St Alban's Opportunity Shop Washington DC
NW thrift store
Tucked away under the parish house of St Alban's church, at the gateway to the National Cathedral, is a wee shop that sometimes affords big surprises. Since 1955, when the residents of this tiny neighborhood of NW clean out their closets, this is where the donation pile lands. The racks are dense with clothing, shelves lined with bric-a-brac, but perseverance can pay off big. You might score a full-length fur, a set of Waterford champagne flutes, an only slightly moth-nibbled Burberry scarf, or a past-season pair of Louboutins.
The display cases hold the more valuable items and a raft of costume jewelry the likes of which I haven't seen since playing dress-up in my grandmother's closet. If, sadly, you find nothing on your wish list, there's no need to leave empty-handed, for there are shelves of lightly used books which sell for $3 a hardcover, 75 cents a paperback. I'm filling all my bookshelves, Agatha Christie by Mark Twain and Harper Lee. Look for seasonal sales, where everything is half off. You can feel good about shopping here, too, for not only are you sustainably upcycling, but the proceeds (over $300,000 last year) go to charity.
About this spot
Find your way with 101 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Washington DC
Jolt 'n Bolt
Morning Jolt! Coffee and juice bar
"Jolt 'n Bolt" in Washington DC has all-day breakfast that's cheffed up on sight and a great menu of smoothies, like the Mood Boost or Morning Detox.
by
Lydia
Strohl
Bar Charley
Craft cocktails cool vibe
"Bar Charley" in Washington DC is famous for its cocktails. Great creations - and the food is even better!
by
Lydia
Strohl
Lapis
Afghan in AdMo
The menu hosts a bevy of dumplings and small plates, heavy on veg - we loved the eggplant-based buranee bademjan as well as the gulpee!
by
Lydia
Strohl
Ambar
Bottomless brunch
"Ambar" in Washington DC is a beloved bottomless brunch spot. It's my go-to birthday celebration spot and I always make a reservation a month in advance...
by
Kelley
Smith
Boundary Stone
Offbeat outdoor brunch
"Boundary Stone" is my go-to, no-reservation-needed brunch spot in Washington DC. My favorites are the Huevos Rancheros and the egg and chorizo sandwich...
by
Kelley
Smith
Taco City D.C.
Tacos deliciosos
As far as I'm concerned, "Taco City D.C." makes the best tacos I've had anywhere. The fact it's so close to my house is dangerous for my bank account...
by
JR
Denson
Miracle Theatre
Oldest theater in the city
"Miracle Theatre" in Washington DC is the oldest (second-run) movie theater in the city. They also host private events - I once performed theater there...
by
JR
Denson
National Building Museum
Good gift shop
I love going to the gift shop of the "National Building Museum" - very reasonably priced items, Also, I like what they do on Saturday mornings...
by
JR
Denson
Sticky Rice
The best sushi
"Sticky Rice" is honestly one of my top five favorite places to eat in DC. My go-to dish is the Drawn and Buttered sushi roll... Impossible not to like!
by
JR
Denson
Surfside
Late night Tex-Mex
I always stop at "Surfside" whenever I go out dancing or hanging out in the Dupont Circle area for a late-night taco, enchilada or quesadilla...
by
JR
Denson
Ala
Bottomless Turkish brunch
"Ala" is a beloved Turkish restaurant in Washington DC. Recently, they started offering bottomless brunch for great value! Also try the drinks...
by
Kelley
Smith
Heading to Washington DC?
101 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Washington DC?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 101 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Shopping
Our team loves Washington DC
Get to know our other Spotters from Washington DC
As featured on:
