Calico DC - Your Backyard Getaway In Shaw

For those looking for a truly special place to gather, a spot that feels like a hidden gem right in the middle of the city, Calico DC is a name you will want to remember. This wonderful urban backyard bar and restaurant, tucked away in Shaw’s Blagden Alley, offers a distinct kind of charm and a very welcoming atmosphere for anyone stepping through its doors. It's a place where you can relax and truly feel at home, almost like you've found your own personal outdoor retreat.

The space itself, you know, has a truly unique personality, blending a relaxed, open-air feel with thoughtful touches that make it stand out. It’s a pretty popular choice for both people who live nearby and those just visiting Washington, DC, looking for a good time. Whether you are after a casual meal, a refreshing drink, or just a comfortable place to hang out with friends, Calico DC seems to have just the right vibe for it.

From the moment you step inside, or really, into its open-air setting, you get a sense of its cool character. It’s a place that has, like, a reputation for being a very friendly spot, with people who work there making you feel very much at ease. Plus, the drinks and the food here are often talked about for being quite imaginative, offering something a little different from the usual.

What Makes Calico DC a Special Place to Visit?
What Kind of Food and Drink Can You Find at Calico DC?
How Does Calico DC Create Its Unique Look?
What Sort of Events Does Calico DC Host?
The People Behind Calico DC
Finding Your Way to Calico DC
Connecting with Calico DC
More About Your Visit to Calico DC

What Makes Calico DC a Special Place to Visit?

Calico DC is, in a way, a very well-liked place, known for its cool feeling and the people who work there, who are quite welcoming. It’s got a very distinct charm that draws people in, making it a favorite spot for many. The whole setting just feels good, a relaxed atmosphere that encourages you to stay a while and enjoy yourself. You know, it’s not just a place to grab something to eat or drink; it’s somewhere you go to unwind and feel comfortable.

People often talk about the drinks and the food here, which are known for being quite inventive. They put a lot of thought into what they offer, so you often find things that are a little unexpected and very tasty. This place has a way of making you feel like you've stumbled upon a truly good thing, a spot that's got its own personality and really delivers on a good time. It’s, like, a place that leaves you wanting to come back again.

What Kind of Food and Drink Can You Find at Calico DC?

When you are hungry or thirsty at Calico DC, you are in for a treat. The menu takes its cues from classic East Coast dishes, but gives them a fresh spin, offering what they call "elevated cookout fare." So, you might find something familiar, yet presented in a new and exciting way. For example, they have a tomato pie, which is pretty popular, and a Philly cheesesteak, too, which are both staples but prepared with a special touch.

They also have some clever twists on outdoor grill foods, which means you get to enjoy those comforting flavors in a setting that feels like a relaxed backyard gathering. Think about those casual, fun meals you have with friends, but with a bit more flair. The drinks program is also a big part of the appeal at Calico DC. They create some very imaginative concoctions that go well with the food and the overall relaxed feeling of the place. It's, you know, a place where the drinks are as much a part of the experience as the food.

For special occasions, like their annual 4th of July neighborhood get-together, they really lean into the cookout idea. They are usually grilling up hot dogs and burgers, offering those classic summertime bites that just feel right. Plus, they often serve up frozen drinks, which are perfect for a warm day. It’s all about providing simple, good food that fits the easygoing mood of Calico DC.

How Does Calico DC Create Its Unique Look?

The look of Calico DC is a big part of what makes it so appealing. The inside has some lovely touches, like lights that have a classic feel and interesting art pieces. There are also floral decorations and pink tile, which add a soft, inviting touch. It all comes together to create a space that feels both cozy and stylish, you know, a place with a lot of character.

Outside, where a lot of the magic happens, it really feels like an urban backyard oasis. They have communal tables, which are great for larger groups or for meeting new people, and smaller bistro seating for more intimate conversations. What really stands out, though, is an old greenhouse that is decorated with strings of lights, pretty lanterns, and plants like creeping ivy and grape vines. This makes the outdoor area feel very magical, especially as the sun goes down. It's, like, a truly charming setting.

