4434 Connecticut Ave, NW

Washington Post reports:

“Bread Furst is expected to open at 4434 Connecticut Ave. NW in February, says the Washington baker widely credited for bringing good bread to the city with Marvelous Market in 1990.”

1250 Connecticut Avenue, NW

The “female-friendly” steakhouse, STK, coming to Dupont this Fall has applied for a liquor license:

“Fine dining, upscale female-friendly steakhouse, DJ and background music. Total Occupancy Load #299, Seating #282. Sidewalk Cafe seating #36”

Hours will be Sunday through Thursday: 11am-2am, Friday and Saturday: 11am-3am.

1739 Connecticut Avenue, NW

The long anticipated Smashburger opens in Dupont today.

At Smashburger, we believe that smashing is better. Our handcrafted burgers are smashed, seared and seasoned to order, using our fresh, never frozen 100% Certified Angus Beef®. Whether you choose our Classic Smashburger or decide to create-your-own, our artisan buns, freshly chopped produce, flavorful sauces and variety of cheeses are designed to deliver a great-tasting, juicy burger you can taste in every bite.

Every great burger needs a companion, and our selection of signature sides — like our Smashfries hand-tossed with garlic, rosemary and olive oil, hand-breaded haystack onions and fried pickles — are the perfect complement to any meal. The same is true for our handspun Häagen-Dazs® shakes, served in a frosted glass. And if you’re in the mood for something other than a burger, our menu of grilled or crispy chicken sandwiches, split and grilled hot dogs, crisp entrée salads and black bean veggie burgers are sure to satisfy.

I was able to attend a preview tasting yesterday – the Truffle Mushroom Swiss was especially delicious. Prices range from $5.99-7.99 and $4.49 for milkshakes. They’ll be open from 10am-10pm 7 days a week. You can see their full menu here. Inside features 47 seats:

More photos after the jump. Read More

1739 Connecticut Avenue, NW

A couple weeks ago we learned the Smashburger coming to the former Lucky Brand Store space in Dupont Circle would not be opening until the Fall due to some electrical issues. The issues have been fixed earlier than anticipated – their grand opening will be Sept. 11th. You can see some of their menus here.

2100 Connecticut Avenue, NW

Thanks to a reader for sending word about the change coming to Pines of Florence on Connecticut Ave between north Dupont and Woodley Park. A website for Jambalaya Room says:

“Welcome to the Jambalaya Room: Thank you for your visiting the Jambalaya Room! Experience the best, and the most authentic Louisiana Cajun & Creole Cuisine on the East Coast!! The imitators and duplicators of Louisiana Cajun & Creole Cuisine who label their dishes as “Orleans…” “Cajun…” or “Creole…” I am here to set the record straight for the sake of people who know TRUE Louisiana Cajun & Creole Cuisine. I have the best story of how I arrived here…driven by the need to have authentic Cajun & Creole cuisine on the East Coast. I am ready to share that story with everyone. Allow me to rescue your palate from its past disappointments—and give you the authentic Creole & Cajun Cuisine experience outside of New Orleans.”

You can see their future menu here.

I called Pines of Florence and was told they will remain open while the menu is finalized and some small renovations will take place as well. They were unable to tell me an exact date when the change will occur. Updates when the change is official.

Back in Nov. 2012 Pines of Florence briefly rebranded as a bakery and cafe.  Before that we previously judged them back in Jan. 2009.

Looking forward to seeing how Jambalaya Room turns out.

Back in May we learned that Fuddruckers had closed up at 1216 18th St NW just off, Connecticut Ave. Many folks have written emails, curious about what is going go into this prime location. Brace yourself – I’m told New York’s famous Shake Shack has signed a lease for this space. Shake Shack is most famous for its burgers and its Web site says:

Welcome to Shake Shack®, a modern day “roadside” burger stand serving the most delicious burgers, hot dogs, frozen custard, beer, wine and more! We use the finest local ingredients to make our version of much-loved American classics.

Shake Shack® opened its windows in Madison Square Park in 2004 and immediately became a neighborhood fixture, with locals, tourists and people from all walks of life gathering to enjoy some Shack goodness. Remarkably, people took to the wait, happy to be together amongst friends and strangers in the name of delicious food, in a fantastic setting. The press took note as well, the ShackBurger®, Hot Dog and Frozen Custard were highlighted among the best in the city by numerous media outlets over the years.

I know there are those who don’t like when I pass on scuttlebutt. Well, tough. This is potentially huge news for burger lovers. I give it a likelihood of 98% accurate. I’m hearing that the lease has actually been signed so it’s not just in a speculative scuttlebutt phase (which I also think is fun). I’ll be sure to update when an opening date is selected.

In the meantime, it looks like this section of Connecticut Ave by Dupont Circle is becoming Burger Row. As mentioned earlier in the day Go Burger is coming to 1317 Connecticut Ave, NW. Rogue States currently of “burger fumes” fame is located at 1300 Connecticut Ave, NW. And finally the first of the recent wave to open The Burger Joint is located at 1514 Connecticut Ave, NW. Can all three make it? And don’t forget celebrity chef Bobby Flay is still looking to open a Bobby’s Burger Palace in the DC area.