Slice of the City

I lived in a house on Blagden Alley DC many years ago, and to this day it remains one of my favorite places in Washington DC.

The alley has a rich and interesting history that dates back to 1772, and has included several phases — many forgotten, and some not very pretty!

Today, you can find great coffee, craft cocktails, street art, and terrific dining options within the interior alleyways. Blagden Alley also houses printmaking studios that produce lithographs for many major artists, including Chuck Close. Some of the spots worth a visit are La Colombe for coffee, Longview Gallery for work from local artists, Tiger Fork for killer Hong-Kong-style dumplings, Columbia Room for a special cocktail experience, and The Dabney for one of the best meals in town – if you can get a table. It’s the perfect street because you can easily stroll from one spot to the next.

Blagden Alley DC was also designated a historic site by the National Register in the 1990s, which means that the original architectural details have been maintained, so you get a really wonderful and unique glimpse into the history of the buildings.