LIFE // Neighborhood Newness

A Look at Modern Living in D.C.'s Capitol Riverfront

WORDS BY M.K. KOSZYCKI + KAYLA MARSH

Parks, waterfront recreation, convenient shopping, one-of-a-kind dining, sports attractions, inspired workspaces and premier events are all components of the booming Capitol Riverfront neighborhood in Southeast D.C. One of the fastest growing neighborhoods in the District, Capitol Riverfront is a true live, work and play experience that gives businesses, residents, retail and guests an exciting environment to connect and thrive. With so much growth over the past year, District Fray dove into some of the most exciting places to enjoy while eating, drinking, living and relaxing – plus ways to support the neighborhood’s small businesses during the Covid-19 crisis.

FABULOUS FOOD + DRINK

Grab some takeout from these locations, add them to your list of places to visit come the end of Covid-19 and keep your eyes peeled for some exciting new spots in the neighborhood.

ABC Pony

Though Erik Bruner-Yang says he loves the Novel apartments, which houses his latest venture ABC Pony, a nostalgic aspect drew him to the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood, too. “I also went to prom at Capitol Skyline Hotel in the late ‘90s. I loved that McDonalds that used to be there,” he reminisces. ABC Pony blends different cuisines and cultures for a unique menu. “I think ABC Pony is a really special restaurant cooking creative dishes inspired by Italian and Asian cultures. It has a great vibe and it is super affordable,” Bruner-Yang explains. “[It] is a story of the American dream, coming to the U.S. as an immigrant and learning about other food cultures while still holding on to your own personal identity. I was really inspired by the energy of the movie Do the Right Thing.” The spot is currently offering takeout, and he’s appreciative of how great the community has been in supporting them amid the current crisis. Bruner-Yang also kicked off the Power of 10 Initiative, which positively impacts not only ABC Pony but the D.C. food community as a whole. “It has been amazing to see the community really rally around their favorite restaurants to help keep them open. People are doing lots of to go orders, purchasing gift cards and sending lots of love via email.” Visit www.powerof10initiative.com and follow @abcpony on social media for more. 2 I St. SE, DC; www.abcpony.com

Anchovy Social

This rooftop spot at the Thompson Hotel is one stylish way to snack while overlooking Capitol Riverfront. Since opening in January this year, Anchovy Social’s Assistant Food and Beverage Director Joshua Scott admits the vibe and vivid rooftop views has really brought the community together. “We have had wonderful feedback on the space itself, and on food and service. [We’re] really looking forward to seeing people in the space again soon.” Anchovy Social is temporarily closed, but you can look forward to eggplant parm dip, smoked trout tin, cacio e pepe chips and more once it’s safe to gather again. The beverage list is just as enticing. “We have some great drinks ready for summer that will remind you of your youth,” Scott says. Keep in touch with them on social media @anchovysocial for updates. 221 Tingey St. SE, DC; www.anchovysocial.com

Maialino Mare

This Roman-inspired seafood restaurant opened its doors earlier this year in January in Capitol Riverfront. Think coastal, European eats courtesy of executive chef Rose Noel, who’s worked in several well-established restaurants in New York. Noel has thoroughly enjoyed cooking on the D.C. waterfront for the past few months. “I love being near the water. The group of restaurant owners and staff [in Capitol Riverfront] have all been very kind and welcoming,” she says. She crafts dishes to remind you of the trattorias in Rome: “classic, simple and delicious.” She and her team strive to craft an unforgettable meal made of some of her favorite seasonal ingredients.“I love seafood and vegetables. It is great to be so close to the coast and the bay,” Noel says. “Amazing fresh ingredients makes cooking simple food easy.” While temporarily closed, Union Square Hospitality Group has a plan to lend a hand to staff facing financial hardship with its USHG HUGS, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) fund to support USHG team members who are facing unexpected and exceptional financial needs. You can donate to their employee relief fund at www.ushgnyc.com/ushghugs and follow @maialinomare for more. 221 Tingey St. SE, DC; www.maialinomare.com

Maxwell Park

The expansion of this spot from Shaw to a second Capitol Riverfront location ensures that casual sippers and vinophiles alike can enjoy their wide range of wines. “A wine bar run by former restaurant sommeliers is unique wherever you put it,” says proprietor and sommelier Brent Kroll. “I think we add a fun bar involving wine that’s not too serious or stuffy. It kind of has the feel of a cocktail party.” Kroll notes that he was drawn to the social and friendly feelings the neighborhood evoked when he’d hang out there on his days off, and sees momentum being gained in terms of Capitol Riverfront’s commercial growth. “Everyone has been super kind. The location fits [the neighborhood] and we had been off to a great start.” This Maxwell Park is connected to Albi, a Middle Eastern restaurant with a modern American twist, where Kroll is also a partner and assists with the wine. “I highly recommend trying both,” he says. Currently, they offer weekly contact free pick-up at their Shaw location – just check out the selection on their site and email your order to info@maxwellparkdc.com to snag some quality wines. Follow them on social media @maxwellpark_navyyard. 1346 4th St. SE, DC; www.maxwellparkdc.com

ABC Pony.

