Ed. Note: For the record I’ve proclaimed Mount Pleasant one of the top 5 coolest neighborhoods in the world since 1997. What an awesome group house you had Katie, Holly, Chris and co.!
But I do love that the props are coming from far and wide. Well deserved! Thanks to CD for sending TimeOut‘s “38 Coolest Neighbourhoods in the World Right Now”:
“We quizzed our global network of on-the-ground experts to find the coolest neighbourhoods on the planet. These are the places to visit, like, now
29. Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant is hands-down one of the most beloved neighbourhoods in DC. North of Adams Morgan and adjacent to Columbia Heights, the neighbourhood became a multicultural melting pot from the ’60s onward thanks to many Central American, African and Vietnamese immigrants putting down roots. Its culinary scene is anchored by Mount Pleasant Street, a foodie paradise packed with locally-owned restaurants that celebrate the neighbourhood’s immigrant heritage. Though it’s starting to see heavy development, residents fiercely love and protect Mount Pleasant,
and community-building plays a central role in living in this part of town. You’ll get a taste of this during the area’s numerous festivals, including live music and community events that spring up in Lamont Plaza. Plus, it’s a beautiful place to spend your time – streets lined with colourful row homes and murals give way to Rock Creek Park, a local gem that, at nearly 1,800 acres, is twice the size of New York’s Central Park.
The perfect day Wake up early to snag breakfast tacos from La Tejana, then pop two doors down to Ellē for coffee and a pastry. Enjoy them in the plaza across the street, or if you’re in town on a Saturday, wander through the Mount Pleasant Farmers’ Market. Check out the neighbourhood’s many colourful murals, then fuel up on pupusas from neighborhood staple Don Juan Restaurant for lunch. Afterward, ride a bike through Rock Creek Park or shop at Nido Wine Shop+Market, Bold Fork Books and Each Peach. Hit Filipino hotspot Purple Patch for dinner, then end the day with a nightcap at speakeasy OKPB and a movie at cosy Suns Cinema. Just make sure to book these spots in advance!
Plan your trip Don’t skip one of the city’s liveliest and best-stocked farmers’ markets on Saturdays in Lamont Plaza.”