Every day, Spot's co-founder, Nicole and her trusty canine companion, Emmet, enjoy leisurely strolls around the quaint and historic neighborhood of Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. As you amble through the charming streets of Capitol Hill and Eastern Market with your dog, you&pos;re enveloped by an ambiance that blends history, community, and charm. This guide will take you on a day-in-the-life of Spot's Paw-bassador, Emmet's vantage point through this delightful neighborhood!
Walkies & Coffees
Whether you like to rise with the roosters or ease into your day, getting your caffeine fix is a breeze with a multitude of coffee shops and cafes on the Hill.
Eastern Market
Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Eastern Market. Every weekend, the surrounding outdoor space of Eastern Market's bustling marketplace offers a vibrant array of fresh produce, artisanal goods, crafts, and delectable food carts for you and your dog to explore and enjoy some treats! (Note, only service dogs are allowed in the historic indoor market that features local vendors and is open Tuesday-Sunday). As you browse through the outside stalls, take in the sights and sounds, savoring the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and savory snacks. One of Emmet's favorite stands is Eastern Market Crepes, where her mom gets a delicious crepe while Emmet gets a tasty treat from the friendly owner and operator of this cart creperie!
Wine & Butter
Nothing is nicer than meandering through the neighborhood streets of Capitol Hill on a sunny day, enjoying the diverse architectural features of the local townhomes and getting greeted by furry friends along the way! A perfect pit stop along the way is an adorable corner market and cafe called Wine & Butter. This French-inspired oasis in the heart of Capitol Hill offers a wonderful array of coffee drinks, pastries, sandwiches, cheeses, and of course wine! With an expansive dog-friendly patio right across from Lincoln Park, you can order a coffee and croissant from either their little window, which is well stocked with a canister of Milk Bones for your pup! Or you and your well-behaved dog can pursue the shelves of the market, which includes some dog essentials, including poop bags in case you left the house without some, and a variety of gourmet items that would be perfect for a picnic. This neighborhood spot is one of the most dog-friendly places on Capitol Hill and the inspiration for Spot's landing page motif!
Lincoln Park
Continuing on your journey, it's worth strolling through the grounds of Lincoln Park, which is the largest Capitol Hill Park and features monuments to two of the nation's greatest leaders: President Abraham Lincoln and educator and Civil Rights leader Mary McLeod Bethune. The park is dog-friendly with ample areas for you and your dog to roam and explore.
Congressional Cemetery
Whether you are a history buff, cemetery explorer, or just need a great off-leash area to let your dog run around, there is no better place than Congressional Cemetery. This 35+ acre, fenced-in historical graveyard provides a great stomping grounds for your dogs to run free! You can purchase a day pass for $15, these funds go to the maintenance and improvement of the grounds, including ancient gravestones. Dogs frolicking on graves = heaven!
Lunch/Brunch
Capitol Hill offers several dog-friendly lunch and brunch spots where you can enjoy delicious meals while your furry friend accompanies you. Here are some options:
Betsy
A secret gin garden just off a back alley on Barracks Row, this hidden gem, which can be found by following chicken tracks down the alley serves up delicious cocktails and food in their cozy open air bar. It is well sheltered and outfitted with ample heating lamps that will keep you and your dog warm even in the winter months.
Le Bon Cafe
A tiny little Parisian inspired cafe around the corner from the Library of Congress offers affordable and delicious salads and sandwiches, as well as espresso drinks and pastries that you can enjoy on their dog-friendly patio.
Happy/Yappy Hour
The Brig
Named one of DC's most dog-friendly businesses, this German-inspired beer garden on Barrack's Row provides a perfect setting for you and your dog to enjoy some drinks with friends. To say that they love dogs is an understatement, the moment you and your furry friend enter the restaurant, they prioritize getting your pup a giant bowl of ice water and a treat and then make sure us humans get our hydration, weather that is a cold bierstein full of beer or non-alcoholic options, there is plenty for you to choose from. The biggest bonus of this spot is its huge patio, both open and covered, which is configured for any season.
Trusty's
One of our favorite local watering holes is Trusty's, this dog-friendly indoor establishment provides a low-key, get-to-know-your neighbors cozy atmosphere for you and your dog to chill and shoot the breeze with some friends! Best part is that they LOVE dogs and have a whole wall of photos of their local favorite furiends that frequent the joint with their humans. And they always provide a bowl of water and some tasty treats that will make you and your pup feel right at home!
As outlined in this guide, the historic Capitol Hill/Eastern Market neighborhood is a dog parents paradise, where you can spend all day walking around and enjoying a wide array of dog-friendly establishments and reflect on the simple joys of companionship, community, and exploration. With its dog-friendly amenities and welcoming atmosphere, Capitol Hill and Eastern Market offer a truly unforgettable experience for you and your furry friend alike.