While DC is of course known as the epicenter of U.S. politics, it is also a thriving hub for entrepreneurs and DC small businesses.
The District has a strong and diverse community of innovators, and we have loved to see many longtime locals, as well as transplants to the area, build brands and grow partnerships that are positively impacting the region.
From athletics to food and drink, here are our top 5 favorite DC small businesses to consider supporting. Offering incredible services and delicious fare, you’ll understand why we recommend them wholeheartedly. As you well know, by supporting local, we’re keeping DC strong. All of these businesses are run by deserving teams, and we hope to see them succeed for years to come!
1. Yoga Heights
Georgia Ave 3506 Georgia Ave NW & Takoma 255 Carroll Street NW | Classes Offered Every Day of the Week
Known as the yoga and wellness spot for every body, every level, and every budget, this business is run by a group of incredible young women who are breaking barriers and making strides in their industry. They run a great yoga studio that sets the bar for inclusivity. Offering a number of classes at a range of levels, you will be able to find an option that will suit your interest. To provide a sense, classes include all levels flow, “No barre, barre,” power flow, Yin yoga, yoga nidra, Kundalini, Fusion Flow, Intermediate Yoga, Gentle Yoga, and Slow Flow.
Yoga Heights has expanded to two convenient locations, and they offer a first-month discount at $39, for anyone interested in testing out their classes. They also sell a monthly subscription, which gives you access to their own library of classes, so new or longtime yogis have the flexibility to practice whenever and wherever they want. Yoga Heights even hosts a Teacher Training program for folks interested in learning and sharing the craft. Whether you have thought about trying yoga in the past or you want an affordable workout, this is the place to go.
2. Hitching Post
200 Upshur St NW| Open 7 Days Per Week
Located in the Petworth neighborhood, the Hitching Post is located immediately across the street from President Lincoln’s Cottage. Opened in 1967, this family-friendly restaurant presents a cottage exterior with a cute and cozy outdoor patio area.
This southern, soul food restaurant is the ideal place to chow down on good grub with a heater to keep you warm. Known for its friendly service, the original owners still live above the shop, and current owner has deliciously built upon the longstanding dining experience. The Washington Post Magazine concluded their review, “Hitching Post, promise me you’ll keep the lights on forever,” and we couldn’t agree more! From fried chicken to shrimp curry to lamb chops, along with a great happy hour, this restaurant will satisfy anyone’s cravings. They also offer take-out and delivery with Ubereats, so there’s no need to leave the comfort of your couch for this feast.
3. Meats and Foods
247 Florida Ave NW | Open Wednesday to Sunday
Meats and Foods is a great little store with tasty sausages (halfsmoke, salt & pepper, chorizo, veggie, and smoked spicy chicken, to name just a few), which you can eat there or buy to grill at home. They also offer an often-elusive staple, an all-day breakfast menu. Think sausage, egg, and cheese on a potato roll, or really, any combination of breakfast staples. Meats and Foods also makes their own hot sauce in-house and offers tasty fixings, such as pickled jalapeños and pickles. This is an affordable, neighborhood dining staple that you’ll go back for time and time again.
4. Supreme Core Cider
2400 T St NE |Open Saturday & Sunday
Their brand is “Hella Unique Hard Apple Ciders.” And they truly offer the best cider in town. While Supreme Core Cider is a relatively young business, established in 2018, they are marking quite an impact in DC already. They partner with local, family-owned orchards to provide all of their apples. Proving that cider can stand on its own, this is a farm-to-glass operation that offers a diverse portfolio. For example, they offer dry varieties, fruit-forward, citrus-forward, and even dry hop cider with elements of craft beer. Their taproom is located in NE DC, mere blocks from Ivy City, if you want the authentic experience and to learn more about the cider-making process firsthand. However, for extra convenience, you can also find the Supreme Core Cider team at the DuPont Circle Farmers Market every other Sunday.
5. One Eight Distilling
1135 Okie St NE | Open Tuesday to Sunday
Located in a redbrick warehouse, One Eight Distilling likewise partners locally for their ingredients, offering an excellent portfolio of small-batch whiskeys, gins, and experimental spirits. For the record, our personal favorites are their bourbon and rye. One Eight offers an impressive tasting room with their giant copper vats on display, used during production; Making this one of our favorite weekend DC small businesses!
Their staff is also incredibly knowledgeable on their spirits and are very friendly too, always happy to answer questions. Whether you have a favorite go-to or you are feeling particularly adventurous, they’ll steer you in the right direction on their menu. Another fun and unique perk is if you opt to buy a bottle of spirits to take away, they supply you with a favorite cocktail recipe, so you can enjoy at home too.
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These DC small businesses have all adapted proactively in response to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions and have continued to impress us with their ability to satisfy customers and ensure accessibility to their products. Small businesses are essential to DC’s unique culture, and we guarantee from our experience that you’ll love all 5 of our favorites.
Stop in and let them know that The Kree Team sent you!
**We are not a sponsor or affiliate of any establishments mentioned in this post. These opinions are our own.**
