Dupont Circle - Washington, DC Area Guide

After the American Civil War, Washington D.C. experienced a vast population boom and development began in the Dupont Circle area. By the late 19th century, the neighborhood filled with mansions and townhouses that housed some of the city’s most prestigious residents. The area declined slightly after World War II, but became the trendy place of modern days during the 1980s.

Dupont Circle has a thriving arts scene. It houses several art galleries, including The Phillips Collection on 21st Street NW, the ArtJamz Dupont Studio on Connecticut Avenue and the Toolbox Pilates Art Studio on R Connecticut Avenue. It also houses multiple museums, such as the Laogai Museum, the Christian Heurich House Museum and the National Museum of American Jewish Military History. Also, Dupont Circle hosts the Capital Pride Parade each year in June.

Dupont Circle features a wide variety of dining options that includes everything from fast-food and chain restaurants to taverns and cafes. However, the people come from all over the city to eat at the restaurants that serve international cuisine.

Triple B Fresh on 19th Street NW serves Korean and vegetarian dishes with a Chipotle-style twist. Regulars rave about the restaurant’s piping-hot bibimbap served with your choice of white, brown, black or multigrain rice. Choose a bowl of classic-style bibimbap, or opt to create your own bowl -- the restaurant has plenty of add-in options.

For Latin American cuisine, visit Panas on P Street NW. The restaurant specializes in gourmet empanadas, and customers have several options. Try the chicken pesto, chipotle steak or the Samba shrimp empanadas, all of which come filled to the brim with toppings. The white, flakey crust can seem dry at times, though, so make sure you don’t forget to get one of the eatery’s special dipping sauces with your meal.

Visit Hank’s Oyster Bar for fresh seafood. The restaurant has a reputation for having some of the best cocktails and happy hour deals in the city, so if you want to avoid a crowd, visit during lunch. Locals recommend the lobster roll, a dish not too fishy or creamy, the seared sea scallop with spaghetti squash and, of course, the oysters. Regardless of what you choose, start your meal with the crab cakes -- many people insist it’s the restaurant’s best appetizer.

Dupont Circle’s lively nightlife scene consists of everything from taverns and pubs to champagne bars and dance clubs. Kabin on Connecticut Avenue and Heist on Jefferson Place NW host some of the best DJs in the city. However, it’s eclectic bar themes that stand out in this neighborhood. Madhatter on Connecticut Avenue features an Alice-in-Wonderland theme. Crowds love the Madhatter because it has a laid-back atmosphere, cheap drinks and for Saturday and Sunday brunch bottomless mimosas and a make-your-own Bloody Mary bar. If you visit Madhatter with a crowd, order the Hatters punch -- the drink arrives in a giant glass hat with multiple straws.

Reconnect with your inner child at Thomas Foolery on P Street NW. The fun bar features an array of board and video games, daily Angry Hour specials and chalkboard walls. Sip on a spiked root beer float while you munch on fresh-made chocolate chip cookies and liquor-infused gummy worms. Just make sure you play hopscotch before enjoying your adult milkshake.

Even though access to U.S. Route 29 sits directly south of Dupont Circle, most of the area’s residents don’t drive. The area has a great public transportation system around one of Washington D.C.’s most walkable neighborhoods, so locals don't need to have a car to get anywhere. Plus, parking in Dupont Circle proves hard to find and expensive. If you don’t feel like walking, you can always ride your bike through Dupont Circle. The majority of the neighborhood’s main roads have dedicated bike lanes, and the few that don’t remain bike friendly.

Alternatively, residents take the subway, a bus, hail a cab or use their Uber application to arrange a ride. Several bus routes run through the neighborhood, as well as the Red Line on the metro. The Red Line runs straight through Dupont Circle, and connects with the Blue and Oranges lines just south of the neighborhood at Metro Center, making it easy for residents to get anywhere in the city.

Parents take their children to Friends of Stead Park, which features a playground and a recreation center that hosts programs, such as Once Upon a Mat Yoga for toddlers and its Luv Bugs Valentines Party. The neighborhood also houses a few pocket parks, such as Sonny Bono Park on New Hampshire Avenue, that make good outdoor lunch areas.

Dupont Circle sits at the center of the neighborhood. A historic grassy circle complete with park benches, this community center piece is perfect for an evening stroll, walking the dog or enjoying a book on a beautiful summer day. Each year, Dupont Festival holds several events at Dupont Circle, including Jazz in the Circle, Cinema in the Circle, Shakespeare in the Circle, Music in the Circle and the city’s Groundhog Day event.

The cost of living in Dupont Circle sits around 10 percent higher than Washington D.C.’s average. Expect to pay around $2,129 per month for a one-bedroom residence, and between $5 and $8 for a beer at a local bar. One-way bus fare costs $1.75 or $4 if you take the express bus. Subway fare costs between $1.75 and $5.90, depending on the time of day. Typical gas prices sit around 1 percent higher than the national average.

Stores line Dupont Circle’s streets, so don’t expect to find one central shopping area. While the neighborhood houses some high-end retailers, such as West Elm, you don’t find a lot of upscale stores. Instead, Dupont Circle houses a wide variety of specialty shops and stores that sell basic necessities.

Bedazzled on Connecticut Avenue specializes in jewelry making and beading supplies. Browse rows of containers filled with multicolored beads, and walls full of necklaces and embroidery supplies. The shop also hosts classes that teach patrons the art of beading, how to make custom jewelry and macrame.

Second Story Book on P Street Northwest features a vast collection of used and rare books, maps and prints. It features a wide variety of books in numerous genres, and even sells used CDs and DVDs.

Dupont Circle residents complete their grocery shopping at Metro Supermarket on P Street NW. Another local favorite, Oasis Deli & Grocery sells the basic necessities as well as a decent selection of deli meat. For other grocery needs there is a Whole Foods and a Trader Joe's right outside of the neighborhood. Purchase fresh produce and baked goods from Dupont Circle FRESHFARM Market on 20th Street NW. The year-round farmers market opens every Sunday.