The Best Things To Do and Eat In Navy Yard

Navy Yard gets a lot of hate for its lack of “culture” 🤌 And while it may have its fair share of chain restaurants, there are still a ton of gems if you know where to look. Here’s where we would start 👇

First, Coffee:

Admittedly, most of the coffee shops in Navy Yard are third-wave coffee chains, but there are a few exceptions. Lot 38 Espresso Bar might not look like much but they serve surprisingly great Italian espresso and bagels. Or head to Tim Ma’s Any Day Now and grab an ube latte and scallion pancake breakfast sammie.

What to Do:

Stroll along the riverwalk trail to the ice skating rink and go for a spin. Or, if it's just too cold, head to the Rubell Museum, which is free for D.C. residents. The contemporary art museum is in a beautifully refinished school building. Right behind it is Culture House, a colorfully painted church-turned-community space, which is worth checking out on Saturdays or just from the outside. And, if that’s not enough, you can always catch a game at Nats Park.

What to Eat:

Navy Yard’s food scene is underrated. Early Bird has the best (best) breakfast burritos. I regularly dream about the broth at Pho Junkies, served with limitless hoisin and sriracha. Cornercopia is your classic deli, serving absolutely loaded subs. And of course, you can’t miss Chef Michael Rafidi’s Michelin-star Mediterranean restaurant Albi.

What to Drink:

Welcome to sports bar heaven. Tap 99 and Tom’s Watch Bar are classics for catching a game. Down the street, I consider Blue Jacket the best brewery in D.C. (and don’t miss the tater tots!). If you’re looking for something less bro-y, check out Trouble Bird for strong cocktails in a speakeasy vibe.