Barracks Row

Barracks Row is a historic commercial sector in DC's Capitol Hill neighborhood.  It runs along 8th Street NE between Pennsylvania Avenue and M Street.  The streets surrounding this commercial corridor contain some fine blocks of DC row houses many of which have been restored and revitalized.  The community draws its name from the oldest corp in the Marines and was the first commercial center in Washington, DC.

Barracks Row Homes & Condos For Sale

More About Barracks Row

Barracks Row History

Barracks Row dates back the early history of Washington, DC and served as the first commercial center in the city. In 1799, the Navy Yard was established in a natural harbor just to the south of Barracks Row in the Anacostia River. Two years later, Thomas Jefferson established the first Marine Corps at 8th Street and I Street SE. This location was selected to protect both the Navy fleet as well as the Capitol. The neighborhood flourished for 150 years through the end of World War II.

In the 1950s and 60s, Barracks Row suffered decline and the riots after the assassination of Dr Martin Luther King caused damage to a number of buildings. Many businesses closed after the riots and the neighborhood had many boarded up storefronts for the next couple of decades. In the late 1990s, new capitol was invested in the neighborhood, a business alliance was formed and the neighborhood began to revitalize into the foodie mecca it is today!

Barracks Row Location

The Barracks Row neighborhood is located on Capitol Hill and centered around 8th Street SE.  The informal neighborhood boundaries are Pennsylvania Avenue SE to the north, 10th Street SE to the east, M Street SE to the south and F Street Terrace SE to the West.  The neighborhood is served by the Eastern Market Metro Station.

Barracks Row Entertainment District

Barracks Row has gone from a once bleak stretch of Eighth Street SE to a warm welcoming attractive destination on Capitol Hill. In part a symbol of a major revitalization project in DC, Barracks Row has become an “it” community with heavy foot traffic on weekends and evenings out. It is an easy walk from the U.S. Capitol to the 5-blocks that stretch south from Pennsylvania Avenue to the end of 8th Street at the Washington Navy Yard.

The historic Barracks Row is an area where you can get fresh sushi, fancy cupcakes, international cuisine, exotic teas, shop at unique eco-friendly boutiques and even indulge in acting classes by the Shakespeare Theater Company, not to mention enjoy wine boutiques, critically-acclaimed eateries and nightlife.  Barracks Row is a great place to be merry on the Hill and popular spots including  Belga Cafe, Bombay Street Food II, Call your Mother Deli, Crazy Aunt Helen's (formerly Molly Malone's Capitol Hill Saloon & Finn McCools), Las Placitas and Rose's Luxury.

The revitalization of Barracks Row is due in part by residents and small business owners who have forged a nonprofit group aimed to re-energize the commercial corridor by replacing sidewalks with brick pavers and dead trees with handsome American elm trees. Businesses are jostling to set up shop in the popular neighborhood and young professionals and young couples are moving in and setting up residence.

Barracks Row Housing

The residences in the Barracks Row neighborhood are typically 20th century townhouses in a fun mix of colors from Mediterranean blue to apple red. There are also 1-story houses that are reminiscent of southern styles with white columns, front porches and garages in the back.  In recent years, a new condo development named Emblem at Barracks Row was constructed in the neighborhood.