The Storied History of H Street NE (#7)
This issue also includes H Street Heroes on Saturday, more good news, upcoming events, and not-to-miss promotions.
The Storied History of H Street NE
The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth of H Street NE
H Street NE has been a vital artery of Washington DC for over 200 years, experiencing dramatic transformations that mirror the capital's own evolution. From humble beginnings to a bustling commercial corridor, through decline and recent revitalization, H Street's story is one of resilience and reinvention.
Early Days
In the early 1800s, H Street emerged as a key east-west route in Pierre L'Enfant's original plan for the District. Initially a residential area, it began to develop commercially after the Civil War as streetcar lines connected it to downtown.
The Golden Age
H Street's heyday came in the early 20th century. By the 1920s, it was DC's second busiest retail corridor after F Street downtown. Department stores, theaters, and restaurants lined the street, earning it the nickname "the Swanky Swinging H." The Art Deco-style Atlas Theater, opened in 1938, became an iconic landmark.
Decline and Devastation
The post-WWII flight to the suburbs began a long decline for H Street. The final blow came with the 1968 riots following Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination. Extensive damage and disinvestment left much of the corridor abandoned for decades.
Seeds of Renewal
Slowly, community efforts and city initiatives in the 1980s and 90s began to stabilize the area. The H Street Community Development Corporation worked to attract new businesses and improve housing stock.
21st Century Renaissance
The real turning point came in the 2000s. A city-led revitalization plan, the return of streetcars in 2016, and an influx of trendy bars, restaurants, and music venues transformed H Street into one of DC's hottest nightlife and cultural destinations.
Today, H Street NE stands as a vibrant mix of old and new. Historic buildings house innovative businesses, while sleek condos rise alongside longtime residents' homes. As it enters its third century, H Street continues to evolve while honoring its rich past.
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Join H Street Heroes Clean-Up This Saturday
We're excited to announce our upcoming H Street Heroes Clean-Up Event this Saturday! There's still time to join us in making our neighborhood shine. Here are the details:
Date: This Saturday Time: 9 to 11 AM Meeting Point: Irregardless
What to Bring:
Water bottle (it's going to be hot!)
Comfortable walking shoes
Hat for sun protection
Appropriate clothes for the weather and work
Supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer.
Special Perks:
Free coffee for all volunteers, courtesy of our host, Irregardless
Treat yourself to Irregardless' famous brunch at 11 AM when we return
We need your help! The more volunteers we have, the bigger impact we can make. Bring your friends, family, or colleagues to join our H Street Heroes clean-up.
Let's come together to keep our community clean and beautiful. We hope to see you on Saturday!
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MORE GOOD NEWS
Missing District Daiquiri? Just in time to beat the heat, Sol Mexican Grill is now serving District Daiquiris.
Washington.org published “The Best Places to Eat on H Street NE,” an article featuring the wonderful restaurants on H Street NE.
Bullfrog Bagels is opening another shop in Union Station.
The Pug was named DC’s best dive bar by Washington Post readers.
Hakuna Matata Kitchen & Bar (1128 H Street NE) now hiring on H Street (details below). Maybe this is a sign that they are preparing to open soon?
USA Today named Pie Shop as one of the top 10 best pie shops in America.
Gallaudet University high school summer camp students learned how to create their own Neapolitan pizzas at Mozzeria.
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Do you know so good news that needs to be shared? Fill out this form or email harriethedgehoghstreet@gmail.com with the details.
Atlas (atlasarts.org)
Saturday, June 29 at 7 pm: Ladies In The Day, The Musical
July 11 - 13: Titanic: The Musical
Binge Bar
Thursday, June 27: Mabuhey Fil-Am Comedy Show 7 pm - 9:30 pm
Sunday, June 30: Vegan Brunch with RnB, Soul, and Mimosas. 11 am - 3 pm
H Street, Sweet H Street w/ Irregardless (hstreetsweethstreet.com)
Saturday, June 29 from 9 -11 am: H Street Heroes Clean-up. Meet at Irregardless. Mayor’s office is providing the material.
Maketto (maketto1351.com)
Saturday, June 29 11 am – 3 pm: Sample Sale – Retail items up to 75% off
Pie Shop (pieshopdc.com)
Saturday, June 29 at 7:30 pm: The Beanstalk Library W/ The Pinkerton Raid, Lena Traynham $15
The Queen Vic (thequeenvic.com)
Saturday, June 29: Euros all day & Cricket at 10:30 am
Sunday, June 30: Euros all day & Trivia at 6 pm
SolidState Books (solidstatebooksdc.com)
Thursday, June 27 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM: Knits n' Yarns, Come join us while we craft (knit, crochet, etc) while talking about what we’re reading, or want to read.
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Any upcoming events happening on H Street that we need to announce? Fill out this form or email harriethedgehoghstreet@gmail.com with the details.
Binge Bar
15% off Bottle Shop Activation if you check in on Yelp!
Sign up for Loyalty Program and receive $16 off your purchase of $30 or more
Check in on Facebook.com and get 10% off
Military, First Responders, College Students get 15% off your entire purchase
Bronze (bronzedc.com)
Saturday and Sundays: Brunch from 11 am – 2:30 pm
Every Sunday from 6-9 pm: Sounds of Bronze, Live Jazz
Chupacabra (chupacabrahst.com)
Weekdays 4-7 pm- Happy Hour
Mondays - Quesadilla & Margarita or Beer $15
Wednesdays - Loaded Nachos with a deep Eddy Cocktail $16
Thursdays - Torta Thursday: Torte & Margarita or Beer $18
Sundays - Sunday Funday: Chips & Salsa with a shot of Jamo $11
Daru (darudc.com)
Bar Happy Hour Everyday from 5-6:30 pm - $10 Snacks and Cocktails
Granville Moores (granvillemoores.com)
Mussels Monday - $13 Mussels from 5 pm to 9 pm
Hiraya (hirayadc.com)
Happy Hour Tuesday – Thursday from 5 -7 pm
Happy Hour Friday – Sunday from 3 – 6 pm
Brunch Plate, Drink, and Pastry for $25
Irregardless (irregardlessdc.com)
Kids Night on Tuesdays 5-7 pm – special kids menu
Wine Wednesdays 5:30 pm – 10% off glasses and bottles, happy hour excluded
Sol Mexican Grill DC (solmexicangrilldc.com)
Taco Tuesday: $2.75 tacos all day!
Tiki Garden Thai (tikigardendc.com)
Happy Hour 5pm-7pm everyday
Waxing the City (waxingthecity.com)
June 1 - July 31: Wax n’ Win giveaway.
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We are looking for regular promotions to share with the readers. Fill out this form or email harriethedgehoghstreet@gmail.com with the details.
Hakuna Matata Kitchen & Bar is Hiring Bartenders and Servers. You can apply now at hakunakitchenandbar@gmail.com
Irregardless: A Culinary Haven with Heart
Nestled in the heart of H Street, there's a culinary gem that has been captivating the taste buds of locals and visitors alike. Irregardless, with its charming ambiance and delectable menu offerings, stands as a testament to the timeless allure of good food and warm hospitality.
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