Getting to know Eastern Market, Barracks Row

Unless you live in the neighborhood, this section of Capitol Hill can be a bit of a world unto itself. But there are all kinds of reasons to make the trip, from the intimate bistros and bookshops in the shadow of Eastern Market to the bar-and-restaurant boom along Eighth Street SE.

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The Filetto al Mirtillo -- a filet mignon drizzled with a not-too-sweet blueberry sauce -- is easily the most talked-about dish at Acqua Al 2, a cousin to the flagship restaurant that opened in Florence more than 30 years ago.

James M. Thresher / for The Washington Post

Readers like Jason Wolfe come to Capitol Hill Books to explore the shelves in the rambling two-story shop, many of which are stacked two-deep with books, and waist-high stacks perched precariously next to aisles.

Katherine Frey / The Washington Post

Patrons at Montmartre, chef Stephane Lezla's 10-year-old bistro, will find a dining atmosphere that is electric without being overstimulating and a menu of French culinary standards, such as a sumptuous cassoulet, that are recognizable without ever becoming pedestrian.

Evy Mages / for The Washington Post

At Hill's Kitchen, a kitchen gizmo store that doubles as a cooking academy, instructors such as Brock Kuhlman teach classes on such food-related matters as pressure canning and knife skills to whipping up sea scallops and Malabari meatball curry.

Sarah L. Voisin / The Washington Post

The menu at Ted's Bulletin exudes nostalgia without relying on the gimmickry of sock-hopping waiters or silly soda fountain hats. The Campfire burger, topped with slaw and a fried onion ring, and served with french fries, goes particularly well with a strawberry milkshake (also available with alcohol).

Bill O'Leary / The Washington Post

Belga Cafe's casual atmosphere evokes a bustling, European sidewalk cafe that has been picked up and harmoniously plopped onto Eighth Street SE. Crepes and waffles are the hallmarks of chef Bart Vandaele's brunch, while the lunch and dinner menus offer an array of Belgian mussels and steak frites.

Katherine Frey / The Washington Post

Artist Siles Crome enjoys an opening at the Fridge, Alex Goldstein's niche gallery that specializes in street and public art. Every month, the Fridge plays host to the Sunday Circus, a night of performances that can veer from slam poetry to stilt-walking to fire dancing to storytelling without missing a beat.

Evy Mages / for The Washington Post

Rachel Smith and Dan Martonik discuss the finer points of an Ultimate Fighting Championship pay-per-view bout at the Ugly Mug. Barracks Row's resident sports bar regularly hosts UFC viewing parties that are packed with fight-loving locals and Marines from the barracks across the street.

Evy Mages / for The Washington Post

Marie Connolly leads one of Stitch DC's many knitting and quilting classes. Simply known as "the yarn shop" to many of its visitors, Connolly has turned a small space made smaller by a courtyard into a mohair, cashmere and wool connoisseur's mecca.

Bill O'Leary / The Washington Post

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