto accent your home. Only a year and half old, thisshop is certain to gain more local customers andanyone willing to make the drive.
| Home Rule
1807 14th Street, NW
www.homerule.com | 797-5544 |
Now more than three years old, Home Rule is theoldest of the “new wave” of retail shops, and arguably the coolest.Home Rule’s self-described missionis to have fun and affordable goods in a downtownsetting. Owners Rod Glover and Greg Link havetheir clientele so satisfied, they can’t stop comingback for more of the wild variety of home, office,bath, and kitchen goods that are stuffed into thistiny store. Everything in the store is a great blend ofstyle and function, including glassware galore, baraccessories, OXO kitchen supplies, a huge selectionof stainless steel wastebaskets, men’s grooming supplies from JackBlack and Anthony, bath toys, a wall of clocks, and so much more thatwould make for great holiday gifts.
| Zawadi
1524 U Street, NW | 232-2214 |
Opened in 1992, featuring both contemporary and traditional artwork, this shop’s name means gift inKiswahili. Owner Irene Whalen, who previously lived in Ethiopia and Zambia when she was an economicdevelopment specialist, imports unusual pieces from North, South, East and West Africa. Zawadispecializes in household furnishings, clothing, and sculptures, and carries colorful decorations andornaments for Christmas.
| Ben’s Chili Bowl
1213 U Street, NW
www.benschilibowl.com | 667-0909 |
The greasiest of all greasy spoons. For $3.75 you canget Ben’s Original Chili Half-Smoke, made famousby Ben’s in 1958. Split and grilled on request, servedon a warm steamed bun with chili, mustard, andonions, this chili dog has the honor of being BillCosby’s favorite. The Cos always stops by whenhe’s in DC to visit his close friends, owners Ben and Virginia Ali.
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Café Saint-Ex
14th & T Street, NW
www.saint-ex.com | 857-6492 |
Opening in mid-December, this new addition willleave you feeling as if you are stepping into a LatinQuarter bistro in the 1940s. It is impeccably decoratedwith vintage aviation and travel accents highlightedby a hand-carved art deco bar built in 1932. In thekitchen, a veteran of several stylish Washington restaurants, Jay Jenc, will beserving up American Bistro-style cuisine that also draws from international and seasonalinfluences. The downstairs lounge, with its big art decoclub chairs and couches and glass block-lighted bar,aims to serve paninis and other tasty treats until lastcall on the weekends. In the spring, husband and wifeowners Christina and Michael Benson will be openingthe sidewalk café. We can’t wait!
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Chi-Cha Lounge
1624 U Street, NW
www.chi-cha.com | 234-8400 |
This hot spot has been a nightlife favorite amongeveryone from fashionistas to politicos to laid-backloungers. Most famous for its Arabic tobacco that isserved up in hookah pipes, this spot is finally gettingequal recognition for its impressive jazz lineup thatperforms most weeknights. The name Chi-Cha refersto the Latin American house drink, served in a red andwhite variety. There is a dress code, but not what youwould guess. Neckties are not allowed, perhaps addingto the belief that this is one of DC’s least pretentious,yet very hip, lounges. They also serve tapas dishes lateinto the night, which are definitely worth trying.
|  | Twins Jazz
1344 U Street, NW
www.twinsjazz.com | 234-0072 |
Stepping upstairs into this 90 seat intimate jazz clubyou know you have discovered one of DC’s besthidden treasures. Run by twin sisters Kelly and MazeTesfaye (hence the name), acts perform Tuesday-Saturday nights, and vary from local legends tomore established acts. Check out their website tosee what’s coming up(www.dcjazz.com/twins), andbe sure to arrive hungry. The menu of Ethiopian food has things tonibble on like fried plantains and several sandwiches, as well ashearty entrees, some of which are curry-based, and many of which are spicy! |  | Flowers on Fourteenth
1718A 14th Street, NW | 667-7888 |
No room for a Christmas tree? The tabletop boxwood trees and custom-madecenterpieces at this shop are all the holiday charm that you need foryour cozy condo. Wreaths, amaryllis, poinsettia, andpaperwhites all make lovely accents as well. This isalso the only shop in DC to carry the full line of OldWorld Christmas collectible ornaments. When theholidays have passed, this shop will resume its focuson the cut flowers, green and blooming houseplants, pottery and giftwarethat it sells with such flair and style.
