Howard University Campus
Credit : Kelvin Sterling Scott
DINING
Head to the buzzy Florida Avenue for an impressive selection of restaurants in LeDroit Park . For all-day drinks and bites , Royal is a popular spot . With a clean , elegant decor and an eclectic , Latin-focused menu serving dishes like chorizo & egg arepas in the morning and masa gnocchi in the evening , it ’ s the perfect location for a neighborhood hang . Open seven days a week and supplying both a coffee and cocktail bar , Royal is ideal for casual dining . 501 Florida Ave . NW
For a decidedly D . C . experience , visit HalfSmoke , the name references D . C . -style smoked sausages made from beef and pork . The eatery bills itself as “ fine casual ” and is outfitted with exposed brick walls , a gleaming bar and an illuminated sign that playfully declares , “ Don ’ t Grow Up , It ’ s A Trap .” Besides their signature sausages , the restaurant offers an array of flavorful food like Cajun crab fries , pulled pork sliders and an extensive cocktail menu with drinks named after classic Black movies . 651 Florida Ave . NW
Quattro Osteria supplies classic Italian fare in a charming setting adorned with tree branches and bird cages on the ceiling and gold frames on the brick walls . The freshly sourced menu features favorites like pappardelle ragu and lobster linguine plated on pretty vintage dishes . The cocktail menu boasts names that look like they were plucked from love poems and the patio lined with shrubbery and topped with umbrellas makes Quattro Osteria a prime place for romance . 600 Florida Ave . NW
“ This Is How We Live ,” Mural by Garin Baker
building and expanded into 89 acres , including the six-story Howard University Hospital . Faculty members have long lived in the community but the university also acquired LeDroit Park homes for future institutional use in the 60s when many residents moved to the suburbs .
A turning point arrived when race riots devastated D . C . in 1968 after the assassination of Dr . Martin Luther King Jr . Many residents left the city and several of LeDroit ’ s distinctive homes stood vacant , as well as Howard University ’ s properties . As the community fell into decline , Howard created the LeDroit Park Initiative to revitalize the neighborhood . The program rehabbed 28 buildings and helped improve traffic control and residential parking .
Today , LeDroit Park is noted for the beauty and charm of its homes , the significant history that flows through the streets and the restaurants and nightlife on bustling Florida Ave . You can book a guided tour of the Howard University campus Monday-Friday , by registering on the college ’ s website . There ’ s also a self-guided tour brochure available for the open campus .
SHOPPING
LeDroit Park supplies a few choices for shopping , including Mecca Perfume & Bookstore ( 647 Florida Ave . NW ), a tiny emporium stuffed with scented perfume oils , incense , soaps and books . Current Boutique ( 1318 14th St . NW ) sells designer consignment items like purses , women ’ s clothes , and shoes . Barnes & Noble Howard University ( 225 Georgia Ave . NW ) supplies a huge selection of Howard University paraphernalia including hats , tees , hoodies , sweatshirts , backpacks , and water bottles .
THE PARK AT LEDROIT
The park at LeDroit is a green oasis that stretches into two playgrounds , a splash pad , a community garden with organic vegetables and herbs and a dog park . There are also paved walking paths , a free little library and a bike-share station . A hallmark of the park is a large mural called “ This Is How We Live ,” by Garin Baker , which depicts Black children smiling and hovering over trees and the park ’ s famous entrance arch .
EVENTS
LeDroit Park boasts several walking tours , either guided or solo . There are 16 signposts that lead visitors through the LeDroit Park Heritage Trail , which highlights significant landmarks and the history of the area . Every October , celebrate Bison pride with Howard University ’ s popular Homecoming events including the Yardfest street party , a Greek step show , the annual gospel show and an elaborate community parade .
AUTUMN 2023
45 FLYWASHINGTON . COM