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Exploring Connecticut Avenue

A cozy outdoor restaurant patio at night with wooden tables and chairs, illuminated by overhead strings of warm bistro lights stretching down a city sidewalk.

Your Local Go-To Spot

Connecticut Avenue is the commercial spine of Woodley Park's quiet, tree-lined residential neighborhood. Because it sits right between Dupont Circle and the National Zoo, it gets plenty of foot traffic, but the vibe is pretty laid-back compared to downtown.

The main strip is mostly a mix of charming, historic brick row houses that have been turned into sidewalk cafés, casual restaurants, and local shops. It’s the kind of area where you’re just as likely to see locals walking their dogs as you are tourists looking for the zoo.

Located only a 1-2 minute walk (or roll) from luxury apartments at Zephyr, it's basically your backyard to-go spot for groceries, quick errands, a cup of coffee, or finding a great local place to eat. The Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan metro station is also right there, just 0.1 miles from your front door.

Here are some of our favorite places and notable spots on Connecticut Ave in Woodley Park:

Where to Eat / Drink / Caffeinate

  • Donsak Thai
    2608 Connecticut Ave NW
    A compact, highly rated neighborhood spot known for its Northern Thai specialties, like Khao Soi, alongside a menu of familiar classics that earned a glowing review from the Washington Post.

  • Via Roma
    2606 Connecticut Ave NW
    Stands out on the avenue for its authentic, airy Roman pinsa—a lighter, cloud-like alternative to traditional pizza—served alongside classic pastas. A relaxed, family-run atmosphere with great sidewalk seating.

  • Rajaji Curry House
    2603 Connecticut Ave NW
    A long-running neighborhood standby known for comforting Indian classics and charcoal-tandoori specialties, complete with a popular weekend lunch buffet. A go-to for casual, post-zoo dining.

  • Yours Cafe
    2619 Connecticut Ave NW
    Bright, independent neighborhood daytime spot that draws locals for its specialty espresso drinks, fresh pastries, and breezy outdoor patio.

  • Tavern 18
    2621 Connecticut Ave NW
    Woodley Park's go-to, laid-back sports bar and pub. Expansive craft beer list, elevated tavern comfort food, and plenty of TVs for catching the game.

  • Sofra
    2623 Connecticut Ave NW
    Brings vibrant Turkish and Mediterranean flavors to the avenue, offering a menu of authentic meze platters, grilled kebabs, and house-made pide in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.

  • Umi
    2625 Connecticut Ave NW
    A sleek neighborhood favorite known for its fresh, creative sushi rolls and ambiance that feels both upscale yet down-to-earth.

  • Rose Ave Bakery
    2633 Connecticut Ave NW
    Famous for its vibrant, Asian-American-inspired pastries, serving up inventive treats like ube donuts, miso chocolate chip cookies, and Saigon banana lattes to a steady crowd of locals

  • NaanWise Indian
    2635 Connecticut Ave NW
    Serves up flavorful North Indian staples alongside harder-to-find regional specialties—like the fiery Rajasthani Laal Maas—in a relaxed dining room with a wide sidewalk patio.

  • Nando's PERi-PERi
    2631 Connecticut Ave NW
    This poular global chain operates like a distinct regional favorite in the US, serving up its famous South African flame-grilled spicy chicken and PERi-chips inside a beautifully converted historic bank building.

  • Lebanese Taverna
    2641 Connecticut Ave NW
    Flagship location of a popular family-owned local chain, serving up authentic Middle Eastern meze, lamb stews, and fresh pita bread in a spacious, lively dining room. Right across from the Metro.

  • Pastiamo Osteria
    2615 Connecticut Ave NW
    This elegant, highly anticipated new Italian spot that encourages diners to slow down, centering its straightforward menu around comforting, hand-rolled pastas and wood-fired pizzas.

  • New Heights
    2317 Calvert St NW,
    This historic, second-story culinary pioneer that has anchored Woodley Park for nearly four decades. Upscale but deeply welcoming menu of refined American classics paired with a famous, gin-forward cocktail bar. Around the corner from Connecticut Ave.

  • Open City
    2331 Calvert St NW,
    Also just around the corner, Open City is the definitive neighborhood "third place". This all-day hub combines a cozy coffeehouse with a casual diner, famous for serving breakfast all day, espresso, and comfort food on a massive, lively sidewalk patio.

Shops & Errands

  • Capital Grocer
    2616 Connecticut Ave NW
    A spacious, full-service neighborhood supermarket that filled a long-standing grocery gap on the avenue, offering everything from fresh produce and specialty diet brands to beer, wine, and everyday pantry staples at competitive prices.

  • Manhattan Market
    2647 Connecticut Ave NW
    A beloved, 30-year-old neighborhood cornerstone that combines classic corner-store convenience with premium, direct-import Ethiopian coffee from Aayyee Coffee and an eclectic selection of wine and imported treats.

  • Sherry's Wine & Spirits
    2627 Connecticut Ave NW
    A dense, long-running storefront that balances the convenience of a basic neighborhood corner store (everyday beers, wine, mixers, and ice) with a massive, floor-to-ceiling selection of rare whiskies and hard-to-find wines.

  • Alan Woods Flowers
    2645 Connecticut Ave NW
    Local for over four decades. Renowned for its splendid floral arrangements and charming storefront packed with fresh blooms and lush houseplants.

  • CVS
    2601 Connecticut Ave NW
    Reliable drugstore chain. Prescription refills, over-the-counter health goods, beauty and wellness items, and basic grocery / household staples.

apanese bento box filled with salmon, seasoned rice, seaweed sheets, and pickled vegetables sits on a sunlit wooden table next to a dark teapot and cup.