Logan Circle takes its name from a traffic roundabout on its southern end, where turn-of-the-century townhouses face a circular park with a statue of Civil War general John Logan (that’s him high up on the horse). It’s an alluring area both for residents, who dig the neighborhood’s old-timey charms and new shops and eateries, and for visitors who will find walkable blocks packed with things to do. In Logan Circle you’ve got the makings of a memorable urban adventure. The neighborhood’s main business drag is 14th Street NW, where the past decade or so has transformed the blocks between M and U streets into a playground for the young and stylish thanks to dozens of restaurants, indie and national-brand shops and a happening bar scene. During the day, shops attract designers and browsers. Try Salt & Sundry for quirky kitchen goods and locally made crafts. Big name retailers include West Elm and Room & Board (the latter is located in a groovy converted vintage car showroom with an awesome roof deck). And for off-beat antiques, legendary Miss Pixie’s Furnishings & Whatnot showcases a rotating selection of art, antique furniture and retro collectibles.

Dozens of restaurants, many relative newcomers, make their homes in converted historic buildings. Among the hits: Birch & Barley/ChurchKey, which specializes in unusual beers and hearty comfort chow, and Le Diplomate, an are-we-in-Paris? French brasserie with throwback decor (a zinc bar, retro tiled floor) and rich menu. Weekend brunch attracts a young crowd to places like Masa 14, with its pan-Latin specialties and roof deck, B Too which offers Belgian beers with chicken and waffles, and Bar Pilar, an Ernest Hemingway-themed American spot known for hangover-cure sandwiches. Nightlife also thrives here. Most restaurants and bars offer happy hour deals, many on the street’s sidewalk cafes and patios (look to Pearl Dive and Barcelona Wine Bar for happening after-work outdoor scenes). Open since 1993, the legendary Black Cat hosts indie bands and themed dance nights, as well as regular DJ sets.

[Source: Washington.org]