Logan Circle Walking Tour Preview

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This park was part of Pierre L'Enfant's original 1791 city plan.

The neighborhood takes its name from the statue in this historic circle, named after Civil War General and Senator John A. Logan. It’s the last traffic circle in Washington, DC where all of the original, grand late-19th centuryVictorian mansions still remain intact. These were some of the most elaborate back in the day, and Logan Circle was one of the most fashionable addresses in the city, home to diplomats, ssenators ,and weathly industrialists.

Today the park serves as the neighborhood’s front yard — a place for reading, picnics, dog meetups, and occasional live music. Our dogs especially love the neighborhood’s “Yappy Hour,” a happy hour gathering for dogs and their owners.

The iconic home of Logan Circle. Originally built as a single mansion, it was later divided after a dramatic divorce and now contains eight condominiums. The movie "The War of the Roses" is rumored to have been loosely inspired by that split.

At the end of the 19th Century, this was essentially Washington, DC's Fifth Avenue.

By the 1880's and 1890's, Logan Circle had become one of the most prestigious addresses in Washington, DC.

• Wealthy industrialists, diplomats, and politicians built elaborate homes here.
• The architectute reflects Second Empire, Victorian, and Richardsonian Romanesque styles.
• Some houses originally contained servants' quarters and carriage. houses.

Built in 1903 for the widow of Civil War General John A. Logan, this historic mansion overlooking the circle has been converted into luxury condominiums while preserving its original architectural character.

This stretch of 14th Street functions as Logan Circle’s “Main Street,” filled with restaurants, cafés, and nightlife. The bright yellow building is Studio Theatre, which features thought-provoking plays performed in an intimate setting.

History:

Founded in 1978, Studio Theatre helped transform 14th Street from a struggling corridor into a major arts district.

Known for contemporary and experimental productions, the complex includes four performance spaces.

Walk down this block and back to experience some historic Victorian rowhouses.

Walking down this 1300 block of Q St NW gives you a flavor of the Victorian Row homes which are prominent in Logan Circle. Stroll down the block, cross the street and come back towards Le Diplomate.

Le Diplomate is one of Washington,D.C.'s most popular restaurants, serving classic French brasserie dishes in a Parisian setting. Presidents and dignitaries often dine here which can make for some excitement. I love dining outdoors here and my go to choices are the Burger American, the lobster risotto, or anything on the brunch menu.

In recent years, 14th street has become one of the city's premier dining corridors. With popular restaurants like Le Diplomate, Etto, Pearl Dive Oyster Palace, Barcelona Wine Bar, Lupo Verde, MiVida and Michelin rated Bresca and Jônt. It should be noted there are very few chain restaurants - the majority are local, chef-driven restaurants.

A beautifully curated boutique offering home goods, kitchenware, and artisan products. It’s a favorite neighborhood stop for finding unique gifts you won’t see anywhwere else.

Stroll down R St on this block and return.

On R street you’ll find a quieter residential stretch lined with classic late-19th-century rowhomes, their tall windows, decorative cornices, and brick façades.

This is Jane Jane, one of Logan Circle’s most popular cocktail spots. It’s a small place with bold interiors and really creative drinks. I love their cocktails, but it’s very popular — so you usually have to pick the right time to grab a seat.

The building at 14th and R above Faherty's is called The Liz, named in honor of Elizabeth Taylor and her work supporting AIDS treatment and research with Whitman Walker Clinic.

Across the street, on the other side of R- If you look up and to the right at the top of the Mission Apartment building, you’ll see the neon words “COME ONTO ME,” a leftover sign from the Elizabeth Taylor Medical Center that once operated here. It was a well known free clinic for the community.

Cork Wine Bar is my go-to spot for great wine and small plates.

They’re known for really thoughtful wine pairings, and it’s also a great place to pick up a bottle — or three — to bring home.

Locals also know about their hidden back patio, which is a great spot when the weather’s nice.

One of the most important cultural anchors of the neighborhood's revival.

• Opened in 1993 as an independant music venue
• Founded by Dante Ferrando with investors that included Dave Grohl of Nirvana/Foo Fighters
• The club became a maor home for indie rock and underground music,

When Black Cat opened in the early 1990's, 14th Street was still rough adn largely empty at night. Venues like this helped turn the corridor intoa a nightlife destination.

Last stop on this side of 14th Street before crossing over—

This is Jeni’s, one of the most popular ice cream spots in the neighborhood.

In the warmer months there’s usually a line out the door — it’s that good.

