U Street Corridor, Logan Circle, Shaw, and Columbia Heights Neighborhood Snapshot

Top Experiences

• African American Civil War Memorial and Museum: Learn about the lives of slaves and freedmen, and discover whether your ancestors fought in black Civil War regiments.
• Ben's Chili Bowl: This D.C. institution has perfected its recipe over the last 50 years.
• Street art: Keep your eyes open for colorful murals throughout the neighborhood. From the famous murals of Ben's Chili Bowl to Blagden Alley, there's plenty of street art to take in.
• International food: From Ghana to El Salvador to Italy, you can take a culinary trip around the world in this neighborhood.
• Live music: Music greats like Duke Ellington made this neighborhood famous back in the 1920s. Dance at El Techo, or rock out at the 9:30 Club or Black Cat.

Getting Here

The Green Line Metro stops at 13th and U. To get to the African American Civil War Memorial, exit onto 10th Street. There's limited street parking, but you are better off taking a cab or other ride service since the area is popular, though the area is also walkable.

The Shaw–Howard University metro station is at 8th and S.

Buses 90 and 92 travel from Woodley Park through Adams Morgan to 14th and U, while Buses 52, 53, and 54 travel north from several downtown Metro stops up 14th Street.

Planning Your Time

You can spend a good day eating your way through the many international restaurants in the area, admiring the colorful row houses, and taking pictures of the intricately designed murals. You can fill an evening with a traditional theater experience or a live music show. U Street is a nightlife destination for the city, with its many clubs and bars, while Shaw is a good bet for craft cocktail bars and unique dining.

Quick Bites

Mi Casita Bakery & Deli. Mi Casita is an excellent spot for a fast but authentic Mexican food fix from Mexican conchas (sweet bread) to quesadillas to tacos. 3429 14th St. NW www.micasitabakerydc.com U St/African-Amer Civil War Memorial/Cardozo.

Roaming Rooster. One of Northeast D.C.'s favorite chicken sandwich spot opened an outpost on U Street. Try its famous hot Nashville chicken sandwich.1301 U St. NW www.roamingroosterdc.com U St./African-Amer Civil War Memorial/Cardozo.

Seylou Bakery and Mill. Forego the chains and head to Seylou for phenomenal coffees and teas, as well as whole-grain and naturally sourced baked goods, snacks, and even bread to go. 926 N St. NW, Suite Awww.seylou.com Mt. Vernon Sq. 7th St.–Convention Center.