| Pet Essentials
1722 14th Street, NW
www.greenpets.com | 986-7907 |
This is the only pet supply store in the DC area that focuses onall natural and holistic products. The foods and supplements carriedare completely wholesome and contain no byproducts or chemicaladditives. Every item in
the store must pass the “environmental friendly” testas well as extremely high nutritional standards. Youcan help keep your pet healthy with their selectionof pet foods, treats, grooming supplies, and otheraccessories for dogs, cats, and birds. Next door istheir 24-hour day care and boarding facility, wherelucky pooches can even get a complete makeoverwith the Doggie Stylist. |
Julia’s Empanadas
1410 U Street, NW | 387-4100 |
This is one of their several bustling locations in theDC area that serve up these tasty Chilean treats ofpastry dough stuffed with everything from spinach,beef, chicken, chorizo, onions, green peas, and potatoes.They make a perfect lunch or a great late-nightsnack (The Dupont and Adams Morgan locationsstay open until after last call) Julia’s is a longtimefavorite of anyone wanting an inexpensive and verytasty Chilean treat. Equally good are the dessertempanadas. Best of all, Julia herself still comes andhelps out with the cooking everyday. |
| Urban Essentials
1330 U Street, NW
www.furnituredc.com | 299-0640 |  | Urban Essentials has all the glamour and qualityof its Georgetown and Dupont counterparts at afraction of the price. It is like Pottery Barn with soul, very contemporaryand sophisticated, but much more unique. The walls of the store are filledwith interesting mirrors and vintage prints, while every surface is gracedwith unique accents and lamps at very accessible prices. Gracing thewindow recently was a gorgeous deep brown leather ottoman, with a sub$500 price tag. Sofas range from $2000–$6,000. Thediverse offerings of beds and nightstands, everything from Mission styleto more dramatic metal versions, are equally appealing in their prices.
| Garden District
1801 14th Street, NW
www.gardendistrict.biz | 797-9005 |  | No more driving out to the suburbs for all of your flower and plantneeds. Squeezed into the corner of 14th and S Street are moreGerber daisies, cabbage roses, shrubs and plants than you can imagine. Theconcept of this urban garden was to meet the unique plant andgarden needs of city dwellers. They carry a choice selection of cutflowers that will wow any recipient. They also have a great selection of liveand cut Christmas trees, wreaths, garlands, chrysanthemums,Christmas cacti and much more to bring holiday cheer into your home.
| Pulp
1805 1/2 14th Street, NW | 462-7857 |  | Owner Ron Henderson opened in November in atemporary location (formerly a hair salon, check out the vanity mirrors)next door to his soon-to-be permanent location, which is currently beingtotally remodeled. This shop is a great place to find unique cards for theholidays or any other occasion that demands exceptional stationery.Varieties include hand-stitched, kinetic, wire cards,the popular Quotables, and many more. He alsostocks calendars, journals, candles, and prints galore,making this the perfect place to pop in and grab a great card and an easy gift.
| Wild Women Wear Red
1512 U Street, NW | 387-5700 |  | | Also new to the area, having opened this spring,is this funky shoe boutique. The boot selection for winter certainly lives up toits name and Washington’s wild women will have no troublefinding a pair of boots that they can’t live without. It is more than just shoes.Smatterings of purses and clothing line the walls. You will find thatthe only thing more comfortable than the shoes they sell is theatmosphere created by the cute young couple who run the shop. | 
| Local 16
1604 U Street, NW | 265-2828 |
This is exactly the restaurant/bar that this area wasdesperately in need of. The name says it all, locatedat 16th and U Street. The crowd is almost exclusivelylocals, who have been packing its two floors androoftop patio since it opened in September. Thewalls are painted a sumptuous red, the bar is a deepwood, chandeliers and black and white framed photos serve as simple accent pieces.Serving a more upscale crowd than nearby eateries, the food iswell-priced and somewhat adventurous, with choices like grilled veal chop, sweetcorn risotto, curried coconut tofu, and fried oyster poor boy sandwiches, thatwill satisfy meat lovers and vegetarians alike.
