When Micah Smith, a Realtor with HRLS Partners at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, moved to Logan Circle with his wife and son three years ago, they chose the neighborhood for three main reasons: “A+ walkability, vibrancy and energy, and historic charm.” Plus, Smith says: “You have everything you could possibly ever need within a three-block radius—local coffee joints, international cuisine, clothing and furniture shops, and lively post-dinner gathering spots. It truly feels like a neighborhood where people know each other and love where they live.”
Here, Smith walks us through a perfect day in his neighborhood.
On an ideal day in Logan Circle, Micah Smith, a real estate agent with TTR Sotheby’s, starts his morning at the YMCA, then his wife takes a class at Orange Theory.
5:30 AM: A Morning Workout
First up: swimming laps at the Anthony Bowen YMCA. Then, it’s home to play and have breakfast with his son, Harrison, while Micah’s wife, Catherine, takes a class at Orange Theory on 14th Street.
Next up: Lattes at The Coffee Bar.
8 AM: Coffee at TCB, also known as The Coffee Bar
Next, Micah says he heads to this spot—“a neighborhood staple since 2012”—for a latte and to socialize, read a book, knock out a few work projects, or leave a business card or announcement on their cork board.
10 AM: Brunch at Le Diplomate
“An absolute must! The French brasserie by famed restaurateur Stephen Starr has stood at the corner of 14th and Q streets since 2013,” says Micah. “Start with coffee and breakfast pastries. Try the Les Oeufs (eggs benedict) or the Steak Frites if you’re really hungry. ‘Le Dip,’ as locals call it, is a great choice for any meal of the day. But get reservations in advance, as this is quite the popular spot. Former Presidents Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and celebrities including Chris Rock have all dined at Le Dip.”
Scenes from a walk around Logan Circle.
11 AM: A Walk Around Logan Circle
The circle itself, Micah explains, dates back to the late 1800s when it was known as Iowa Circle. It was eventually renamed for former Civil War general and senator John Logan, who lived at 4 Logan Circle. The circle, says Micah, serves as a crossroad, with the Dupont neighborhood to the west, Shaw to the east, and downtown DC to the south. At any given time, “you can find patrons walking their dogs, eating ice cream, passing through on a jog, or partaking in my personal favorite activity—people watching.” (Note: The lawn area of Logan Circle is currently closed for continued beautification and landscaping.)
After the Circle, Micah says Swann Street is particularly worth exploring. “Logan Circle is home to many charming blocks, including Swann Street—a one-way street stretching just five blocks and lined with Japanese Gingko trees that turn bright yellow in late November. I’m partial to this street because I call it home. Swann Street is heavily photographed and shared widely across social media, especially in the fall. I always see couples capturing engagement photos here and it brings me so much joy.”
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1 PM: Lunch at Ted’s Bulletin
“The family restaurant [dishes] out homemade pop tarts, cinnamon rolls, [and] comfort food, and is outfitted with TVs showing reruns of Leave It to Beaver, Andy Griffith, and other classic TV Land shows. Enter through the revolving door and sit in a comfy booth or at the long diner-like bar close to the kitchen and the action.”
3 P.M: Shopping and errands.
“In a five-block radius, you have just about everything you ever need, which is why so many young professionals call the neighborhood home—they don’t need a car, and many walk, bike, or take the Metro to work.” Nearby Logan Hardware is a favorite. “It truly is a one-stop shop for all housing needs from DIY projects, cleaning supplies, plants, and grills. We even bought our Christmas tree there, and they help trim and wrap it! Service level is ten out of ten as someone is always ready to help you find what you’re looking for.” His other favorites include Room and Board, Marine Layer, and Madewell.
4:30-6 PM: Pre-Dinner Cocktails.
In the afternoon, Micah says his ideal day includes drinks at Aslin Beer Garden or Jane Jane. Here’s what he says about each.
Aslin. “Set on the premises of a former auto repair shop, and overlooked by an incredible mural of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, Aslin offers coffee by day and drafts by night. It’s lined with picnic benches, TVs, and Adirondack chairs. Catch a sports game here, or mingle with friends.”
Jane Jane. “Named after the owner’s mother, this is a swanky cocktail bar serving classic cocktails, along with small food bites. They serve a nostalgic snack of Cheeze-Its while you’re waiting for your drink. My go-to is a whiskey sour. Best to grab a reservation as seats fill up quickly! Outdoor seating is also an option.”
Jane Jane and Doi Moi are among his other favorite spots.
7 PM: Dinner at Doi Moi
“Start with the brussel sprouts, and check out their daiquiri menu. My go-to is the grilled chicken Banh Mi sandwich.” After dinner, Micah says the Vietnamese street food restaurant’s lower level space—called Doi Moi Downstairs—can be a great place to end the night. The downstairs, according to its website, is an “intimate, late-night escape where cocktails flow, the lights stay low, and the night unfolds way past dinner.”
9 PM: Ice cream at Van Leeuwen
“Great for an after-dinner cone, or my personal favorite—an ice cream sandwich. Sit inside with cool AC, or sit outside for a front-row seat prime for people-watching.”
Amy leads Washingtonian Weddings and writes Style Setters for Washingtonian. Prior to joining Washingtonian in March 2016, she was the editor of Capitol File magazine in DC and before that, editor of What’s Up? Weddings in Annapolis.
