Scuttlebutt Confirmed: Iron Horse Taproom Closing October 26th

507 7th Street, NW

Ed. Note: Originally Published October 1st.

Whoa. Hearing from a very reliable source that Iron Horse could be closing October 26th. Iron Horse opened up here back in January 2010.  Updates as we learn more.

UPDATE: Now I hear they are simply selling and will remain open. So hopefully won’t notice too many changes.

UPDATE Oct. 3rd: They ARE closing October 26th!

Washingtonian now reports:

“After a decade of arcade games and motorcycle motifs, Penn Quarter tap room Iron Horse will close on October 26. But the space won’t stay vacant for long. Owners Curt Large and Geoff Dawson of hospitality group Tinshop (Franklin Hall, Tallboy) are teaming up with Ryan Seelbach, co-owner of Shaw bars Takoda and Cortez, to bring endless summer to the space. The Boardwalk, a beach-y bar serving frozen cocktails and corn dogs, will open in early November.”

And here’s the full press release:

“TAKODA Restaurant & Beer Garden and CORTEZ Restaurant & Rooftop Bar owner Ryan Seelbach is pleased to announce the early November, 2019 anticipated opening of The Boardwalk, the 350-person Boardwalk-inspired bar & eatery located at 507 7th Street NW, Washington, DC, 20004. The Boardwalk’s name is derived from the coastal boardwalks of Ocean City, MD, Rehoboth Beach, DE, Brooklyn, NY, and Santa Monica, CA. The Boardwalk will be a welcome addition to the lively Penn Quarter and Chinatown neighborhoods. Guests can anticipate creative takes on popcorn, hot dogs, corn dogs, and cotton candy paired with an extensive draft beer list, cocktails on draft, and frozen drinks. The Boardwalk’s friendly atmosphere will also offer games such as shuffleboard, foosball, and arcade basketball.

The launch of The Boardwalk will mark the end of the space’s successful 10-year run as Iron Horse, whose last day of operations will be Saturday, October 26th. Iron Horse owners Curt Large and Geoff Dawson, who between them own some of DC most popular bars including Franklin Hall, Roofer’s Union, Church Hall, Rocket Bar, Lost & Found, Jackpot, and the recently closed Buffalo Billiards, recently renewed their long-term lease at 507 7th Street NW. Large and Dawson brought Seelbach in as the venue’s Managing Partner to create the new concept for the space. Seelbach and his team will also run the day-to-day operations of The Boardwalk. Seelbach could not be more thrilled with the opportunity. Seelbach quote:

“Curt and Geoff are unarguably the most successful bar owners in DC over the past 25 years. They are the ‘titans of the DC bar industry.’ Curt has also served as an advisor and mentor to me for the past 6 years. The chance to get to partner with them on a new venue is truly a dream come true for me. In addition to getting to partner with them, I am very excited to provide more opportunities for my incredible team at TAKODA and CORTEZ. I am extremely fortunate to have a deep bench of amazing team members. One of my main focuses as a business owner is growing and developing our team by opening more venues and offering more and more responsibilities for our team. Expanding our team’s operations from our beloved Shaw neighborhood and now into another vibrant and bustling neighborhood in DC is happening at the exact right time for our company.”

Seelbach and his team are responsible for designing the large 5,500-square-foot space. The re-model of the design and décor will be extensive. Seelbach’s contractors will work around the clock to complete the new venue in time for The Boardwalk’s anticipated opening in early November. The colorful, eclectic, whimsical, and airy design will span two levels. Seelbach was inspired by his travels to the boardwalks on both the East Coast and West Coast of the US. On both floors, the vibrant, colorful design will provide patrons spacious room to socialize, while retaining the graceful proportions of the historic building.

Guests can anticipate over 20 beers on the venue’s draft beer list. There will also be a choice of 10 draft cocktails, including the TAKODA Mule and the CORTEZ Margarita, both of which are customer favorites at Seelbach’s popular Shaw venues, the American beer garden TAKODA and the Baja-influenced tequila bar CORTEZ. Seelbach and his team are big believers in frozen drinks, so guests will experience a rotating list of frozen drink offerings including Froze’ and Frozen Lemonade.

Guests should also expect happy hour 7-days a week, 20 flat screen televisions, and game watch parties for the Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards, NFL games, and NCAA football and basketball games. Given the large size space with 3 large bars + private dining room, Seelbach plans on The Boardwalk being the go-to venue around Capital One Arena for events including birthday parties, corporate happy hours, and holiday parties. Seelbach and his company do not believe in charging rentals fees or minimum spends for event groups, so patrons will find a very welcoming venue for event groups of all sizes.

The Boardwalk is located at 507 7th Street NW, Washington, DC, 20004. The bar is located a 1/2th block from the Gallery Place Station accessible on the Red, Green, and Yellow Lines. Hours of operation will be Monday through Thursday, from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m.; Friday from 4 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.; Saturday from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m; and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 12 a.m.”