I know some readers won’t shed a tear to hear about Cleveland Park’s retail woes but I still have some love for Cleveland Park. I lived in Cleveland Park for 3 years and I think of her as an ex-girlfriend with whom I’ve had an amicable breakup. When I walk through Cleveland Park, I really hope she is doing well. It’s not like a bad breakup when you’re secretly psyched that your ex has gained 25 pounds. I truly wish her the best.

So I was dismayed to read last week that their Starbucks on Connecticut Ave. was closing. What I really don’t understand is that this particular store always seems to be crowded:

As you can see in the first photo, the consignment shop right next door has also closed. The McDonald’s across the street has been closed for years now. I just don’t get it. Then when I walked further up the street, it seems that the Cold Stone Creamery has closed:

I thought things were looking up when we learned a new wine store, yogurt shop and running store had recently opened up. Anyone know why such a established neighborhood is having such a hard time keeping retail? Are the rents simply to high in this economic environment?


“Dear PoP,

I was wondering if you would mind asking your readers if they ever had insulation put in the walls of their homes to soundproof it from the neighbors. we need to do it to one side of our house and were wondering if anyone out there has done this and what their experiences were.”

Well, I hope folks can provide some recommendations for you regarding the specific question. But I think it begs another question for those who live in rowhomes – can you hear your neighbors through the walls? Is this a common experience? How have people approached the issue of hearing your neighbors through the walls (besides insulation)? Any other techniques?


A reader said she spoke with the owner of Taqueria Distrito Federal (currently with two locations, 3463 14th St. NW – pictured above, and 805 Kennedy St., NW) who is in the planning stages of opening up a third location on H Street, NE. The reader emphasized that this is just in the planning stages and nothing is concrete at the moment. I didn’t have a chance to follow up with the owner but I’ll be sure to update as this progresses. Well, if it works out I’m sure he’ll have much success. And I certainly wish him that.


Domku got a cool new picket fence out front and some new art is being displayed inside.

There’s lots more art to be seen but here’s a taste:

In the sad news department, clothing store and former neat neighborhood find, Shaka King Menswear, has closed.

I spoke with some folks out front who said Mr. King had moved to Florida. While I wasn’t a regular at his shop, I thought he was a really nice guy and I liked the flavor his store brought to the block. Hopefully, someone/thing equally cool will move in. I’m hoping for a shawarma/falafel spot…


I love this guy. He always plays Bob Dylan for me. Sadly, he doesn’t have a regular slot at Columbia Heights Coffee (11th Street b/w Monroe and Park.) The owners said he is welcome to play whenever he’d like. I chatted with him for a few moments. His name is John Carter or JC and he lives in the neighborhood (Columbia Heights). He told me he likes to play at Columbia Heights Coffee from time to time to relax and give a little something back to his neighborhood. Super nice guy.

I also spotted one super cool dog outside. (This dog will be tough competition for this Summer’s coolest pet in PoPville contest…)


Wild! A reader sent in this photo (sadly just of the plaque and not the tree.) It was found on New Hampshire Ave. somewhere between Dupont Circle and M Street. Anyone ever seen this tree/plaque before? Pretty cool.


This is a really unusual one found not far from the Van Ness area. I’m guessing it was built in the 60s? 70s? I know it’s not the greatest photo but from what you can tell do you dig the style?


Back in early Feb. I mentioned that a florist was slated to open up soon. I’m happy to report that Mother Virginia is now open at the corner of Georgia and Allison Streets. I’m hearing good things about them so with Mother’s Day approaching be sure to check them out.


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