About 121

Acre 121’s barroom and low country bistro brings the full flavor of southern barbecue to DC’s growing restaurant & bar scene. The coastal cuisine is complimented by weekly live music, which includes area artists performing a mix of traditional bluegrass, alt-country, and folk rock, among other genres, for a low country flavor with local fusion.

Acre 121 brings Southern food traditions, craft beers and cocktails, and an approachable wine list in an old-line Washington barroom just steps from the Columbia Heights Metro.  Our pledge is to be an attribute to the community and to celebrate the unique events marked here.  Welcome to the neighborhood!

What’s in a Name

The roots of the name Acre 121 continue the local northern/southern history that often defined Washington, D.C. In 1881, brothers Senator John Sherman and Civil War General W.T. Sherman purchased and subdivided a 121 acre plot of land north of Boundary Street, NW (now known as Florida Avenue) and named it “Columbia Heights.” In previous years, up until the 1840s, the area surrounding the current Columbia Heights Metro station at 14th and Irving streets was a mile long, circular horse race track. When the track closed, the area became a crossroads for nearby farms, with a daily stagecoach line to the City of Washington. Prior to that, it was home to the renowned Columbia College, which relocated and became George Washington University. Columbia Heights was long considered a peaceful and healthy respite from the humidity and malarial fevers found in the Federal city.

The Columbia Heights subdivision thrived throughout the roaring twenties. The iconic Tivioli Theatre was completed in 1924 and Columbia Heights earned the reputation as an important retail and entertainment destination outside of downtown.

What People Are Saying (from Yelp)

The menu is inventive…and all of the dishes I tried, in particular their twist on the eggs benedict with fried green tomato and pork belly (pork belly!!!) in place of the traditional Canadian bacon, were well-prepared and delicious.
– Maki P.

Southern-style fare, extensive beer selection and very friendly service make Acre 121 a reliable choice for early evening entertainment. The live music is a nice touch.
– Charlie R.

We both left saying that we can’t wait to go back—easy, fun, not too casual, not to fussy—GOOD FOOD—it is just our type of place.
– Beth B.

The food was delish—decently priced, tasty, and Southern inspired. Trivia was a great time as well, and I will be returning again soon.
– Ellie A.

A great addition to the neighborhood.
– Patrick C.

It’s a new, fun bar in Columbia Heights and I hope it sticks around.
– Michael M.