NoMa Notes: Restaraunts Reopen

We’ve made it through so much over the past four months, but we’re not back to normal yet. It’s critical to do our part to help continue the downward trend in infection rates as NoMa reopens, recovers and reconnects. To help keep you, your family and neighbors, and all those on the job in NoMa safe, we must remember the 3 Ws – Wear masks. Wash hands/use hand sanitizer. Watch distance – as we continue to support each other and our favorite NoMa businesses and go about our daily lives. Check the ReOpenNoma page on our website for updates and helpful resources.

Thanks to all NoMa residents and workers who’ve taken our 2020 Community Survey and shared feedback on neighborhood amenities, safety, cleanliness, events programming and more. We’re especially interested in hearing from more office workers to inform our understanding of your needs as we plan for the future.

We’ll be closing the survey on July 15, so please take five minutes to share your responses. Everyone who completes the survey will be entered in our drawing to win one of the 70 gift cards from local dining spots which we purchased to support local businesses and show our appreciation for your valuable input. We look forward to sharing the survey results with you soon!

REI Co-op in NoMa, its flagship DC location, has reopened for in-person, in-store shopping and service to get you outfitted for the great outdoors. To comply with social distancing, REI is limiting the number of people allowed inside and requiring all customers, as well as their employees, to wear masks, providing disposable face coverings for anyone who doesn’t have one. Special shopping hours for those who identify as high-risk are from 9 AM – 10 AM Tuesdays and Thursdays, one hour before the store opens. Customer hours are otherwise 10 AM – 6 PM Sunday through Saturday. Visit them on the web for more details.

Just in time for summer, and to allow for more outdoor social-distanced dining, Red Bear Brewing Co. has built a new upper patio for adults-only, expanding its total outdoor seats to 90, with more coming soon. Tables are all six-feet apart, with hand sanitizer provided and contactless payment. Masks are a must when you’re not eating or drinking, and dogs are allowed on the lower patio only.

You’ll also enjoy their extended summer hours (Monday – Thursday 4 PM – 9 PM; Saturday 11 AM – 11 PM; Sunday 11AM – 9 PM), as well as delivery options and virtual online events, including Trivia Nights every 1st and 3rd Monday and Virtual Bingo every 2nd and 4th Tuesday. Visit them on the web for full details and to reserve your spot on the patio.

If you can’t go to the beach, or aren’t quite comfortable yet, no worries, as Wunder Garten is bringing one of the benefits of the beach to you – cabanas!

In addition to offering guests more than 50 socially distanced tables, the beer garden has installed six al fresco cabanas which feature coverings and sheer canopies, couches, and private areas with tables and chairs. The cabanas are available for daily reservations for six-people maximum with special add-ons (bottle service, catering from neighboring burger joint Caliburger). Returning also are the La Buena Empanada pop-up and the NoMa weekend brunch partnership with CaliBurger. Learn more and reserve your cabana here.

Quarantine has been tough on parents, as we look for new ways to keep our little ones entertained and engaged. We hope to make your Mondays a bit more easy and fun by launching Our Magical World story hour.

Gather your children and tune in virtually on Zoom as Blue Sky Puppet Theatre actors and educators lead your little ones in visual storytelling, interactive games and animated sing-a-longs. Recommended for children ages 8 and under. Visit our Events page to learn more and register to attend here.

Our NoMaFIT free virtual exercise classes on Zoom continue through July and August. Join NUBOXX instructors on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 – 7:30 PM, and Yoga Noma for Sunrise Flow on Thursday, July 23 and August 6 at 7:30 AM. Treat yourself after your workout by asking for the “NoMaFIT Special” at our partner Smoothie King at 77 H Street NE or 2350 Washington Place NE. You’ll receive 20% off a 32 oz. or larger smoothie (redeemable any day except Fridays). Visit our Events page for schedule updates.

We had hoped to host a grand opening to bring the community together and celebrate the opening of Alethia Tanner Park. This new 2.5 acre park located at 227 Harry Thomas Way, NE is named in tribute to a woman who was enslaved and then bought her freedom and the freedom of others. She became a champion for educational and religious access for black people in the District.

While those plans must wait until it’s safe for large crowds to gather, now is a great time to order takeout from your favorite NoMa restaurant, sandwich or coffee shop, and go picnic in the park! As you reconnect with neighbors and friends, please wear a mask, watch your distance, observe park rules, and limit your time in the playground or dog park, if others are waiting. Dogs are welcome off-leash in the dog park, but not on the lawn. Be sure to write a note on the playground’s chalkboard when you visit, then snap a photo & share on Instagram tagging @noma.bid with the hashtag #alethiatannerpark