The Leprechaun of H Street (#44)
Also in this edition you will find more good news, upcoming events, promotions, hiring, and a blog post on Solid State Books.
Long ago, before the glow of Ben’s Chili Bowl and the flicker of The Queen Vic, before the streetcar rattled down H Street, and before the great storm that changed the face of the corridor, there was a leprechaun named Hogan O’Hare who wandered into the heart of Washington, D.C.
Hogan wasn’t just any leprechaun. He was a restless trickster, cursed by the Faerie Queen of Tír na nÓg to forever chase the thrill of adventure until he found his true calling. And so, on one fateful March evening, he followed the scent of malt and barley through a swirling green mist and emerged—boots clicking against red brick sidewalk—on H Street NE.
A Pint and a Promise
With a twinkle in his emerald eye, Hogan stepped into The Queen Vic, drawn in by the laughter of mortals and the scent of fish and chips crisping in hot oil. Perched on a barstool, he ordered a proper pint of Guinness, much to the bartender’s surprise.
“I didn’t think leprechauns drank with the likes of us,” the barkeep teased.
“We drink, we dance, and we trick—but I’m here for something more,” Hogan replied, twirling his cap between his fingers. “I seek the thrill of this city.”
A burly patron at the end of the bar laughed, slapping the counter. “If it’s thrills ye want, you should dance over to Joy of Motion and learn to move like the wind!”
A Jig in the Making
With a mischievous grin, Hogan left his empty pint and danced his way to Joy of Motion, where the air pulsed with music and movement. There, he met an instructor who took one look at his ancient Irish stepdance and shook her head.
“You’ve got the feet, little fella, but you need some rhythm! Try some salsa, some hip-hop, some swing!”
For the first time in centuries, Hogan struggled. His feet were too fast, his tricks too wild—but after an hour (and perhaps a touch of leprechaun magic), he spun, flipped, and leapt into an undeniably modern jig.
The Ride of a Lifetime
Exhilarated but exhausted, Hogan stepped outside and spotted the H Street Streetcar. Curious, he leapt aboard, tossing a gold coin to the confused driver.
“Where to?” the driver asked.
“Wherever the rails shall take me!”
Through the heart of the corridor he rode, past murals and restaurants, until he spied a row of gleaming bicycles in the window of The Daily Rider.
Wheels of Fortune
Hogan had always been light on his feet, but a bicycle? That was a new challenge entirely. He marched into The Daily Rider, where the shopkeeper gave him a knowing look.
“You’ll need something sturdy, lad,” he said, setting him up with a swift green road bike, a proper helmet, and gear fit for a fae warrior.
With the wind rushing past him, Hogan rode through the streets, dodging cars, streetcar rails, and potholes, laughing like a trickster king.
A Scholar’s Respite
After his ride, Hogan stopped at Solid State Books, where he was drawn to a worn leather tome titled “Legends of the Old World”. Flipping through its pages, he gasped.
There, written in elegant script, was a prophecy:
"A leprechaun lost, in the heart of the States,
Shall ride, shall dance, and tempt the Fates.
But only when warrior’s sweat meets gold,
Shall he find his heart, both young and old.“
He scratched his fiery red beard. What could it mean?
The Fight of His Life
Determined to solve the riddle, Hogan’s final stop was a class at Capital Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, where he saw warriors of all sizes grappling, sparring, and honing their craft. Something stirred within him—a longing not for trickery, but for true strength.
He stepped onto the mat, squared up against a challenger, and fought—not with magic, not with mischief, but with pure skill and heart.
As sweat dripped from his brow and the match ended in a hard-won draw, Hogan felt something change deep within his soul. The prophecy was fulfilled. He had found his true thrill—not in mischief, but in the endless adventure of learning and growth.
And just like that, Hogan O’Hare, the last wandering leprechaun, disappeared into the H Street night, leaving behind only a single gold coin glinting on the mat.
Some say he still returns each St. Patrick’s Day, seeking new thrills and new challenges on the most magical street in D.C.
So if you ever see a flash of green dart past you on H Street, or hear the distant sound of a mystical jig mixed with the hum of the streetcar—tip your hat and buy an extra pint at The Queen Vic.
You never know when a leprechaun might stop in for a drink.
☘️ The End. ☘️
☘️ An Irish Toast for H Street ☘️
"May the streetcars roll swift and the pints pour tall,
May laughter and music fill each pub and hall.
May your steps be light at Joy of Motion,
And your spirit strong with H Street devotion.
