Back in Oct. ’10 I shared some scuttlebutt that a Z Burger was coming to Columbia Heights in the old Mayorga/Nori Nori sushi spot in the Tivoli. The last interesting update came in March ’11 when I learned the former ticket booth space out front will be used to sell milk shakes.
Last weekend I was allowed to take a quick tour and share some photos. I’m told they’re now shooting to open in 3-4 weeks. And when you look at the photos you can tell why the renovations have been taking so long. I should say folks who remember Mayorga and Nori Nori will recognize one big change right away – they’ve closed off the second floor and created a huge open dining space:
I’ll be sure to update with an exact opening date once it’s finalized. After the jump check out a bunch more photos of how it looks on the inside.
Back room looking towards front room. Staircase actually closed off leading to drywall.
Front room
Back room ceiling
Any info on the paintings? Were they there previously or are they a new add?
They are original to the building
That is going to be one cool burger joint. I aways love going to Alero and spotting the old architectural details left from the theater.
Something just doesnt seem right with this space and Z Burger…anyway, might as well as good place as any to get my crappy death burgers and fries.
It seems a bit too grand for a burger joint — especially if the look and act like the staff in that “Now Hiring” ad — but I’m glad to see something being done with such a beautiful space.
Zebra Girl!
POP, any word on the Z Burger across the street from the Waterfront Metro stop?
Did they preserve those historic old floor tiles? Looks to me like they’re gone
They are also opening across from the Safeway at Waterfront. I have a subscription to Arena Stage and was checking out the new restaurants there. The one (Station 4?) seems to be an upscale Scotch bar. And Zburger is still aways from opening.
I agree with the other commenters in that this place seems too beautiful for a fast food burger joint. I really hope z burgers maintains the beauty of this space – it would be a crime if they didn’t.
Excited to try it – hoping they can keep the place.
I have no idea whether there is any difference between Z Burger and 5 Guys. Is there?
It just seems like two virtually identical places a block apart.
Z-Burger has a few more options for food and 1000 more options for shakes
Worst use of space ever… I personally will not buy one french fry from this establishment… its a real pity something so beautiful destroyed for something so greasy…
Maybe you should have invested your time and money to put something more worthy in this space.
To that I reply: what time and what money?
Don’t worry, it probably won’t last long. Nothing in this space ever does too well.
whats it like up there on your high horse?
Z-Burger will either do VERY well here or go belly-up. It”s concept is like Five Guy’s, but quirkier and more selection. Based on my experiences at their Tenleytown and Glover Park locations, they seem like an honest, hard-working family-run business worthy of patronage.
IMHO it’s really good that locally-owned DC businesses are starting to get a foot-hold in CoHi, like Z-Burger and Alero.
Agree with this statement, except that you used the term CoHi. Pleeeeease no…