Corners of our Neighborhood: The Atlas District

Guest contributor Dare Johnson Wenzler is a Capitol Hill resident, Realtor and co-owner of First Vine Wine Imports + Sales. Dare is introducing a new series this week on what makes each corner of our neighborhood special, in the words of residents who are selling their beloved homes.

This post also appears on her blog Real Estate On (and off!) the Hill.

H Street NE at 12th Street. Photo by María Helena Carey

I get asked a lot about what it’s like to live in this or that location around the Hill.  Although it’s true I’ve lived here for almost 20 years (and I’m a realtor),  no one knows each micro neighborhood as intimately as the people who are living there now.  So if you’re considering moving, or just curious, I’ll be posting from time to time about these places from the point of view of someone living there now.

This first post is from an interview with Matt who lives on 12th St, NE close to H Street (aka the Atlas District). His house, at 908 12th St, will be coming on the market soon and as you will see, he’s getting a little nostalgic about leaving

What do you love most about your neighborhood?

When we think about what we love most about our neighborhood, it’s our neighbors.  Most of the folks on our block have lived in the area their whole lives and really care about the community.  We all have each other’s phone numbers and look after each other’s homes when we’re out of town.  In fact it’s not uncommon to collect your neighbor’s mail, mow their lawn, or shovel their walkway if they are on vacation.  We celebrate 4th of July together, have cookouts, and go to each other’s parties.

Of course, the proximity to the great restaurants and pubs of H Street is a great perk of living where we do, but we will really miss sharing the neighborhood with the great people on our block.

What are some of the fun things to do in your neighborhood?

There’s lots of fun things to do in our neighborhood!  We often walk our dog down to Lincoln Park, or ride our bikes to Eastern Market and the Capitol. There are big events too, like the mega-popular H Street Festival, or cheering on runners that come down H Street for the National Marathon.

Do you have a few favorite restaurants nearby?

There are so many fantastic restaurants and pubs in the area but three of our favorites, all within 2 blocks, are: The Queen Vic, Liberty Tree and The Atlas Room.

The owners of Queen Vic really know how to run a neighborhood pub.  They always remember you and come out from behind the bar to greet you.  Definitely order the Bellhaven Stout on tap (arguably more delicious than Guinness), and if you’re feeling a little adventuresome, try the Bone Marrow dish.

Liberty Tree is a trusted favorite restaurant with great small plates and entrees, and delicious wood-fired pizzas.  We often order the Clams Casino pizza and a couple of pints of Ranger IPA.

Finally, the Atlas Room is the best fine dining food in a casual environment in the city.  The chefs prepare three different size plates per category; fish, poultry, beef, pork, lamb, and veggie.  You will be blown away by the explosion of flavors and the plate presentation.  Definitely try the Short Rib Ravioli, Softshell Crab, and the Lamb Duo.  The only thing that might be more impressive than the food is the bartender, Chris, and his delightful concoctions.  All of his classically inspired cocktails and made from scratch with various ingredients you’ve never heard of.  Try the Clover Club or, if you enjoy bourbon, order an Old Fashioned.

Where do you do your grocery shopping?

There are plenty of grocery store and mini-marts in the area.  Our go-to place for essentials is the convenience store at the corner of 11th and H Street.  Note: they have a  surprisingly robust selection of craft beers and wine.

What drew you to your neighborhood?

The Atlas District was appealing to us when shopping for a neighborhood because of its potential for growth and development.  It has definitely met our expectations and then some!  With no signs of slowing down, H Street continues to boom.  The Trolley Cars will be operating soon and we can’t keep up with all of the new restaurants and pubs popping up.  With new retail development along H Street, Union Market, and mixed use properties come in on the west end of H Street, the possibilities are endless.