May your bike ride be steady, your books stacked high,
May fortune and friendships never run dry.
And if a leprechaun graces your sight—
Raise a glass and toast the night!
Sláinte to H Street—where the craic is always mighty!" 🍻
—
More Good News
Tapori is opening on Friday, March 14th.
Jerk at Nite is OPEN!!! After serval months being closed due to a fire last year, they are back and ready to serve.
National Cherry Blossom Festival starts off with the Pink Tie Party at Union Station on Friday, March 14. Get your tickets here.
H Street Runners are coming back from hibernation to celebrate Spring with a sunrise run on Saturday, March 22 at 6 am - from H Street to Lincoln Memorial (about 4 miles each way).
ADVERTISEMENT
Atlas Performing Arts Center (atlasarts.org)
Until – March 16: The Atlas INTERSECTIONS Festival is a performing arts festival that presents work that impacts our society, culture, and world by informing, inspiring, educating, and entertaining.
Binge Bar
Sunday, March 16 from noon to 4 pm: Networking Brunch Experience
DC Creative Institute
March 22 from 11 am to 5 pm: Jericho Market
Lydia on H Street (lydiaonhdc.com)
Fridays: 7-8:30 pm: Mixology glasses with Chef Vic. Private classes also available.
Pie Shop (pieshopdc.com)
Thursday, March 13, 8:00pm: Boys Go To Jupiter w/ Berra
Friday, March 14, 8:30pm: Pi Day - Free Show! w/ Girls on Toast, Ammonite, Endlings, and JJX
Saturday, March 15, 8:30pm: The Cassaday Concoction w/ Argo & The Violet Queens
Solid State Books (solidstatebooksdc.com)
Thursday, March 13 at 7 pm: Natalie Dykstra’s “Chasing Beauty”
Friday, March 14 at 7 pm: Mariana Alessandri’s “Night Vision”
W. S. Jenks
March 15 at 1 pm: Plant your own succulent arrangement. $20
—
ADVERTISEMENT
FRESHFARM (freshfarm.org)
Shop at the FRESHFARM farmers market each week until March 31 and win great prizes. Visit the market information tent to have your Winter Warrior Card stamped every time you shop.
Pie Shop (pieshopdc.com)
March 14 from 3:14 pm - 6:00 (while supplies last: select sweet slices available for $3.14. Limited to 1 slice per person.
Sol Mexican Grill DC (solmexicangrilldc.com)
Taco Tuesday: $2.75 tacos all day!
SWEAT DC (sweatdc.com)
Free week of group fitness classes at SWEAT DC. Click link to redeem your free week pass.
The Little Grand (litttlegranddc.com)
Monday Funday Happy Hour and a Half (5 - 6:30 pm): Half Price Beer on Tap and Wine BTG. BOHOGO Buy One Get One Half Off Pizzas (dine in only). WINE’D DOWN Bottles of wine 20% off.
Wednesday Hump Day Happy Hour (5 - 6:30 pm): Half Price Beer on Tap and Wine BTG. Cheese and Pepperoni Slices at the Bar and out the Window.
The Haymaker Bar (thehaymakerbar.com)
Taco Tuesday: Shrimp tacos (2 for $12 or 3 for $17); Carnitas tacos (2 for $11 or 3 for $15). Specials from 5 - 10 pm.
Whiskey Wednesday: $2 off all whiskey ports, includes Manhattans and Old Fashions
The Queen Vic (queenvicdc.com)
Free Guinneness Stouties on Thursday, March 13 from 7 - 9 pm
St. Paddy’s Day Specials All Weekend.
ADVERTISEMENT
FRESHFARM is hiring a Payroll and Benefits Manager. Visit their website for more details and to apply.
ADVERTISEMENT
Solid State Books (https://www.solidstatebooksdc.com) is more than just a bookstore—it’s a vibrant hub of community and culture nestled in the heart of H Street. Whether you’re a bookworm, a coffee lover, or someone looking for meaningful connections, this treasure trove has something special for everyone. (Read Full Article)
—
Let us know how we are doing
We’re excited to hear from you! If you’ve enjoyed our content on the “H Street, Sweet H Street” Blog, Instagram, or through our newsletter, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Your testimonials help us improve and bring more of what you love. Please share your experiences, favorite posts, and how our content has impacted you. We value your feedback and look forward to featuring your testimonials on our platforms. Thank you for being a part of our community!
—
THANKS!
Thanks for reading H Street Herald today. If you found something useful, please share. Sharing is caring.
ADVERTISEMENT
