“Dear PoPville,

I’m reaching out regarding Mayor Bowser’s proposed changes to short term rentals. Please indulge me with some context first that powers my alarm. And I’d like to be anonymous please.

I saw your recent posts on rats. In Brightwood they are bad, and on our block getting worse due to a short term rental that isn’t owner occupied and appears to be owned by a VA resident. There are numerous large parties generating lots of garbage. And in recent months no one is putting the trash in the alley. The piled up garbage on the property is feeding a surge in rats on our block.

For many, many months my neighbors and I have been going from DC department to department and to Airbnb directly to try to address the non-owner-occupied full time Airbnb (violation of current law) on our street and as noted the numerous parties that often exceed quiet hours and generate uncontrolled garbage.

In researching links to share with Airbnb, (more…)


3421 Connecticut Avenue, NW

The official good word:

Highlands Tavern will officially open its doors to the public before the end of August, bringing a fresh, high-energy neighborhood dining experience to the heart of Cleveland Park. Taking over the historic multi-level location previously occupied by the Cleveland Park Bar & Grill at 3421 Connecticut Ave NW, the venue has been completely reimagined to merge classic tavern warmth with modern styling.

In addition to elevating the neighborhood’s dining scene, Highlands Tavern is thrilled to announce it will serve as the official watch party location for Notre Dame Football. Fans can gather on the expansive rooftop or throughout the multi-level tavern to cheer on the Fighting Irish with full sound, dedicated game-day energy, and premium viewing.

Highlands Tavern is helmed by co-owners Ki Yoon (Owner of Magruders) and George Grau, a D.C. native, Culinary Institute of America (CIA) graduate, and seasoned restaurant veteran. (more…)


via google maps

“Dear PoPville,

Have you heard anything this morning about what’s going on with the Metro buses in Tenleytown? There are 20-30 vacant buses lined up along Wisconsin Ave with police and firetrucks blocking many streets, including a stretch along Wisconsin between Veazey and Yuma streets.”

AlertDC had reported at 7:52am: “MPD reports the following roads are closed due to police activity:

– 4200-4300 blocks of Wisconsin Avenue, NW, between Van Ness and Yuma Streets
– 4200 block of 40th Street, NW, between Wisconsin Avenue and Warren Street

Please use alternate routes and expect delays.”

Andrew Leyden reported around 9am:

“The MPD Bomb Squad has cleared a suspicious package at the firehouse of DCFD Engine 20. A thermos bottle with some wires was discovered this morning but ruled non-hazardous.

An A+ update from Andrew:

“Some commentators on this post have noted the device in question is likely not a thermos bottle, but is instead a sex toy called a “Blowbot” or similar item.”


10 Ridge Square, NW in September 8th 2025

First King Street Oyster Bar falls and now Acqua Bistecca goes down. Nobody said operating in the shadows of the mighty Wegmans would be easy…

Thanks to BW for sending to us yesterday afternoon (I’m at the beach, doing the best I can to keep up!):

“Last night (Monday) was the last night of service for Michael Mina’s new spot Acqua Bistecca!” (more…)


photo by CTB in DC

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