Another One Bites the Dust – Capitol Video Sales Closing, Pacifico (Latin tapas) Coming To Barracks Row

I’ve often wondered how Capitol Video Sales was able to stay in business, located at 514 8th Street, SE next to Belga Cafe. Looks like the video store will be closing soon and in its place hopes to come Pacifico. From a liquor license application that recently went up:

“New Restaurant, Latin tapas, open grill, salads and contemporary cooking with recorded music.
Seating Capacity is 120. Total occupancy load including Summer Garden is 185. Sidewalk Café with seating for 30.”

I say “they hope to open up in their space” because Nichole recently reminded me of a post about an ANC 6B (which covers Barracks Row) liquor license moratorium on The Hill is Home:

“The commission decided that a blanket protest of all new [liquor license] requests — instead of determining on a case-by-case basis — would be the best course of action until a solution is identified to fix the “over-saturation of restaurants” on 8th Street.”

Though the THIH also notes:

“A protest from the ANC does not necessarily mean that the business cannot get their liquor license, it just means that the ANC is advising the ABC board to deny it.”

The dreaded “Adams Morganization” of the area was also evoked…

Personally, I think a Latin Tapas restaurant would be a fantastic addition to Barracks Row. And remember it’s not impossible to get a liquor license when ANC opposition exists.

A good example of this is the recent liquor license that Big Bear Cafe obtained in Bloomingdale, despite an ANC objection.

Do you think too many restaurants are starting to open up on 8th St, SE? It’ll be interesting to see how the desire for more mixed retail options plays out on Barracks Row. And whether or not ANC opposition scuttles any new restaurants hoping to open up there.

And a related question: When will the final bell toll for nearby Blockbuster? Tick tock…

Blockbuster on Barracks Row located at 410 8th Street, SE