Ready to discover the freshest new spots around Capitol Hill and the Navy Yard? From gifts to Himalayan dumplings, read on for the newest hot spots to open in this part of Washington.
Blue Bottle Coffee
50 Massachusetts Ave. NE
San Francisco Bay area's Blue Bottle Coffee has made a home for itself in Union Station. Acquired last year by Nestle, the popular chain is serving its artisan coffee at a small counter at the train station.
Imbibers can choose from French press, pour over, cold brew and other styles, or buy some whole beans and one of the shop's branded contraptions for brewing at home.
Blue Bottle Coffee's current Yelp rating of 3.5 stars out of six reviews indicates the newcomer is finding its way, but it's still early days.
Yelper Valerie Y. noted, "This is a cute new shop in Union Station. I liked my drink much better than what I'd get at Starbucks. The staff was very friendly and introduced me to oat milk as an alternative to dairy, which I enjoyed. What I did not enjoy was paying $6 for a 12-ounce mocha latte."
Yelper Daryll B. wrote, "Truly great coffee requires the proper brew technique, optimal temperature for the water and accurate measurement. Observe the pour over technique at Blue Bottle Coffee to see the beautiful contradiction of improvised scientific precision."
Blue Bottle Coffee is open from 6 a.m.–7 p.m. daily.
Orchid
520 Eighth St. SE
Orchid is a gay bar on Barracks Row (in the former Senart's Oyster and Grill Room space) serving cocktails and small plates. Its design is inspired by 1920s elegance and includes a long marble bar.
Food items run from scallops and crab cake to mushroom toast. Cocktails like the Blue Orchid (Jameson whiskey and blueberry syrup), beer and wine are also available.
Orchid's current rating of five stars out of five reviews on Yelp indicates it's off to a strong start.
Yelper Lillian D. noted, "Here for drinks with friends. The music is very good. The atmosphere is welcoming. Drinks are great. Love this place."
Michael F. wrote, "Orchid is an upscale bar offering craft cocktails in a lounge environment on par with any of the nicer cocktail and wine bars in town. Now LGBT people can have nice things too!"
Orchid is open from 4 p.m.–2 a.m. on Monday-Wednesday, 4 p.m.–3 a.m. on Thursday-Saturday, and 4 a.m.–2 a.m. on Sunday.
Sugarfina
50 Massachusetts Ave. NE
Sugarfina - Union Station is part of the nationwide candy boutique chain, offering its high-end confections to travelers. Think champagne gummy bears and tequila grapefruit sours.
There are also imported chocolates and the chance to create your own "candy bento box" of selected sweets.
With four stars from just one review on Yelp, Sugarfina is just getting started.
Serena N., who reviewed the new spot on April 19, said, "It's bright, clean and neatly organized. The saleswomen were very friendly and helpful."
Sugarfina - Union Station is open from 10 a.m.–9 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m.–6 p.m. on weekends.
Dorjee Momo
317 Seventh St. SE
Dorjee Momo near Eastern Market specializes in Himalayan, Nepalese and north Indian fare. Located above Bullfrog Bagels on Seventh Street, you'll find an extensive plant-based menu (coconut butter-grilled mushrooms, Sichuan eggplant salad), Sichuan hot pot and momo, a dumpling from Nepal that is filled with meat, vegetables and spices.
Signature cocktails, wine, beer and tea are also served.
With a 4.5-star rating out of 22 reviews on Yelp, Dorjee Momo has been getting positive attention.
Ben S. noted, "Everything that we've ordered has been delicious. The momos are the standout, but I also really enjoyed the sunflower buns and the red coconut beef with rice. Super friendly for vegetarians and vegans."
Yelper Jessica R. wrote, "Wow, the hot pot. I am so glad we tried Dorjee Momo. What a fun, filling, engaging meal. We arrived as a group of four and immediately liked the feel of the place — very intimate."
Dorjee Momo is open from 5:30–10 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. (It's closed Monday-Wednesday.)
Willow
1331 Fourth St. SE
On the retail side, Willow is a D.C. clothing and gift store in the Navy Yard. From dresses to socks, mugs to greeting cards, Willow aims for fun, trendy and very local, with many opportunities to show off your D.C. pride. (Willow also has a storefront in Petworth.)
Yelp users are positive about Willow so far, with a four-star showing from its one review on the site.
Yelper Lia M. wrote, "I really appreciate Willow's second location. It's bigger, bright, and airy. I find the clothing at Willow to be cute and reasonably priced, though it's not always quite my style."
Willow is open from 11 a.m.–6 p.m. on Monday and Sunday, 11 a.m.–7 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, 11 a.m-8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturday.
