As the centerpiece of H Street NE, Atlas Performing Arts Center has seen the neighborhood transition from blight to bee’s knees in the span of a decade. A movie theater fallen into disrepair, the space was purchased in 2001 by the Atlas Performing Arts Center and repurposed as a multiple venue arts center. Once flicked on, the bright blue vertical lettering of the Atlas marquee attracted new businesses and residents to the area, ushering in an era of revitalization and hip for the H Street corridor.
Since art and food tend to follow each other, a recent influx of restaurants has helped reshape H Street’s length into an epicure’s thoroughfare. Every week, a new buzzworthy eatery pops up to grab the attention of hipsters, clubbers and families who live or play in the Atlas District.
If you have plans to check out Atlas PAC’s run of Fall shows (Shining City, August 9-September 21, She Kills Monsters, August 15-September 14 and Molly August 23-September 21), make sure to grab a preshow meal at one of these H Street gems.
Like Jason going after the Golden Fleece, The Argonaut was one of the first restaurants of the H Street renaissance to boldly set sail. At the very end of H Street, The Argonaut has since established itself as the neighborhood’s last landmark and the first place you want to visit. An interior of exposed brick and sea-worn wood gives Argonaut a familiar character that easily endears. The menu features gourmet takes on classic bar food while on tap you’ll find a choice selection of microbrews. Not only a great place for a preshow meal, Argonaut hosts a full schedule of entertainment as well. With a Science Night, Trivia Night and Bluegrass night, guests can find something going on at Argonaut almost any night of the week. Open (Kitchen Hours) Monday through Wednesday 5 PM-2 AM; Thursday through Sunday 10 AM-2 AM
Price: Expect to spend $20-30 for entrée +drink
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Look no further for a bowl of mussels. Appearing as little more than an unassuming sliver of storefront from the outside, Dr. Granville Moore’s welcomes patrons with a tavern’s charm. Guests will wait for a table at the upstairs or downstairs bar taking in the interior of soft lighting and distressed wooden booths with a rare Trappist beer while the siren smell of steamed mussels fans out from the kitchens. Here you will get the best mussel meal you’ve had and in every variety. For $15 all summer long, patrons can order mussel dishes prepared with pesto and white wine or caramelized peach and bourbon. Its good stuff and don’t take my word for it, City Paper has named Dr. Granville Moore’s the Best Mussels in D.C. seven years running.
Open (Kitchen Hours) Monday through Thursday 5 PM-10 PM; Friday 5 PM-11:30 PM; Saturday 11 AM-3 PM & 5 PM-11:30 PM; Sunday 11 AM-3 PM & 5 PM-10 PM
Price: Expect to spend $20-30 for entrée + drink
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With a minaret spire identifying it from afar, Cusbah offers authentic Pakistani and North Indian cuisine. A small, dim-lit interior, Cusbah makes for the perfect intimate date location. Outside seating under a broad canopy also affords patrons a good view of the vibrant H Street nightlife passing by. On the menu, you will find rich curries, creamy masalas and spiced kebabs that soak up well with the garlic naan. Cocktail connoisseurs will enjoy sub-continent themed concoctions like the Silk Road (Bombay Sapphire, St. Germain, freshly muddled cucumber, lavender lemon, simple syrup, and fresh lemon juice) or the Imlee Margarita (Sauza Blanco, Limoncello, freshly muddled jalapeno, agave nectar, and sour mix). Cusbah’s limited space and generous ethnic menu make it feel like it’s a dining secret for you and your company.
Open (Kitchen Hours) Monday 5 PM-9 PM; Tuesday-Friday 5 PM-10:30 PM; Saturday 3 PM-10:30 PM; Sunday 3 PM-9 PM.
Price: Expect to spend $20-25 for entrée +drink
Website
Wandering out of Atlas Theater after a matinée and wondering what to do with your evening? Take ten steps to your right and enter the fun of H Street Country Club. A bar/playground, the Club has every sort of entertainment to get the blood pumping again and tee you up for a night on the town. While waiting for a table, you and friends can play a game of giant Jenga with oversized wooden blocks or putt nine holes on the middle-floor mini-golf course. The top-level hosts one of H Street’s most impressive rooftops with a vibrant bar and sweeping panorama of the neighborhood. Mexican-styled dishes populate the menu, and a well-stocked selection of 25 tequilas keeps things interesting. Daily specials like free golf with purchase of entrée on Mondays or Tuesday all-night happy hours make the Country Club a favorite among D.C.’s brightest, young things. Atlas Theater patrons will also find a home on Fridays and Saturdays with a 10% dinner discount if you have a ticket for that day’s performance.
Open (Kitchen Hours) Monday through Thursday 5 PM-10 PM; Friday 4 PM-12 AM; Saturday 11 AM-12 AM; Sunday 11 AM-10 PM
Price: Expect to pay $20-25 for entrée + drink
Website
What are your favorite restaurants around the Atlas Performing Arts Center?
There’s also Dangerously Delicious, a door or two from the Atlas, with its largish selection of savory pies, sweet pies, and quiches. Good stuff.
For an excellent deli lunch, we like Star and Shamrock near the Atlas on H Street. The sandwiches, especially the pastrami, are excellent, and there is a good choice of beverages. We understand that it is lively at night, but haven’t tried it then.