Interested in checking out the newest restaurant and retail additions around the U Street corridor? From a 1920s-inspired tavern to fitness studios, read on for a list of the newest hot spots to open in this area of Washington.
The Smith
1314 U St. NW
Cocktail bar and New American restaurant The Smith features bistro classics, a raw bar, pizzas and house-made pasta. The U Street location is the restaurant's second D.C. outpost, with four other branches in New York City.
Beer and wine are available, but the emphasis is on cocktails, including boozy punch bowls and slushies.
Yelpers are still warming up to The Smith, which currently holds 3.5 stars from 12 reviews on the site.
Yumi R., who reviewed The Smith on May 5, wrote, "A fine place to impress your date, enjoy a night out with good friends or a business meal. The bartenders know what they're talking about."
Anh N. noted, "Everyone enjoyed their meals as everything was flavorful and cooked well except my friend's fries were soggy. Customer service was attentive and friendly but could've been more timely."
The Smith is open from 5 p.m.–midnight on Monday-Wednesday, 5 p.m.–1 a.m. on Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m.–1 a.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m.–midnight on Sunday.
The Shop at Shaw
1924 Eighth St. NW
Located on the ground floor of apartment building The Shay, The Shop at Shaw is a hair salon offering cuts, coloring and hair lightening near the U Street corridor.
The salon, which comes courtesy of stylist Jamie Lynn, also provides deep conditioning and retexturizing treatments like the Brazilian Blowout. Check out the full list of services on the salon's website.
The current Yelp rating of five stars from four reviews indicates The Shop at Shaw is receiving positive attention.
Yelper Olivia M., who reviewed The Shop at Shaw on May 5, wrote, "I am loyal to Jamie, and I think I'd even follow her across state lines! When she told me she opened her own salon, I knew it would be the choicest, coolest salon in town — and I was right."
Carla C. wrote, "Jamie, Aaron and Jennifer are the best in the DMV. I left the shop looking like a million bucks. The staff, products and environment are better than any salon in D.C."
The Shop at Shaw is open from 11 a.m.–8 p.m. on Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.–7 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m.–6:30 p.m. on Saturday. (It's closed on Monday and Sunday.)
F45 U Street
1020 U St. NW
F45 U Street is a gym that provides interval training, circuit training and personal training. With locations around the world, Australia-based F45 offers a rotating series of 45-minute high-intensity workouts designed to provide a balance of strength, cardio, speed and agility.
It's early days for F45 U Street, which has one review on Yelp.
Yelper Alicia G., who reviewed F45 U Street on May 5, wrote, "I really like the F45 workouts! The instructors are fun, high energy and give great guidance and motivation. The workouts are different each time and burn a ton of calories."
F45 U Street is open from 6:30 a.m-8 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday. (It's closed on Sunday.)
Gaslight Tavern
2012 Ninth St. NW
Also new to the neighborhood is Gaslight Tavern, a bar from the brothers behind El Rey, American Ice and The Brixton. The decor is inspired by the 1920s, and the cocktails are equally retro, highlighting classics like the Bee's Knees, Brown Derby and Aviation.
Hungry? On the menu, look for chicken liver parfait with maple, fig and toast; oysters with cider mignonette and horseradish; and baked polenta with puttanesca and ricotta salata. (You can view the full cocktail and dining menu here.)
Gaslight Tavern is off to a positive start, with a four-star rating based on 27 reviews on Yelp.
Diane H., who reviewed Gaslight Tavern on May 5, wrote, "I can't say enough good things about this place. The food menu may be small, but perfectly done no matter what you order. And the food comes out very quickly. How they managed to master quality and speed is beyond me."
Yelper Evelyn G. wrote, "My husband and I are new to D.C., and love craft drinks and a shadowy place to relax away from the chaos of the world. This place in terms of customer service, craft drinks and a warm wood fireplace hit the ball out of the park for us. "
Gaslight Tavern is open from 5 p.m.–midnight on Monday-Wednesday, 5 p.m.–1 a.m. on Thursday, 5 p.m.–2:30 a.m. on Friday, 11 a.m.–2:30 a.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m.–midnight on Sunday.
MINT Studios
1346 Florida Ave., Manhattan Laundry
MINT Studios is a gym offering a variety of cardio classes, pilates and personal training. Its third D.C. location has recently opened in the historic Manhattan Laundry Building complex on Florida Avenue.
MINT Studios currently holds a perfect five stars from five reviews on Yelp.
Yelper Pamela J., who reviewed the fitness stop on March 24, wrote, "Love MINT Studios! Every class is challenging, different and fun."
Amy P. noted, "Great space and full-body workout — would highly recommend."
MINT Studios is open from 6 a.m.–9 p.m. on weekdays, 8 a.m.–2 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m.–2 p.m. on Sunday.