This thoughtful decoration helps to create a very cool feeling, making the whole place feel like a comfortable, welcoming spot. It’s designed to make you feel relaxed, as if you’ve stepped into a friend’s really nice garden. The details, from the vintage-style lights to the greenery, really add to the overall warmth and friendliness of Calico DC.

What Sort of Events Does Calico DC Host?

Calico DC is pretty active when it comes to hosting fun get-togethers. They often use Eventbrite to let people know about what's coming up. For example, they have an annual 4th of July neighborhood cookout, which is a big draw. On that day, they usually keep their regular hours, serving up those classic hot dogs and burgers, and, as a matter of fact, it’s a very festive way to celebrate.

They also put on some creative activities, like their Pride Puffy Paint Tees event. For a small fee to cover materials, people can come and decorate a shirt, which is a neat way to get ready for DC's Pride parade. Most of their other arts and crafts events are free, so that's pretty nice. And every Sunday, you can join them for "Sunday Spritz," which sounds like a very pleasant way to wind down the weekend.

As the holiday season approaches, Calico DC also gets into the spirit with their annual winter festival. This event, which has been going on for a few years now, includes things like ornament painting and an ugly sweater contest. They also serve up special holiday foods and creative bar drinks to match the festive mood. It seems they always have something interesting going on, giving people more reasons to stop by Calico DC.

The People Behind Calico DC

Calico DC is the creation of a team that really knows what they are doing. The partners behind this urban backyard spot are Greg Algie and Executive Chef Nathan Beauchamp. These two individuals have brought their vision to life in Blagden Alley. They are also part of the team responsible for Tiger Fork, which gives you a sense of their experience in creating popular places to eat and drink.

Since they opened their doors in the fall of 2017, they have built Calico DC into a well-loved destination. Their combined efforts have made it a place known for its cool feeling, friendly service, and good food and drinks. It really shows that having people who care about what they do can make a big difference in how a place feels and operates.

Finding Your Way to Calico DC

If you are planning to visit Calico DC, you will find it in a pretty accessible spot. It is located in Shaw’s Blagden Alley, specifically at 50 Blagden Alley NW, Washington, DC. This area is known for being a bit of a hidden gem itself, with a few interesting places tucked away. So, finding Calico DC is part of the fun of discovering this unique part of the city.

Being in Blagden Alley, it offers a distinct setting that feels a little bit removed from the usual city hustle, yet it's still very much in the heart of things. The outdoor area is a big draw, especially when the weather is nice, giving you a chance to enjoy the fresh air while you eat and drink. It’s a location that adds to the overall charm and appeal of Calico DC.

Connecting with Calico DC

If you want to know more about Calico DC, or perhaps you are thinking about holding an event there, getting in touch is pretty straightforward. You can reach out to them for questions about press, or for arranging a special gathering. They are open to discussing how you can enjoy their outdoor patio and bar offerings for your own plans.

People seem to really like Calico DC, with their online presence showing a good number of likes and discussions. There are also many people who have visited and checked in there, which suggests it’s a lively spot. You can also find out more about them, including what others think, by looking at reviews and photos on sites like Condé Nast Traveler, which provides ratings, expert advice, and tips from other visitors. It’s, you know, a place that gets a lot of good attention.

More About Your Visit to Calico DC

When you plan a trip to Calico DC, you can expect a very pleasant experience. The place has a reputation for being a very cool spot with a friendly team ready to help you out. Whether you are looking for a creative drink or some interesting food, they have got you covered. The overall feeling is one of comfort and enjoyment, making it a great choice for many different occasions.

It’s a spot that has been welcomed by the community since it first opened its doors. The blend of a relaxed backyard setting with thoughtful food and drink options makes it stand out. You can read what others have said about it, see pictures, and get a better idea of what to expect before you go. It’s, like, a place that truly delivers on its promise of a good time in a charming setting.

This article has given you a good look at Calico DC, covering its inviting atmosphere, the kind of food and drinks it offers, and how it creates its distinct look. We also talked about the various events it hosts, the people who started it, and how you can find and connect with this popular spot in Washington, DC. It is a place that aims to provide a relaxed and enjoyable experience for everyone who visits.