Washington DC Neighborhood Guide:
Mount Pleasant
Welcome to Mount Pleasant, Washington DC
Mount Pleasant is a lively neighborhood in the Northwest quadrant of Washington, D.C with an active, thriving community and a quiet suburban character.
The neighborhood’s rich historical connection to DC has made it a diverse, cultured, and community-driven neighborhood. Having its own main street, beautiful historic row-houses and apartment buildings, tree-lined streets, and park, many residents describe it as having a small-town feel.
Pedestrian-friendly dining and retail, strong transit access, and access to jobs downtown have made it a desirable neighborhood for young professionals and families across many cultures and lifestyles.
Mount Pleasant Apartments are perfect for those who need access to the city and its many comforts and conveniences, but long for a quiet place to call home.
Featured Apartments in Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant is a lovely neighborhood with classic architectural styles that bring about passers-by from all over Washington DC. Head there for relaxing afternoon bike rides, cultural cuisine, historical views, unique shopping, and charming activities this spring!
An Overview of
Living in Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant apartment residents enjoy a unique lifestyle compared to those in the remainder of DC. But what does this look like for you?
Mount Pleasant boasts Walkscore of 97, meaning daily errands do not require a car. In fact, nearly three-quarters of the neighborhood’s residents don’t even need a car to get to work!
If you love to walk just for the sake of it, Mount Pleasant should be at the top of your list for DC neighborhoods. The beautiful historic architecture, landscaping, and nearby parks make it a lovely place to enjoy fair weather and exercise.
Mt. Pleasant Street, the neighborhood’s main strip, provides residents with many locally-owned retail and dining businesses. Various mom and pop stores meet all your needs rather than national chains
Every Saturday morning Lamont Park hosts a farmer’s market featuring fresh local meat, produce and live music. The farmers market is open 9am-1pm from April 1st to December 23rd.
The variety of local commercial options go a long way toward giving Mount Pleasant its community-driven feel.
The National Zoo
The National Zoo is the perfect date for two, or maybe even the entire family. Explore how Washington DC’s animal haven is making a difference every day by saving endangered species. There you can explore where the animals in your city roam and play, learn about the science of wildlife, attend a Zoofari benefit for wildlife, and explore all the free events that invite the city to get in touch with their wild side.
Let's Go For A Bike Ride
After a visit at the Zoo, head to the back entrance where you will find the Capital Bikeshare station! Just beside your city lies exciting views from nature to explore and birds of the Nation’s Capital for lore. Ride beside the creeks, capture views of turtles and crayfish and while you are by the water remember to make a wish!
There are plenty of other riders to hang out and chat with, so if you like to meet with fellow DC citizens this bike share route is quite popular for socializing or solo riding. You can opt for an $8 all day bike ride if you’ll be hanging out in this quaint neighborhood for a short while, or you can grab a 3-day bike-sharing pass and explore all of Washington DC by utilizing the 480 capital bike-sharing stations across the DC metropolitan area.
Enjoy Some Cultural Cuisine
The culture in Mt. Pleasant is flourishing so don’t hesitate and end your day right with music, dancing, and El Salvadorian dishes. Haydee’s Restaurant is the place to be, there is live music to groove to Thursday- Saturday. From trumpets to saxophones, rock and roll, to low jazzy tones this is a free music lovers paradise!
Did we mention the exquisite food? If you want a little bit of everything El Salvadorian go for the fiesta platter and share with all your friends. You will get a plate loaded with nachos, flautas, taquitos, chicken wings, and fresh guac all for the low price of $15.
There are many other things to choose from on the menu, with both vegan, Gluten-Free, and vegetarian options! #TreatYoSelf to Haydee’s veggie fajitas, guac and chips, yucca, platanos fritos, rice and beans, and mean salsa.
Antique Some Rare Finds
If you are not a night owl Mt. Pleasant has much more to offer. It is the perfect place to go gift and antique hunting for all the strange and unusual knick-knacks which give you and your home some extra pizazz. If you are attending a wedding, baby shower, or birthday party Mt. Pleasant is the perfect place to grab a gift that will be remembered on happy days.
One of the best stops is Logan’s Antiques, it has been in business for 50 years, and is the eyes and ears of this DC corner. Head into Logan’s Antiques and ask for directions, or suggestions while you shop for your next show-stopping vintage attire.
It is a place to fish around and an emporium which will surround you in timeless artifacts for all your next crafts and crazy ideas. So get arty and look around while you spend time in Mt. Pleasant downtown.
Hang Out At A Dive Bar
If you find yourself wanting a cold beer under the stars then you are the type for dive bars. The Raven Grill is the perfect retro place to chill, they don’t serve food but you will find a slice or two of history from 1935.