| Polly’s Café
1342 U Street, NW | 265-8385 |
A few steps below U Street rests a neighborhoodfavorite which is as renowned for its laid-back atmosphere as it is for its comfortfood. A tasty brunch is served late into the afternoon (3pm) for those whohave a hard time making it out early on the weekends. This lively restaurant and bar,whose occupants are as diverse as the music that flows fromthe jukebox, feels like something straight out ofNew York’s East Village. Live music can also be heardmany nights. In the summer, be sure to check outtheir outdoor patio, but for winter nights you can’tbeat sipping a beer in a seat near the fireplace.
| U-topia
1418 U Street, NW | 483-7669 |
Looking for something more than just your average bar, something with a bit ofculture and an international flair to it? Look no further than thisself-described “bar & grill, art & eat”. The menu offerings are as culturallydiverse as the crowd that is attracted to this popular bar that features live musicand walls decorated with interesting artwork. The food is consistently of highquality and very reasonably priced. Regulars glowingly praise theatmosphere as special, intimate, unique, and cozy, so it’sbest to arrive early for good seating.
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Stetson’s Famous Bar & Restaurant
1610 U Street, NW
www.stetsonsdc.com | 667-6295 |
Most recently, Stetson’s has become famous forthe infamous partying of the (then) underage Bushdaughters, but this watering hole has been a favorite of locals and young White Houseadministration staffers since George H. W. Bush was President.Noted for its laid-back atmosphere that includes ajukebox and not a DJ, you can expect a wild westdecor complete with dangling piñatas. The outdoorpatio is a big draw in the summer, and the nachoskeep people happy year-round.
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Kuna
1324 U Street, NW | 797-7908 |
Its unassuming exterior may lead you to believe thatnothing more special lies inside, but a peek insidebegins your journey into a restaurant that is quicklybecoming known for its incredible food at reasonable prices.Named after the village in Croatia wherechef Mark Giuricich’s grandmother lived, Kuna has allthe right ingredients. The menu is simple but excellent,and draws much from Italy, making its pastadishes the main attraction. Similarly,the wine list isshort and incredibly inexpensive, but like the food,it has been selected carefully, and you will appreciate the results.The staff is attentive and the decor is appealing. What more could you ask for?
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Sparky’s Café
1720 14th Street, NW
www.sparkyscafe.com | 332-9334 |
This cyber café and coffee shop borders the end ofwhat is considered the 14th and U region, but it isworth walking the extra block if you are in need of acaffeinated pick-me-up or some baked treats fromFirehook, Marvelous Markets, and Uptown Bakers. Notto be missed are the caffeinated lollipops! Enjoy a Chai,Fresh Samatha juice, or plain old cup of joe while usingtheir High Speed Wireless Internet Access. Starting inDecember they will be featuring after dinner-drinkslike Irish Coffee, cognac, and hot rum.
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CakeLove
1506 U Street, NW
www.cakelove.com | 588-7100 |
Even if you do not like cake, you will love Warren’scakes, we promise. Warren Errol Brown, owner ofCakeLove, has received as much acclaim for his
 Photo by Tammy Kennedy - jbgarc.com
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Maison 14
1325 14th Street, NW
www.maison14.com | 588-5800 |
South of France in the middle of 14th Street? Wellthat is what this store’s name promises to do, bringa little French from 14th Street into your home.It certainly delivers, thanks to the savvy of its twoowners, Christopher Walsh and Gilles De Concilio,the latter is a native of France. Like so many of thegreat furniture stores in this area, they have wiselymixed more expensive and impressive pieces withmore moderately-priced but equally delightfulpieces. Everything in the store, from its wrought-iron furniture to itshand-painted chests, oozes of amodern Provencal style and a uniqueness that willhave your houseguests wondering when you gotback from your buying trip in Europe.
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www.dcheritage.org | |
You can learn more about U Street’s rich history bytaking one of the many walking tours offered by the DCHeritage Coalition resuming in the springtime. Keep aneye out for more information about the Love Lost shoppingweekend, a neighborhood sale that kicks off on Valentine’s Day. |
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