Hygge: a Danish concept that has proliferated around the world. Maybe you’ve seen one of the many articles published (by The New Yorker, BBC, The New York Times, etc.) about the term. Possible articles you could have come across being “The Year of Hygge” or “A heart-warming lesson from Denmark.” According to the Oxford dictionary, hygge is “a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture).” Though in this article, we’ll use the adjective ‘hyggeligt’ to describe places around DC!
Seeing as I studied abroad in Denmark last semester (as did many other students from AU and across the country), I felt it necessary to pay homage to this incredibly popular Danish concept. The list below describes a few spots around DC that I find to be particularly ‘hyggeligit’.
I hope that if you went abroad this article brings back some memories, or if you’re going abroad soon, I hope this excites you for your upcoming journey!
A fan favorite, Dacha has that homey atmosphere that welcomes everyone. The communal picnic tables and hanging string lights bring you back to childhood as people drink from their beer boots. This Beer garden serves beers from Germany as well as local DC brews. If you get hungry you can choose from an assortment of brats, skewers, and sandwiches.
If you’re not 21, have no fear because Dacha also serves brunch! They offer some pretty awesome options, ranging from edgy Korean Kimchi Omelettes to the comfort food classic, chicken and waffles.
This cocktail bar serves up quality drinks in a creative, yet classic way. Their summer cocktail list includes drinks like: Why Kiki? (Rum, Giffard Banana de Brasil, Pineapple, Orange, Ginger, Demerara), Hemingway (rum, lime & sugar), and Carnivale (Cachaça, Cochi Americano, Giffard Passion Fruit, Lime, Demerara). Not only does this bar have a Moscow Mule, but they also offer a Kentucky and Oaxacan Mule. Fret not, though, they also have the classic drinks, too. They also serve breakfast poutine!
Provision No. 14 first caught my eye with its warm, glowing light one evening. The brunch menu offers multiple mimosa options, including a mango, kiwi, grapefruit, and orangina mimosa. This restaurant also serves homestyle classics like biscuits and gravy and also put a twist on the classic chicken and waffles: chicken and funnel cake. Yeah — you read that correctly. Funnel cake. If it’s a nice night, I recommend the cozy outdoor seating under the twinkling string lights.
With multiple locations, it is easy to pop in on a poetry reading at a location around D.C. This place has it all – bring some friends and go attend your first poetry slam! Or if you’re looking for a new hot drink, they create a few concoctions of their own. Perhaps you could try the R&R, Mint Mug, or Blueberry Bliss? They also have several vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free food options.
A huge D.C landmark, yes. But this is for good reason. Kramerbooks has the goodies and books to keep you occupied for hours. The literature and sweets satisfy anyone who needs a pick-me-up. Kramerbooks also features cocktails with literary references. If you’re a book worm, you have to get yourself to this place to try out the: Gin Gatsby, One Flew Over the Pumpkins Nest, or A Cocktail of Two Cities to name a few.
*Cocktails change seasonally.
Multi-purpose indeed, Politics & Prose serves as an ideal lunch spot, coffee date, or study space. If you go downstairs, you’ll find their cafe, The Den. You can go there any hour and you’ll have a plethora of menu items to choose from. Besides their delicious grilled cheese and espresso drinks, they also cater to your inner health fanatic: they have avocado toast and kale bowls. Also, if you’re feeling the fall vibes, you can try hot cider while there. And while you’re at it, grab a book from upstairs to read while you sip your cider — now that’s hyggeligt.
The Den also hosts events! Be sure to check out their website for details: http://www.politics-prose.com/the-den