Enjoy artwork which takes you back to Hendrix, Jagger and a younger crowd full of laughter. There is graffiti on the walls, and it is a hipster watering hole. The beer is cheap and the well never runs dry so throw a coin or two in the Jukebox and get ready to rock. Head there with co-workers and friends after a hard days work, have fun and don’t forget to twerk.
Grab Some Breakfast Bites
If you had a little too much fun last night and you need to devour some breakfast bites Dos Gringos is the place to go! Start off with coffee made right strong and bold for a morning bright. There is a large street-side patio to feel the morning breeze and if you are craving sweets downstairs is homemade ice cream!
If you are Vegan, Gluten-free, or Vegetarian Dos Gringos had plenty of options. Let your server know, and check out their scrumptious tofu scramble and plantain wrap or grab a berry banana fruit or tea shake. With egg burritos and avocados galore you can’t go wrong, don’t forget to bring a date!
More Information on the Neighborhood of Mount Pleasant:
Mount Pleasant Schools
Bancroft Elementary School
A small K-5 school serving just over 500 students.
Alice Deal Middle School
A reputable public school with strong academics compared to state averages.
Woodrow Wilson High School
Woodrow Wilson High School
A public high school with excellent academics, programs, and clubs.
Culture & Community
Mount Pleasant’s culture and community are at the forefront of what makes it one of DC’s most desirable places to live. Strong historical roots to the city, a diverse population, and plenty of opportunity for community involvement make it an excellent place to put down your roots.
Whether it’s volunteering at the weekly farmer’s market, attending events at Lamont park or the Mt. Pleasant Library, there are many ways to get involved in this growing and thriving community.
Mount Pleasant is also home to the annual Latino Festival, also called Fiesta DC. This weekend-long celebration of Latino culture includes a Parade of Nation’s, a children’s festival, science fair, a diplomatic pavilion, arts and crafts, and international cuisine. Best of all? The festival is entirely free to attend!
Mount Pleasant’s access to transit and hassle-free commuting has been a significant factor in its growth over the years. Residents enjoy the ability to work just about anywhere in the city.
Mount Pleasant residents have convenient access to the metro via Columbia Heights Station. Located on Lamont St, NW it’s just a short walk from most of the neighborhood’s apartments and residences.
Routes 42 and 43 of Metrobus serve Mount Pleasant. 42 runs always, and 43 serves the early morning rush to Farragut Square and the evening rush from McPherson Square to Mount Pleasant. Route 42 connects resident to the metro station via its many stops throughout the neighborhood, giving those without a car easier access to the rest of the city.
Mount Pleasant is considered one of DC’s most friendly areas for cycling, making it a great community for those who like to commute by bike.
Groceries
BestWorld Supermarket – Local Supermarket located on Mount Pleasant St.
Each Peach Market – Small Market featuring local and artisan foods.
El Progresso Market – A small market specializing in Hispanic groceries.
Retail Shopping in Mt. Pleasant
Frugalista – Thrift store featuring men and women’s clothing.
Old School Hardware – Locally owned hardware and home improvement retailer.
Logan Antiques – Vintage goods and antiques.
Arts & Education
Mount Pleasant Public Library – Public library hosting weekly events including bilingual events.
Lost Origins Gallery – Art gallery located on Mt. Pleasant Street.
These are just a few of the local services and amenities in the area. Get out and explore the neighborhood and you’ll find many more local favorites!
Nightlife
Raven Grill – Local favorite bar and grill.
Marx Café Revolutionary Cuisine – Greek and Italian dining and bar.
Health & Fitness
Fit 360 DC – Gym specializing in fitness classes, personal training, and yoga.
The Vitamin Shop – Vitamin and supplement retailer.
Mt Pleasant Care Pharmacy – Local pharmacy serving Mount Pleasant.
Outdoors
Lamont Park – The urban park that hosts community events including the weekly farmer’s market.
Smithsonian National Zoological Park – A free zoo that remains one of DC’s most notable attractions.
Pierce Mill Tennis Center – Tennis court.
Powell Recreation Center – Park featuring a playground, tennis courts, and basketball court.
Dining
Purple Patch – Restaurant specializing in Filipino and American cuisine.
Haydee’s Restaurant – Specializes in Mexican cuisine.
Beau Thai – Thai cuisine and happy hour cocktails.
Mola – Nearby Spanish cuisine.
Gas & Convenience
Exxon – Gas station and convenience store on 14th St NW.
BP – Gas and convenience store on 14th St NW.
Argyle Convenience Store – Convenience store and grocery open until 12am.