Photo by Foreign National.

Atlas Brew Works

Atlas Brew Works’ new Half Street Brewery & Tap Room is the perfect place to enjoy some flagship brews and new releases to pair with New York-style slices by Andy’s Pizza. 1201 Half St. Suite 120, SE, DC; www.atlasbrewworks.com; @atlasbrewworks

Buzzard Point Fish House

The duo behind Ivy City Smokehouse, Tony & Joe’s and Nick’s Riverside Grill are making moves in the up-and-coming Buzzard Point neighborhood with a casual seafood restaurant. 2100 2nd St. SW, DC

Gatsby Restaurant

KNEAD Hospitality & Design, who also brought Mi Vida, Succotash and The Grill to the D.C., added this contemporary American diner to Capitol Riverfront in its namesake Gatsby apartment building in partnership with Mah Ze Dahr Bakery out of NYC. 1201 Half St. SE, DC; www.gatsbyrestaurant.com; @gatsby_restaurant

La Famosa

Slated for a 2020 opening inside The Bower, La Famosa aims to provide authentic Cuban cuisine to the District and will join the ranks of the growing “fine casual” trend and will serve lunch and dinner in addition to all-day coffee. 1300 4th St. SE, DC; @eatlafamosa

Mary

This Spike Gjerde-owned eatery is coming to Buzzard Point’s new food hall, sitting on First Street Southwest facing the Anacostia River. Fine dining and waterfront views can’t open up soon enough. 2100 2nd St. SW, DC

Punch Bowl Social

Punch Bowl Social is equal parts bar, restaurant and grown-up entertainment utopia that allows visitors to enjoy bowling, arcade games and more for a twist on usual happy hour. www.punchbowlsocial.com; @punchbowlsoical

Peaceable Kingdom

Also by Spike Gjerde is a plant-based market coming to Buzzard Point in 2020, and will combine an indoor farmer’s market, coffee shop, two full-service restaurants (Mary and Buzzard Point Fish House) and a bar. 2100 2nd St. SW, DC; www.peaceablekingdom.co

Roy Boys

This second location of the fried chickenand-oyster joint opened in Capitol Riverfront in 2019 and wows with fresh local oysters, crispy classic Nashville-hot chicken sandwiches, ice cream tacos in a waffle shell, and more. 1025 1st St. SE, DC; www.royboysdc.com; @royboysdc

Union Kitchen Grocery

You’ll find snacks, coffee, grab-and-go foods and more, highlighting members of their Food Business Accelerator program, assisting entrepreneurs in getting their products into the world. https://unionkitchen.com/grocery

RESIDENCES WITH STYLE

Capitol Riverfront has become the ideal neighborhood for D.C. living with spectacular views, walkable shops and dining, and its best quality, in my opinion: being home to both Nationals Park and Audi Field. You’ll find there are no bad views from any of the neighborhood’s chic residence buildings, some luxurious and others humbly tasteful, depending on your style. This residence guide highlights some of the neighborhood’s best places to live, along with some upcoming properties we can’t wait to tour and explore in-person, but for now, virtual tours and gallery photos will have to do.

1205 Collection

The sophisticated addition to West Half, 1205 Collection’s elegant appeal includes chef-caliber kitchens with stylish stone countertops, nature-inspired cabinetry and high-end European appliances in stainless steel. Plus, the property is all about exclusive vibes with access to rooftop private lounges designed by V Starr, Venus Williams’ interior design firm, and the penthouse-level clubroom, providing a luxury stylish lounge bar experience with direct terrace views to Nationals Park’s centerfield and the excitement of Half Street. 1205 Half St. SE, DC; www.westhalf.com/the-1205-collection

1221 Van

The contemporary chic 1221 Van has 291 spacious apartments, perfect for urban living. The building’s interiors and social spaces designed by Cecconi Simone are known for their style and comfort with sleek, modern lines and warm, organic materials. This pet-friendly property also houses Mexican restaurant Mission, Walter’s Sports Bar, District Dogs, Boombox Boxing Club and Mimosa Salon. 1221 Van St. SE, DC; www.1221van.com

