I love the Dupont Circle neighborhood in Washington DC – If you’re not staying in the area, it’s very easy to get to on the Metro (as is everywhere in DC). Once you step out of the station you find that Dupont Circle is truly a circle with several “spokes” leading down different streets (Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and 19th) You can wander down any one of them (Embassy Row runs down Massachusetts Avenue – with the bulk of embassies found between Scott Circle and Wisconsin Avenue) or you can just hang on the outside of the circle and make the “loop” If you do this, you’ll come upon Kramerbooks and Afterwards Cafe as you pass the NE corner of Connecticut. Kramerbooks is a small, independent bookstore with lots of charm and while they may not have the inventory that larger chains have, they carry some titles that you wouldn’t find anywhere esle. The cafe is homey and a great place to grab a bite or cup of coffee or even have a cocktail after you’ve finished browsing the shelves. They even have live music Wednesday – Saturday evenings. Kramerbooks is a self-proclaimed DC institution and is just a great spot to spend a “found” hour or two when you’re in DC for work.
What’s your favorite bookstore?
Kramerbooks and Afterwards Cafe
1517 Conn. Avenue NW
Washington, DC
202.387.1400 (bookstore)
http://www.kramers.com/
Hours: 7:30am – 1:00am Daily
Open 24 hours on Friday and Saturday
Outdoor seating available at the cafe
FYI: There is a $10.00 minimum for lunch and $12.00 minimum for dinner and brunch per person in the cafe. (No charge to wander aimlessly through the bookshelves though 😉
