U Street - Washington, DC Area Guide

In response to increased housing demand following the Civil War, developers broke ground on U Street-Cardozo during the 1860s. Much of the area's Victorian housing stock that went up during the late 19th century remains standing today. The area fell into disrepair in the late 1960s when the construction of new suburbs around D.C. enticed many longtime residents away. It was not until the late 1990s and early 2000s that the revitalization of U Street-Cardozo occurred, along with the neighboring areas of Adams Morgan and Logan Circle.

In addition to the U Street Corridor's status as a historic district lined with Victorian-era row houses, the area enjoys a reputation for artfully combining the upscale with the hip and unconventional. If you are searching for a little culture, U Street-Cardozo exceeds expectations with its convenience and proximity to D.C.'s downtown arts scene. Within two miles, you can be at the National Theater, the Kennedy Center, or the Smithsonian.

You can find a place to listen to music or grab a drink on any block in U Street Corridor. Known less for its fine dining than its casual bar atmosphere, U Street-Cardozo houses a wide range of restaurants, from ethnic delights to pub grub.

The most famous landmark in the U Street Corridor is Ben's Chili Bowl. A D.C. institution for over 50 years, Ben's signature chili dogs have scorched the mouths of Barack Obama and Martin Luther King Jr. Though it has developed a reputation over the years as a tourist trap, neighborhood locals still flock there for a late-night fix of chili cheese fries.

If you're in the mood for a cocktail and bit more ambiance, visit the adjoining Ben's Next Door. Offering slightly more upscale cuisine but maintaining the distinctive Ben's vibe, you can watch a game on the big screens or enjoy a local band.

Head to another neighborhood hot-spot, Busboys and Poets, for a taste of U Street's hipster atmosphere. Busboys is a coffee shop/restaurant/bar/performance space offering a vast number of vegan and gluten-free options. Following the success of its flagship location in the U Street Corridor, several more Busboys locations have opened in the D.C. area. Each location features a stocked bar and a list of specialty drinks, a local favorite being a concoction of various liquors and mixers known as D.C. Tap Water.

The U Street neighborhood draws a great deal of its visitors because of its epic music scene. The birthplace of Duke Ellington, it's no surprise the U Street first earned its reputation as a music-lovers' haven for its jazz clubs, such as the historic Howard and Lincoln Theatres.

These days, the U Street area is equally well-known for its indie music clubs. The 9:30 Club holds legendary status in D.C. as a live music venue. Go to the Black Cat on 14th Street for local bands or the U Street Music Hall for dance selections. More intimate spots include DC9, Velvet Lounge, and Cafe Saint-Ex.

Public transportation or your own two feet are the best ways to navigate U Street. The neighborhood is easily walkable.

Metro's Green and Yellow Lines share a stop at 9th and U (called U Street/African American Civil War Memorial/Cardozo) and numerous Metrobus bus lines canvas the area as well, making it an extremely convenient neighborhood for residents to commute throughout the city and even deep into the outskirts of neighboring Maryland and Virginia. The DC Circulator bus also provides service every 10 minutes at the intersection of 14th and U Streets to points throughout the city for just $1 each way.

Hailing a cab in the U Street area poses no problem, day or night, and car services, such as Uber, are readily available.

Parking garages are scarce and finding on-street parking can be tricky. For those choosing to drive, 16th Street is a major commuter route that passes through U Street-Cardozo, leading from Maryland straight down to the White House.

U Street itself does not have a designated bike lane, but lanes are available running parallel east/west on T and V Streets and north/south along 14th, 15th and 17th.

Nearby Meridian Hill Park offers 12 gorgeous acres, and just over a mile away is Rock Creek Park, the D.C. equivalent to Central Park. Sweat out your frustrations on a mini-escape from the urban jungle by running or biking on Rock Creek's more than 32 miles of trails. The park also houses tennis courts, a full 18-hole golf course, and extensive horse trails.

Several nearby dog parks cater to pet owners, with the most convenient being the S Street Dog Park and Shaw Dog Park on 11th.

In the summer, walk a few blocks to neighboring Adams Morgan for the Annual Adams Morgan Day Festival or to Dupont Circle to catch D.C.'s Capital Pride Parade. Settle down with a meal from one of the area's food trucks and enjoy one of the free films at U Street-Cardozo's annual outdoor movie series.

Living in U Street-Cardozo tips the scales compared to the overall D.C. average. One-bedroom apartments in U Street rent for $2,000-$3,000 monthly and gas prices in the area average nearly ten percent higher than the national average.

For many residents, however, the neighborhood's convenient location compensates for the relatively steep cost of living. Metro fare from the U Street/African American Civil War Memorial/Cardozo Metro stop to most stops in downtown D.C. are just $1.15 during off-peak hours and $2.15 during peak hours. With the area's casual atmosphere, you can grab a beer for between $5 and $10 depending on whether you're going for a Happy Hour draft special or for one of the 12 microbrews available at Dodge City on 9th and U.

Explore the U Street neighborhood by foot to fully enjoy all of the neighborhood's unique nooks and crannies. You will not find chain stores here, but shoppers searching for a one-of-a-kind vintage garment or upscale, hand-crafted furniture will not be disappointed in this neighborhood.

As you travel down the U Street Corridor, stop into GoodWood to browse the selection of antique furniture and eclectic fripperies, or visit Junction to peruse some exquisitely vintage clothing. The U Street neighborhood has even managed to hold on to one of life's nearly extinct treasures: a record store. Browse new, used, and rare vinyl at Som Records on 14th Street.

For groceries, locals patronize the numerous small markets in the area or travel a short hop to Whole Foods on P Street or the Adams Morgan Safeway. The neighborhood also enjoys a seasonal farmers' market at the intersection of 14th and U Streets.