Kramerbooks and Afterwords Café at Dupont Circle in Washington, DC
Kramerbooks and Afterwords Café, more affectionately known as Kramer's by those in the know, is a very popular bookstore and café in the heart of one of the hipper parts of Washington, DC...Dupont Circle.
Kramerbooks and Afterwords Café has been around since 1976. The combination of an amazingly eclectic collection of books, a neat little bar, good food (with indoor and outdoor seating), and live music create an appealing atmosphere for an equally eclectic crowd. Kramer's formula IS successful.
I paid a quick visit last week while in DC for the NAR meetings. Kramerbooks and Afterwords Café has a special meaning for me and it was such a treat to walk in the door again, as I did many times years ago (more than I care to think about).
You see, I worked there as a bartender and waiter for the '77 spring and summer before heading off to grad school. One of my roommate's friends told me they were hiring, and since I was putting myself through college and paying rent, having a fulltime job was essential. Money was good, the crowd was always interesting (politicos, reporters, marketing folks, students, tourists, government staffers), the employees were a mixed bunch of college and post-college folks, and the live and recorded music (Fleetwood Mac was a fave during that era) ranged from jazz to classical, from pop and folk to rock.
But the best memory of Kramers was meeting my wife there!! She worked in a nearby office and came by with friends to celebrate her upcoming graduation (the afternoon before MY graduation) and I was the lucky waiter.
I'll spare you the details...if you REALLY want to know we'll chat privately. LOL
The other cool thing is that while I was in Washington, DC I had a chance to meet up with Pat Kennedy (you can read about blogging, NAR meetings, referrals and such - it's ALL about the relationships).
Turns out that Pat is a flutist (you may already know that), AND she was in a small group that played at Kramer's years ago around the same time.
Beyond my musings back in time, Kramer's IS a terrific place to visit and people-watch in Washington, DC's Dupont Circle area. It ain't Borders, Walden Books, or Barnes and Noble, thank goodness.
Check it out next time you are in the area. It's just north of the park by the Dupont Circle Metro stop on Connecticut. Beware that space is kinda tight both indoors and out, and it gets noisy. I don't believe they take reservations but you can browse and read while you wait.
NOTE: I just learned from Kramer's that they DO take reservations for parties of 6 to 10.
Kramerbooks and Afterwords Bookstore and Café
1517 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC ~ 203-387-1462
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I love bookstores! What a great post about this DC hot spot: read and sip coffee at the same time; what could be more perfect? YOU, a bartender? Get outta here! :-)
The last time I was in DC was the winter of '81 (and horrible storm took place... if you can recall), so I did not get to really experience the town. sigh
Jeff
What a wonderful post about Kramerbooks and Afterwords Cafe. I bet you were a fine waiter
Great insight into Kramerbooks and Jeff Dowler. A post about your luck the night before your graduation would be welcomed by many.
Wonderful having the opportunity to meet you in DC.
Margaret
Hi Jeff...Thanks for sharing your special story about Kramer's. It's good to hear that business is good for a local business especially a bookstore. Love them.
Hope I see you in D.C. for the upcoming RainCamp.
Kate
Kat - DC was a rgeat place to be for a few years. ANd yeah, I was a bartender. A pretty good one, I might add. LOL
Tom - I did all right although my wife claims I kept dropping silverware. I don't, somehow, recall that at all.
Thanks, Margaret - it was SUCH fun to meet you adn spend some quality time. Adn, yes, it WAS a very lucky day. We've told the story to many over teh years. OUr younger daughter visited there a few years ago, too.
Jeff
Jeff..Sounds like you had a great time in DC ..also had some time for fond memories..you do get around..
HelpfulHannah your friend in Philadelphia
Jeff - That looks like a wonderful place for you to meet your wife! I imagine it makes for some really special memories. I am an avid reader, so bookstores are among my favorite places to frequent!
Hannah - it was very busy, with long days, and I don't think I ever really adjusted to East Coast time. That said, I had a great time, and it was fun to be back and see some old haunts.
Myrl - it really is a very cool bookstore. Not completely off the wall but very progressive and a tremendous mix of readings. Easy to spend hours there.
Jeff
What an adorable name! Just the creativity of it should bring in the customers. And I love the outdoor seating too.
Lisa - Happy hour and lunch was always mobbed, at least when I worked there. But given they are still there, and have expanded, my guess is they are doing a pretty healthy business.
Jeff
Hi Jeff, I loved this post. I stopped by earlier and got distracted ( was working on a new software program for watermarking , peeking in on American idol and Dancing with the Stars and didn't leave you a note. I am so happy you had a change to go back and experience " walking through that door" again. And how wonderful you met your wife there. The place looks charming. Nostalgia is so important. Just wanted you know I was here and loved this post!
William - You distracted? LOL But thanks for the compliment.
KRAMERBOOOKS - thanks for mentioning my article on your website and Facebook page.
Jeff
Jeff, I love this post! It brought back some great memories of sitting upstairs in that little loft up there playing Haydn London Trios! It's also a great book store. Another reason to love Dupong Circle!
Pat - indeed. I wish I had had the time to spend more than a few minutes there. But the memories linger.
Jeff
Hi Jeff ~ I'm a huge fan of independent bookstores (and a huge customer - ha! I never leave a bookstore without the big bag - or two) and this sounds like a wonderful one. Love the story of meeting your wife there. Very cool.
Liz
Liz - me too. But I am usually pretty well behaved around my purchases.
Glad you enjoyed the story - it was a fun post to write and I enjoyed the trip back in time for real.
Jeff