Columbia Heights

NW

OVERVIEW

ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE in Columbia Heights, a tale of two cities in one neighborhood. From its dense residential communities to its lauded urban farm at Columbia Heights Green, this area also represents the spectrum of retail options. Large-format tenants combine along its dominant 11th and 14th Street corridors with local culinary powerhouses representing an almost countless number of cuisines. With new residential development and a buzzing arts scene all ramping up, Columbia Heights continues to be one of the District’s most compelling and commercially diverse neighborhoods.

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Neighborhood Features

Placemaking

  • For its American Portrait program, PBS produced a marquee mural at the Dance Institute of Washington.
  • With 12 “streateries,” the neighborhood has one of the highest concentrations in the District.

Great Streets + Main Streets

14th Street and the surrounding commercial corridors are designated Great Streets. As funds become available, small businesses may apply for grants to cover capital improvements and certain soft costs. Additional support comes from the Columbia Heights and Mount Pleasant Main Streets, which manage community-based economic development initiatives.

Multicultural Cuisine

  • Bad Saint (Filipino)
  • Bombay Street Food (Indian)
  • Creole on 14th (Louisiana Creole)
  • Gloria’s Pupuseria (Central American)
  • Iron Age (Korean steakhouse)*
  • Khana Express (Indian)
  • Letena (Ethiopian)
  • Los Hermanos (Dominican)
  • Makan/The Thirsty Crow (Malaysian)
  • Mi Cuba Café (Cuban)
  • Ossobuco Ristorante (Italian)
  • Pho 14 (Vietnamese)
  • El Pollo Sabroso (Peruvian & Central American)
  • Queen’s English (Cantonese)
  • El Rinconcito Café (Salvadorean)
  • Shanghai Tokyo Café (Asian fusion)
  • Tequila & Mezcal (Mexican)
  • Thip Khao (Laotian)

Top Local Industries

17,583 Total Area Employment

  • Educational Services: 26%
  • Accommodations & Food Services: 16%
  • Heath Care & Social Assistance: 12%