Columbia Heights
Columbia Heights is a neighborhood in Washington, D.C., located in Northwest D.C.The area’s main drags are 11th, 14th and 16th streets, starting at U Street NW. Along 16th Street, you’ll find embassies and international organizations, most housed in impressive early 19th-century structures with architectural flourishes – turrets, stained glass, balconies. You can check out exhibits on south-of-the-border art and life at the Mexican Cultural Institute, housed in a grand mansion (and one-time Embassy of Mexico) with a mural of that country’s history painted on its interior stairway.
Nearby, Meridian Hill Park, a two-level, European style park with terrazzo walls holds fountains, statues and, every Sunday, a lively afternoon drum circle.
Restaurants and bars along buzzing 14th Street and mellower 11th Street fill up with young professionals and stroller-pushing families, particularly on weekends. Consider hot spots like Thip Khao for the only place in DC to try Laos’ spicy curries and rice dishes and Bad Saint for Filipino cuisine in a cozy, laid-back neighborhood setting.