Estate at The Yards

In the heart of The Yards, this property is one luxury collection of studio and two-bedroom boutique residences highlighting striking views of the Southeast waterfront, elegant Parisian-style accents and a carefree spirit that’s inspired by the French concept of joie de vivre. Estate’s chalets and villas are designed to showcase natural light and warm wood accents that pay tribute to the artisans of French luxury. 220 Water St. SE, DC; www.estatedc.com

F1RST Residences

Enjoy the heat of long sunny days and the company of cool friends and neighbors on the F1RST Rooftop. Soak up the sun as you lounge by the pool, cheer the Nats to a win from the Upper Deck and watch the sunset over D.C. as your pup takes a run around the park. 1263 1st St. SE, DC; www.f1rstdc.com

Parc Riverside West

Parc Riverside West offers luxury one and two-bed apartments with white quartz countertops, two-tone soft-close cabinetry, ceramic penny-tile kitchen backsplash and tons of amenities near Southwest D.C. This property is beloved for its rooftop pools, two fitness centers and bocce ball court. 1011 1st St. SE, DC; www.parcriverside.com

Peninsula 88 Condos

This unique new waterfront home ownership in the Capitol Riverfront shares only 75-100 feet of Nationals Park between the building and the river in Buzzard Point. These condos are for sale so you can own your own experience that includes an immaculate rooftop terrace, urban style finishes and calming river views of the Anacostia and Potomac. 88 V St. SW, DC; www.peninsula88.com

RiverPoint at Buzzard Point

“Residential properties rarely have as much going for them as our RiverPoint development,” says Tom Wilbur, executive vice president of Akridge. With Potomac and Anacostia River views, sights of the Capitol and national monuments, this property is home to many shops and restaurants that inspire modern city living in the heart of Buzzard Point, a mere walking distance from Nationals Park and Audi Field. 2121 1st St. SW, DC; www.riverpointdc.com

Watermark

Another new riverfront property, Watermark offers views of Audi Field, the Capitol and Washington Monument. Its Riverwalk Promenade features walking and biking paths and provides easy access to the new Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge. Explore its modern kitchens, expansive windows, state-of-the-art fitness center and more just off the banks of the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers. 900 Half St. SW, DC; www.watermarkdc.com

West Half

These ballpark district apartments boast luxury living just steps from Nationals Park in the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood. New eateries Basebowl and HipCityVeg will be joining West Half’s collection of retailers right by the Navy Yard metro. Its light-filled living spaces have wide-plank flooring, chefcaliber kitchens with stainless steel appliances, Caesarstone countertops and high-end fixtures; and spa-inspired baths with stone countertops. 1201 Half St. SE, DC; www.westhalf.com

Yards Park Sculptural Bridge.

Photo courtesy of Capitol Riverfront BID.

OUTDOOR OPTIONS

Whether you’re here for work, play or call the neighborhood home, Capitol Riverfront’s beautiful outdoor features have something for everyone to take advantage of and get back to nature.

Anacostia Riverwalk Trail

The Anacostia Riverwalk Trail is ready for all forms of adventure. Go for a run, hop on your bike or take the dog for a walk on one of the 12 open miles of the 20-mile long trail, which is quipped with bike racks, seating and interactive maps.

Ballpark Boathouse

Explore the actual river that gives the neighborhood its name. At the Ballpark Boathouse, you can rent a kayak or canoe starting at $16 per hour, and float past historic sites like the Washington Navy Yard, the U.S. Capitol and Fort McNair. Classes are also available for those who want to improve their riverfaring skills, or opt for a Twilight Tour for some great golden hour views.

Canal Park

This sustainable park, named for the historic Washington City Canal, provides entertainment no matter the season. In the summer, cool off and enjoy a 42-jet dancing fountain and water scrims. When winter rolls around, lace up your ice skates and twirl through the southern block, transformed into an outdoor skating rink.

Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge: A Look Ahead

This new bridge and its notable archways are currently halfway to completion and is slated to be finished in 2021, providing new safety features for cyclists and pedestrians, the feature offers four pedestrian overlooks and two piers for all to enjoy. For the latest, check out www.newfrederickdouglassbridge.com.

Yards Park

Catch some rays or play fetch with your furry friends at this award-winning park. During warmer days (and when social distancing is a thing of the past) you can find concert series, workout classes and more hosted at this outdoor hub.

To keep up with all things Capitol Riverfront, visit www.capitolriverfront.com.

Follow on Instagram @capitolriverfront, on Facebook at www.fb.com/capitolriverfront and on Twitter @CapitolRvrFront.