“Dear PoPville,
The scariest sidewalk grate I have seen… Steel grate patched with a plate? Nope. Near Freedom Plaza. (E Street.)”
Would you dare walk across this?
YIKES.
Author: Prince Of Petworth
3109 14th Street, NW
Thanks to A. for sending the Tropical Smoothie Cafe update in Columbia Heights:
“It’s taken a long time but the smoothie place in CH has finally opened. Will have to try it and see if Tropiboba is the next it thing 🤣” (more…)
Project Area via NCPC
“Dear PoPville,
The Pennsylvania Avenue Initiative is really ramping up, and it will drastically change Penn Ave.; especially freedom plaza. It will be sliced to accommodate inauguration parades 😅🙈. Public commenting closes on 4/30.”
About the Initiative (more…)
2614 Connecticut Avenue, NW also previously home to Medaterra
Any day with double pizza news is a good day in my book!
Ed. Note: Do note, that Via Roma is located just down the block… Not to mention Mika’s Neapolitan Pizza located across from the Zoo.
Well adding the line up is:
“Pastiamo Osteria
Pizza from the Fire. Pasta by Hand.
Your Neighborhood Osteria”
Thanks to Miguel for sending from the old Elsa Ethiopian Kitchen space in Woodley Park: (more…)
1st and L Street, NE
“Experience the authentic flavors of India with a modern twist. From tandoor-grilled perfection to aromatic biryanis.”
Thanks to kuss for the update in NoMa:
“Metro Spice in Noma (next to Ted’s Bulletin) is now open! I just had the Malai Kofta with Garlic Naan and it’s a solid 9/10!”
Check out the menu: (more…)
919 U Street, NW, note the new logo up top
Thanks to Dan for sending the latest from U Street:
“looks like El Rey will be reopening before Cinco de Mayo!”
ICYMI: The El Rey in Navy Yard reopened as Cantina El Rey earlier this month.
RE U Street:
“The OG.
On the block since 2014, El Rey has been a go-to party spot on U Street for over a decade.. Loud, lively, and just the right amount of messy.
Now, we’re leveling up.
With the addition of pool tables, a refreshed Tex-Mex–inspired menu, and upgraded cocktails featuring margaritas made with house-crafted mixes.
Cantina U Street is your new go-to for 9:30 Club pregames, weekend nights out, and game-day watch parties..”
4714 14th Street, NW
Ed. Note: We shared this development with out Patreon supporters a few weeks ago, if you’re looking to be in the early know or just want to support the site, please join us – thanks!
“Smokey’s
Uptown’s Finest 🏆 Serving hot n’ delicious breakfast and lunch in the District for 40+ years”
I was hoping their closure wasn’t true but google now says: “Smokey’s is permanently closed” and a peek in the window: (more…)
14th and F Street, NW previously home to mxdx
“Dear PoPville,
Can you do a follow up on the opening of the Giordano’s Pizza that is supposed to open this spring in DC? You wrote about it back in November 2025 here, and I wanted to see if there was any new information on when it will open. I ate there when I visited Chicago and loved it, and am excited for it to come to DC!”
I contacted Giordano’s Pizza and they tell me: “We’re planning for early summer.”
STAY TUNED for an exact opening date.
For those unfamiliar: (more…)
“Dear PoPville,
What’s happened to the pandas on yuma???
I hope they’re just in the shop for repairs!” (more…)
From a press release:
“JLL today announced the signing of a new retail lease with EastBanc Inc. at 3001 M Street NW in DC’s Georgetown neighborhood, bringing renowned Spanish footwear brand Meermin to the nation’s capital for the first time. The transaction was completed in March 2026, with the high-end shoe store slated to open in Summer/Fall 2026.
Founded in Mallorca, Spain, Meermin has cultivated a global following for (more…)