Adams Morgan - Washington, DC Area Guide

Adams Morgan was once hyphenated and comes from the names of two formerly segregated elementary schools. In 1958, the Adams-Morgan Community Council was formed and was comprised of residents from both Adams and Morgan elementary schools and surrounding neighborhoods. This council was formed to devote time and effort into improving the deteriorating neighborhood. For many years, this neighborhood has been a gateway for immigrants. During the 1960s, the predominant ethnicity was Latinos. However, during the 1970s, Adams Morgan witnessed a large influx of immigrants from Asia, Africa and the Caribbean. This neighborhood has beautiful community murals and a growing art scene. The DC Arts Center has an art gallery that provides an opportunity for local artists to showcase their work. The Arts Center provides special events such as musicals and poetry nights. Annual events include the Adams Morgan Day street festival in September, which has music, karaoke and other activities.

Adams Morgan has a diverse selection of eateries that include bakeries, cafes, diners and coffee shops. However, the ethnic restaurants are a staple of the community that add culture and diversity; offerings range from Ethiopian to Vietnamese to Latin American cuisine. The central location for restaurants and nightlife activity borders the intersection of Columbia Road and 18th Street. Amsterdam Falafelshop is a popular dining location after a night out on the town. This restaurant features several speciality sauces and unlimited toppings that allow you to fully customize your falafel, and their crisp, round fritters with flavorful chickpeas are customer favorites. The casual dining environment and excellent customer service make Amsterdam Falafelshop an ideal place to grab a quick bite. The Adams Morgan neighborhood provides authentic and flavorful ethnic cuisine. Las Canteras has authentic Latin American and Peruvian dishes that include seco de carne. This popular dish comes with ceviche-style onions, white beans and rice. Nightlife in Adams Morgan consists of bars, clubs, taverns and pubs. Popular bars and clubs include Club Heaven and Hell, Dr. Clock's Nowhere Bar, and Madam's Organ. Club Heaven and Hell consists of three bars on three different floors: heaven, purgatory, and hell. Each floor has its own vibe and music, but all three have the same decently priced drinks. Madam's Organ has a more relaxed atmosphere. This popular blues bar doubles as a soul food restaurant that features live music and quality service.

It's quite possible to live in this area without a car. The Adams Morgan neighborhood is highly walkable, and the bike infrastructure in Adams Morgan incorporates many bike lanes, making biking an effective method for reaching destinations. There are also a wide variety of public transportation options. The nearest Metro station stands less than a mile away and there are about 14 Metrobus lines running through this neighborhood. Car-sharing services such as Uber, RelayRides and Zipcar also service this area for residents without a vehicle. Local taxis are an option that operate frequently around Adams Morgan. For access to nearby locations, Highway 29 and 16th Street are the major thoroughfares.

The Adams Morgan neighborhood has a couple of nearby parks, but the family-friendly Kalorama Park remains the most widely used. This park sits on three acres of land and features a community garden and picturesque greenery; it also features a recreational center useful for exercise and sports, in addition to a large sandbox and two playgrounds for children. Annual events include the Halloween Costume Event, Spring Cleanup and the Fundraiser Brunch at Perry's.

The cost of living in Adams Morgan sits at 9 percent higher than Washington D.C. in general. Metro bus and rail line public transportation options cost $1.75 for a one-way single fare. The median rental rate for a one bedroom apartment costs $1,480 in Adams Morgan. Gas in Adams Morgan is approximately 11 percent higher than the national average, and residents can expect to pay around $5 for a pint of domestic beer at a local bar.

Adams Morgan has multiple chain retailers nearby, but shopping consists mainly of outdoor markets, boutiques and specialty stores in the neighborhood proper. The major shopping area for this neighborhood sits around 18th Street and Columbia Road. Residents use Metro K Supermarket and Safeway for home essentials and groceries, including produce, meats and seafood items. These stores have competitive prices and a wide selection of products. The 14th & U Farmer's Market sells fresh fruits and vegetables Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. from early May to late November. As the name implies, the market sits on the corner of 14th Street NW and U Street. Meeps has been a staple on 18th Street for decades. This boutique features vintage pieces that date back to the early 1960s. Meeps provides colorful clothing items, designer shoes and stylish accessories that customers have difficulty finding at major retailers. The shop has reasonably priced pieces and a diverse selection that includes jewelry and gift items. Another popular shop, Violet Boutique has an upscale feel that resembles boutiques in L.A. or New York. This store carries inexpensive pieces with some high-end items sprinkled in. Find unique accessories, fashionable dresses and stylish tops whether you want to spend a little or a lot.