The revival story of D.C.’s H Street corridor, as told in Monday’s Washington Examiner, is one of a struggle between saving the neighborhood without sacrificing its identity. Therefore, the new businesses, mostly nightlife-serving bars and restaurants, all have a gimmick to lure new audiences out to the neighborhood.
That makes H Street’s up-and-coming vibe more quirky/trendy than just plain old D.C. trendy, said Frank Hankins, owner of the coffee and wine bar Sova.
Hankins, a Baltimore native, likened H Street to Baltimore’s Hampden neighborhood. Hampden, home of the HonFest where folks tease their hair into enormous beehive hairdos, has capitalized in recent years on being Charm City’s home to off-the-beaten path events and a haven for quirky businesses.
“[H Street] is like an adult playground,” Hankins said, referencing the indoor mini golf at the H Street Country Club and the burlesque shows at the Red Palace. “It’s what makes H Street unique from other streets. You have to bring something interesting that people will want to go out of their way to do.”
