Coffeehouse at Politics and Prose reopening as The Den, to be run by Owner of the Awesome Little Red Fox

5015 Connecticut Ave, NW

From a press release:

“The popular neighborhood coffeehouse at Politics and Prose will re-open officially on April 14, following a ten-week closure for renovations. Renamed The Den, the coffeehouse will be operated by Matt Carr, who founded the excellent nearby market and eatery Little Red Fox with his wife Jena. The Den will feature expanded seating, improved furnishings and lighting, and a new menu created by Carr that includes dinner items as well as wine and craft beer.

5035 Connecticut Ave, NW

The changes mark the first major renovation of the coffeehouse since its start in 1993. P&P’s owners—Bradley Graham and Lissa Muscatine—worked with local architect Mark McInturff to ensure that the renovated space would retain the casual atmosphere and cozy feel that many in the neighborhood have enjoyed over the years. Visitors to The Den also will find the same superb coffee they’ve come to expect from the coffeehouse, along with a new and varied selection of made-to-order menu items. Food choices will include daily fresh baked pastries, tartines, soups, and cheese and charcuterie boards, and a much-anticipated new dessert, Pie Fries. Locally sourced, farm-to-table produce will be featured whenever possible.

The Den will be open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

In the morning, the Den will provide assorted breakfast items, including espresso drinks made on a new, state-of-the-art Synesso machine. Six different sweet and savory “toasts” (or tartines) will be served all day, and starting at 11 a.m., the menu will grow to include a soup, a bowl, and a kid-friendly grilled cheese. In the evening, The Den will transform into a vibrant spot for friends to meet before and after events for a casual dinner, glass of beer or wine, and dessert.

“We couldn’t be more excited by the renewal of the coffeehouse and its transformation into a warm, bright gathering place with great food and drink for the community,” said P&P’s Muscatine. “And we’re thrilled to be partnering with Matt Carr, who not only brings his exceptional culinary talent and creativity to The Den, but also a passion for community-building and customer service. Together with Matt we look forward to providing a popular destination that reflects the synergy between the bookstore and the coffeehouse.”

“We’re incredibly excited to be working with our neighbors, P&P, on this new venture,” remarked Carr. “It’s a unique opportunity to expand our creativity within a neighborhood we love and call home. Brad and Lissa have been so supportive of Little Red Fox since day one that we couldn’t have been more thrilled when they asked us to collaborate. Food, booze, coffee, and books — what could be better?”

Each month The Den will feature a cookbook from P&P, with a dish on the menu selected from the cookbook. The Den also will offer tie-ins to a number of the author talks that regularly occur in the bookstore. These will take the form of literary and food-themed menu items as well as special activities. A special addition to the menu will be revealed for a Mother’s Day Brunch on May 8, and a selection of crimson drinks and food will be on hand for author Justin Cronin’s appearance on May 25, a tribute to his popular vampire novels.”