11th and Park Road, NW
Over the weekend I promised our social media followers (@PoPville) some good news today. And I’ve come to deliver. Over the summer, in July to be specific we noticed some action at the old Makan/Thirsty Crow space in the prime corner location at 11th and Park Road, NW. Now I can finally share what’s coming – The Porch & Pebbles!! Ever since Meridian Pint closed (back in 2019 if you can believe it) people have told me they wish something like Meridian Pint would open up there. While Makan was great, as an OG Meridian Pint fan I couldn’t agree more. And that’s basically what’s gonna happen with The Porch & Pebbles. But what has me really super excited about this is WHO is behind the new spot. It is the great team behind Nanny O’Briens, Atomic Billiards, Franklin Hall and so many more. I spoke with owner Geoff Dawson who tells me a bit of what we can expect:
Firstly, he emphasized that the new spots will be complementary to the already great spots that exist on 11th – The Coupe, Wonderland, Buddy’s etc. The vibe we can expect, for the old school who remember will be like a combination of the old Mackey’s on L Street and a more “robust Nanny O’Briens.” The plan is for this to be a neighborhood hangout with approachable food (including for families) and great beer!
Like Meridian Pint of days past, they intend to make this space a community gathering spot. There will be board games, trivia etc., a gathering space to bring folks together. “Creating reasons for the neighborhood to hang out.”
To that point and what personally has me super excited is that we can expect 4 to 5 pool tables and dart boards downstairs, imagine Bedrock Billiards with food options.
The space already has a huge kitchen so they will definitely take advantage of that and offer a full menu upstairs and downstairs. There will be carryout available as well. Upstairs and downstairs you can also expect a great beer selection as well as cocktails and a full bar.
The folks opening this have incredible experience. In addition to Geoff, the team will consist of Rob Hess, Amy David and Arturo Magana. If all goes well they could be open in as early as three months but certainly by the end of winter. If anyone can make a subterranean spot work, it’s these guys.
To sum it up – The Porch (upstairs): “Good food and drinks at comfortable prices, a large patio, trivia and family meals.”
Pebbles (downstairs): “Pool and games give friends another reason to meet at the same address. Food comes from the upstairs kitchen, supporting both venues with one menu and one culinary team.”
Essentially, exactly what many in the neighborhood have been pining for!
ICYMI: Makan and Thirsty Crow closed here in 2025.
Meridian Pint closed here in 2019.
Check Out These Incredible Photos from 2002 of the Old Bi-Rite Super Market that used to be located here back in the day.
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STAY TUNED for more on The Porch & Pebbles as they get closer to opening.