How To Spend a Day in The Palisades Neighborhood

A skinny, mostly residential neighborhood on D.C.’s northwest edge, the Palisades might be one of the city’s least visited, but most underrated areas. The neighborhood gives small town charm and boasts enough great restaurants and activities to make for a perfect weekend exploration.

First Up, Coffee:

Black Coffee is the community hub of the Palisades, which becomes particularly apparent during Sunday brunch. Their coffee is delicious and they always have a fun variety of seasonal flavors (hello brown butter sage latte 👀). I can never leave without getting a sweet treat or their famous egg sammie. The Fox at the Palisades up the road is another great option if the line at Black’s is too long.

What To Eat:

The Palisades isn’t known as a “foodie” neighborhood, but there are a few options which keep me coming back. Momo’s Cafe serves Taiwanese bento boxes and stellar milk tea drinks. Get the popcorn chicken or the braised pork bento. Bistro Aracosia is a warm and cozy Afghan restaurant with favorites like dumplings and cardamom milk cake. Finally, if you're looking to splurge, Kappo DC is a tiny Japanese restaurant with an eight course wagyu-centric tasting menu.

What To Do:

After you grab a coffee, cross the street to the Palisades Library. Almost every weekend, they have a Friends Book Sale where you can buy donated books for just a couple bucks. Pro tip: bring a tote bag; I promise you’ll need it. Not technically in the Palisades but only a few blocks away is the Kreeger Museum filled with impressionist art, including early Van Gogh and Monet. The $15 tickets get you entry into both the museum and the gardens.

Where To Get Outside

If the weather allows, check out the Palisades’ best kept secret, the Glass Forest, a hidden path behind the Palisades Playground. There are dozens of sculptures and hanging glass installations that make the area feel like The Blair Witch Project. For something less witchy, Fletchers Cove is an oasis for hiking, fishing, kayaking, and picnicking. They have tables and fire pits, along with kayaks and canoes available to rent.