In My Hood: Out and About in Mount Pleasant, Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., is a city like no other in the USA. Of course, this is partly because it is the seat of the US government, home to the White House and the Capitol. However, this is not as important to the people who live here. Contrary to what many might think, big politics does not dominate all conversations. D.C. is a city of diversity, divided into more than 130 different neighborhoods, almost all of which have their own charm. And even though I now live in Fairlawn, my old hood, Mount Pleasant, is still dear to my heart. Many of my favorite restaurants and bars are located in this neighborhood on the northwest side of the city.

Mount Pleasant's slogan is "A village in the city," and it doesn't promise too much. Community and solidarity are still very important here, neighbors know and help each other, shopping and restaurant chains are the exception rather than the rule, and block parties, self-organized street parties, are part of everyday life. There is also a lot to discover here architecturally, the style is Victorian, with many terraced houses, similar to parts of San Francisco. For me, there is hardly anything better than strolling aimlessly through the streets of Mount Pleasant and discovering new things, from street art to eateries from all over the world.

Authentic Experiences in Mount Pleasant

There's a travel trend called "live like a local." For an authentic experience in Mount Pleasant, I recommend a visit to the Saturday Farmers' Market. Local producers sell delicious food and crafts. The market has become a neighborhood gathering place where people come to shop, chat, and snack. Another cool place that's open every day is my favorite grocery store, BestWorld. It's a well-stocked supermarket with products from all over the world, and so popular that when BestWorld was threatened with closure, musicians gave solidarity concerts there.

La Tejana is one of my favorite places for a morning snack. This restaurant serves some of the best breakfast tacos in the neighborhood. Word has gotten around, so on weekends there are long lines outside the tiny place. But waiting is half the fun, as people use the time to chat – or, if they are tourists, to take photos for their Insta channel.

Restaurants From All Over the World

Great quesadillas and fajitas can be found at Haydee's, an iconic spot that often features live bands. Mount Pleasant is a very diverse neighborhood inhabited by people from around the world. Some residents are from the Philippines. That's why you'll find very good local restaurants in the neighborhood. One example is Purple Patch, which has been a D.C. institution since it opened in 2015. A new addition is Joia Burger, a Filipino burger joint owned by Purple Patch's Patrice Cleary. The smash burger made with Wagyu beef is an absolute hit.

If you have the time, pack up whatever delicious food you have for breakfast or lunch and take it to Rock Creek Park, located on the edge of Mount Pleasant. Well-fed, you can explore the park's more than 50 kilometers of hiking trails.

Then, it's time for some art: Mount Pleasant isn't short on that either. I like the Lost Origins Gallery, which was opened in 2017 by musician and photographer Jason Hamacher. Its special feature is that exhibitions are held not only in the gallery space, but also in a nearby alley.

Where to Find Karl Marx in Washington

One of my favorite restaurants is named after Karl Marx, the mastermind behind socialism. Although the Marx Cafe advertises its food as "revolutionary cuisine," it mainly serves standard fare, such as sandwiches, soups, and salads, but at a very high level. The weekend brunch is a classic, while the excellent beer selection and live bands draw me in at night.

If you're more in the mood for cocktails than beer, this is the place to be: Speakeasy OKPB, which is located above a dentist's office. The place is tiny and dark, you can't make reservations, and the cocktail names are written on a piece of paper, but trust me: you won't find better drinks in D.C.

Finally, here's a special tip for parents with small children: visit the Mount Pleasant Public Library. On the top floor, in the children's section, the walls are decorated with fantastic animal images. My daughter and I can't get enough.

About

Austin Graff grew up in Kazan, Russia, and later attended an international school in Germany. After studying history and international relations in Michigan, he moved to Washington to work for an NGO. Graff has been writing for "The Washington Post" for years, mostly on topics related to his city. He currently spends almost every day exploring Washington with his daughter, doing research for a travel guide.