Date Night in the Reinvigorated Shaw Neighborhood

Long View Gallery

Over the past 10 years the Shaw neighborhood of DC has been reinvigorating its appeal.  From the cute Buttercream Bakeshop to the eclectic Long View Gallery, and hip Blagden Alley, this neighborhood has a lot to offer these days. For this outing we hit two of our favorite neighborhood spots.

Long View Gallery drew our attention with it's artists' exhibit openings that happen about once a month. The gallery prides itself on featuring local artists, but also draws in the crowds with special feature artists, like Rebecca Cole.

During the first night for new exhibits, the artist's work is put on display and available to buy. Long View not only entertains the crowds with the fine artwork but adds free wine and snacks to add a bit of a cocktail party vibe. There is a local photographer there snapping guests photos upon arrival, which makes the whole thing feel very cool and kind of exclusive. The owner is happy to meet and greet and have small conversations with all the visitors. 

 The latest artist we caught; Michelle Peterson-Albandoz, who focuses on communicating her art through reclaimed wood. She uses nature as her main inspiration.

This was one of our top picks for the night. 

Less than a stumble away is a Espita Mezcaleria. This Taqueria/Cocktail bar brings in the old traditional Oaxacan flavors with a modern twist.  The atmosphere is dark with kind of a badass edge; better for a mysterious date night than a last minute happy hour if you ask us. 

The menu is meant to be small plates with a few larger options to share, which admittedly inflates the price rather quickly, but the food had unique twists that will keep your palettes happy.

Our tasty Mezcal cocktail

The red snapper crudo was a top choice for ceviches.

Smoked pork jowl tacos 

Our personal favorite was Chichilo, or short ribs with a mole sauce. This came served with their house made tortillas.   This dish and the cocktails alone will bring us back.