Along with the classics, they’re known for fun flavors like Brown Butter Almond Brittle and Brambleberry Crisp. If you get hooked, you can even have pints delivered.

Logan Circle actually has some of the best walkable grocery options in the city.

Within about a 15-minute walk you have a Whole Foods, this Trader Joe’s, and a Safeway over in Dupont Circle. My personal Trader Joe’s guilty pleasure? The Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups.

This building actually houses two Michelin-starred restaurants.

Bresca downstairs has one Michelin star and is known for its modern French cuisine.

Upstairs is Jônt, a two-Michelin-star tasting restaurant that’s one of the most sought-after dining experiences in DC.

This block of Swann Street is one of Logan Circle’s hidden gems,lined with colorful late-19th-century Victorian rowhomes and mature trees that form an impressive canopy over the narrow street. In the fall, the ginkgo trees turn a brilliant yellow and the street becomes one of the most photographed spots in the neighborhood. Notice the difference in the look of these row homes vs. the rowhomes on Q street.

A lot of blocks in Logan Circle have their own architectural personality.

Take a quick stroll down the 1400 block of S Street. Many of the homes here have slightly larger front yards and two-story rowhouses, which gives the block a quieter residential feel.

It’s a nice example of how Logan Circle blends historic architecture with comfortable neighborhood living just a block away from the energy of 14th Street.

This is Chicken + Whiskey, known for its rotisserie chicken.

But what many people don’t realize is the “whiskey” part of the name. If you walk all the way to the back right and open the big silver freezer door, you’ll find a hidden speakeasy-style whiskey bar.

At the corner of R and 14th Street you will see a Capital Bikeshare station - which is just a bunch of bikes all docked together,

You will see these stations all throughout the city, as DC is very bike friendly - with designated bike lanes through most of the city and multiple bike share / rental companies- this being one.

It's super easy to download the app and rent a bike to take you to your destination within the city and leave it at the closest station - so forth and so on.

You will see Washington, DC has a large cycling population as it is relatively easy to get anywhere across the city on a bike due to it's smaller size.

This is Logan Hardware — not a big box store, but a rare true neighborhood hardware store where it’s easy to find someone who can help you figure out exactly what you need.

They manage to pack a lot into this two-story building, even a small gardening center.

Barcelona Wine Bar, one of the most popular spots on 14th Street. It’s known for its huge tapas menu and excellent wine selection. They also have really cozy indoor dining and a great outdoor patio with a fire feature, which makes it a favorite spot year-round.

An fun, whimsical art installation featuring Barbie and Ken dolls.

Tourists and locals alike stop by to take pictures of the different monthly installations.

It can be quite political and controversial at times - i guess that is part of what people find entertaining.

This was the home of Alma Thomas, a celebrated Washington artist known for her vibrant abstract paintings.

She lived and painted here for many years, and her work eventually gained national recognition, including exhibitions at major museums.

On this block you will find lots of daily essentials such as: Whole Foods, CVS, Starbucks, Sweetgreen, Allelo coffee, Flow Yoga, TD Bank, and local favorite Call Your Mother Bagels.

Alello coffee is pretty new to the Logan Circle scene, but if perfectly embodies what this neighborhood is all about: community.

This is a small, brazilian coffee shop with only a couple drinks on the menu, but they make the most delicious coffee and have such a great vibe and space where neighbors love to hang out.

National City Christian Church is a landmark church overlooking Thomas Circle, completed in 1930 and long considered the national cathedral of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Designed in a grand Neoclassical style inspired by Roman architecture, the church has played an important role in the city’s civic and religious life for nearly a century.

It also happens to be the church I got married in over 20 years ago!

Thomas Circle was created in the late 1800s as part of Pierre L’Enfant’s grand plan for the city and was named in honor of Civil War Union General George Henry Thomas, whose statue stands at the center of the circle today.

This is the last stop on your tour. Beyond this circle is essentailly what is known as "Downtown" - you start seeing taller, larger buildings - most businesses. If you were to follow 14th street it would take you to Pennsylvania Avenue with the White House 2 blocks to the right, and then down to the National Mall and all ot the Museums and Monuments you'll find there,

When the weather is nice, my wife and I will walk down to the Mall for our morning exercise. It's only about a 20-30 min walk and it is so enjoyable.

Hope you enjoyed the neighborhood. You can head back to the Logan Circle Neighborhood, walk to Monuments, etc downtown, or call an Uber to wherever you may want to go!

Cheers!