Building Columbia Heights: D.C. USA

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WHAT DEFINES A NEIGHBORHOOD can be as complex as its ethnically and socioeconomically diverse residents and as simple as good food. While Columbia Heights houses a mixed population, it has not provided an abundance of high-quality restaurants. But that is soon to change. With the development of the Target-dominated D.C. USA shopping complex — and the crowds it will bring — this section of D.C, just north of U Street and just east of Adams Morgan is taking baby steps toward culinary definition.

While Rumberos, Logan @ the Heights and Mayorga already have opened their doors, there is a whole new strip of restaurants waiting to supply residents with an international mix of cuisine just down the block on Irving Street.

Already in operation is Pete's New Haven Style Apizza (pronounced ah-beets). The owners of Pete's wanted to bring this lesser-known style of pizza to the District. The crust, explains owner Thomas Marr, has a "crispy bottom and chewy top." Although it's barely newsworthy anymore when a restaurant emphasizes local, seasonal and organic ingredients, Pete's already scoops gelato from Georgetown's Dolcezza and they plan to sell regional hero Dogfish Head brews. Pasta, panini and salads round out the Italian-American menu.

Those who enjoy slurping oysters on the half shell at Hank's Oyster Bar will now have a new place to relish in the cooking of Jamie Leeds. Due to open in mid-July, CommonWealth, "the people's gastropub," takes a page from Britain's historic public houses, feeding the neighborhood fish and chips, bangers and mash, steak and Guinness pie and Welsh rarebit.

Another locally owned place will focus on a tropical angle: the Caribbean-themed Zinnia. The tapas-style lounge will be open from breakfast through late-night cocktails, and dining options include eat-in, take-out or delivery.

Woodley Park's Sake Club clones itself for a new location on Irving Street. The same sushi-and-sake-focused menu will play out for its new crowd by late summer.

For quick bites, there's the downtown lunch staple Potbelly (already open) and the burger favorite Five Guys. Mocha Hut, known for its sandwiches, coffee and wireless, will open its third shop on Irving, and it's the last establishment to grab a spot in the

Highland Park building, also home to luxury rental apartments.
And this is just the start for Columbia Heights. "We're not really competitors" Pete's Marr assured, "we're creating a destination."

» Pete's New Haven Style Apizza, 1400 Irving St. NW; 202-332-7383. (Columbia Heights)
» Potbelly Sandwich Works, 1400 Irving St. NW; 202-232-5777. (Columbia Heights)

Written by Express contributor Stefanie Gans
Photo by Chris Combs/Express