Petworth's Blog 'Prince' Offers a Filling Tour

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ON A RECENT Sunday, Prince of Petworth blogger Dan Silverman, pictured above, sat at the bar of the Looking Glass Lounge (formerly Temperance Hall) with a Boddingtons, talking to bartender Eric Stier. "When Eric is working, the music is fantastic," he said of the bar's Old 97's, Drive-By Truckers, The National, Wilco and Billy Bragg playlist.

Silverman would know. Posts about quality-of-life issues, real estate, neighborhood crime and restaurant and bar news are among his most-read. When it comes to bars and restaurants, Silverman has in his rotation a handful of places that capture the spirit of the neighborhood.

Among his favorites is the Hitching Post. "Now that's a real neighborhood place," he said of the restaurant that has anchored the neighborhood for more than 40 years. With its red vinyl seating and Charles Mingus and Marvin Gaye on the jukebox, the Hitching Post serves up fried chicken, mac 'n'cheese, pork chops and collards.

For a leisurely brunch, Silverman cites W Domku, pictured at right, as his go-to spot. "It's a great place to grab a seat on the couch, talk to people and stay awhile," he said. Gravlax, Swedish waffles, omelets and Norwegian savory crepes are among the selections at this eclectic restaurant that offers free Wi-Fi, as well as live music on Wednesdays and some weekends.

For a greasy spoon breakfast, Silverman recommends 11th Avenue Deli for "fantastic sweet tea," coffee and diner fare. And on weekdays, he's loyal to Columbia Heights Coffee, the indie coffee house scheduled to expand by spring.

Silverman notes there's no shortage of good pizza in the area. With the opening of RedRocks, residents can stop by for lunch on the patio or dinner in the rowhouse. And in the heart of Petworth is the recently opened Moroni & Brothers, serving pizza with crispy crust and first-rate toppings.

Silverman says the recently opened Red Derby is one of his favorite bars. It's filled with locals as well as folks craving canned beer and blue-collar cool.

» Looking Glass Lounge, 3634 Georgia Ave. NW; 202-722-7669.
» The Hitching Post, 200 Upshur St. NW; 202-726-1511.
» W Domku, 821 Upshur St. NW; 202-722-7475.
» Columbia Heights Coffee, 3416 11th St. NW; 202-986-0079.
» Red Rocks, 1036 Park Road NW; 202-506-1402.
» Moroni & Brothers, 4811 Georgia Ave. NW; 202-829-2090.
» Red Derby, 3718 14th St. NW; 202-291-5000.

Photos by Chris Combs/Express
Map by Michael Grass/Express