Ed. Note: Robyn’s post on the defense of Ruby Tuesday’s Salad Bar got a really interesting debate going and it has sparked a new series. You know in DC sometimes we tend to be reflexively negative about certain things. I find myself doing it too from time to time. Like I hate Georgetown. And in reality the last few times I’ve went to Georgetown, I’ve loved it. I love the old homes, the waterfront, etc. But I feel like I said “I hate Georgetown” so often it just became automatic. And not at all true. So with that in mind Robyn has come up with the idea to debunk some of the automatic negative stereotypes about certain things in DC. Thus a new series is born.

Ever heard the soundtrack to Adams Morgan at 3AM on a Saturday? It goes a little like this – to the tune of Beethoven’s 9th.

“Yeah bra!” (high five) “That chick let me touch her boob!”

“Dude, don’t step there. Someone puked up their Jumbo slice, haha!”

Thud. Squish. (sound of inebriated human passing out spontaneously on pavement on top of their own Amsterdam falafel)

Yes, I know. The thought of venturing to Adams Morgan on the weekend seems like buying a one way ticket to an underage college frat party. The abundance of cheesy bars, keg-stand record holders, and flush-faced twenty-somethings who act like teen-somethings after they just pounded a bottle of Boones Farm does not paint a pretty picture for the 18th street strip. Yet, I find something very endearing about Adams Morgan. If you get past the jack and coke chaos cover, there’s a warm, welcoming center to the strip that’s full of culture and cool people. My motto when I go to Adams Morgan? If you can’t beat them, join them.

Reasons why Adams Morgan isn’t so bad: Vegan bar food + 50 cent High Life countdown at Asylum. 4 shots + 4 beers for $12 at Tom Toms on Thursdays. Live music at Bossa. A good bourbon recommendation at Bourbon. Frou frou Felix martinis. Dance # 145 of the night and I’m still not tired at Habana Village. Lying about being in college, and doing a shot with a student because you have the same Finite Math teacher. Who cares if it’s top #40 music? Rooftop deck at the Reef. The crowd at Bedrock Billiards. Ok, Jumbo slice isn’t ALL that bad, especially after 3AM. The chill-pill effect at Pharmacy Bar. OMG! Your (insert accessory) is sooo cute. Let’s be friends. – overheard in line for bathroom at Madams Organ. DJ nights at Napolean.

And last but not least – cheap beer and make-your-own liquor drinks at Dans Café. Pure danger.

What did I forget? Any closeted Adams Morgan lovers out there?


Well, you knew it was coming. A PoP Inauguration photo contest of course! I’m interested in all types of photos – photos of the inauguration itself, the parade, parties, concerts, and what I think may be super interesting – just random shots from the week that somehow capture the celebratory spirit. Photos will be accepted all week. Winner and numerous honorable mentions will all get PoP t-shirts. I’m really psyched to see what you guys see. You can send me a flickr link or attach the image directly to an email at [email protected]



photo by Eddie Codel

Ok, I’ll admit it – I’ve got inauguration fever. So while this is a predictable question – I feel it still must be asked. What are you most looking forward to? I’ve got to be honest, since I was unable to get Beastie Boys tickets, I’m most looking forward to the concert with U2, Bruce Springsteen and others. Of course I’m looking forward to the inauguration itself but the prospect of “seeing” the Boss and U2 even if only briefly is beyond cool to me.

A side question – do you think everything’s gonna go smoothly or will the projected 2 million visitors be too much to handle?


Once again some great entries this week. I’m guessing this week’s winner will not be a surprise to many.

The winner is from Ian:

“Knowing full well the local blogger’s fetish for commercial signage, Karim came up with an ingenious plan to attract increased attention to his fledgling phone card business.”

Please email me directly so I can get you a t-shirt.


In real life, hipchickindc is licensed as a real estate broker in the District of Columbia and Virginia, and as a real estate salesperson in Maryland. Unless specifically noted, neither she nor the company that she is affiliated with represented any of the parties or were directly involved in the transaction reported below. Unless otherwise noted, the source of information is Metropolitan Regional Information Systems (MRIS), which is the local multiple listing system. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Featured Property: 303 Rock Creek Church Rd NW

Original List Price: $469,900.

List Price at Contract: $399,000.

List Date: 09/10/2008

Days on Market: 91

Settled Sales Price: $379,500.

Settlement Date: 01/05/2009

Seller Subsidy: $6,000.

Bank Owned?: No

Recent Purchase and Re-Sale: Yes

Original GDoN Post is here.

You may notice that this week’s Good Deal or Not Revisited (GDoN-R) is in very close proximity to two very recent GDoN-R subjects, 23 Rock Creek Church Rd NW and 139 Varnum St NW. This may seem somewhat curious, especially given the breadth of PoP’s coverage. I’m keeping a list of all of the GDoNs, and for all the listings he’s pointed out to us in Columbia Heights and touching in to Logan and Dupont, for what it’s worth, it’s the close-ish-to-Metro Petworth properties that have actually gone to settlement lately. Prince, I guess that means your ‘hood is hot (but you knew that already…)

Seriously, though, it is curious to see that out of a handful of recent settled properties from all the GDoNs, the majority have been in this little pocket of Petworth. It makes some sense, in that much of the real estate activity going on right now seems to be financially conservative first time buyers looking to stay well under the $417,000. conforming loan limit. I thought these might also be FHA buyers, but none of these three properties were. Both 139 Varnum and 303 Rock Creek Church Rd NW were purchased with conventional loans, which currently require at least a ten percent down payment. 23 Rock Creek Church Rd NW was a foreclosure that was purchased using all cash. Continues after the jump. (more…)


Where can one buy a roasted duck?

And another food question that you can answer in the comments section here:

“Any idea where I can buy some paneer for Indian dishes? For that matter, any idea where I can find a good place to buy ingredients for homemade Indian food?”

Finally a reader would like some jogging route suggestions:

“I am planning to stay at my friend’s place in Petworth for the inauguration. I am therefore wondering if you know of any good jogging/walking routes nearby? My friend’s place is along 14th Street NW but just north of Columbia Heights.”

I’d suggest running over to 16th Street and going south to U Street then go east to 13th Street then go north on 13th to where your friend lives. Anyone have some favorite jogging routes?


Props, of course, go to Som Records on 14th Street. In case you can’t see the small print it says:

“Lush listening music inspired by the most glamorous girls in the world.” Too good!

Ed. Note: Som Records has recently become an advertiser on PoP. The selection of album cover of the week is in no way influenced by their advertising. I simply love their selection of album covers. As always reader submitted album covers are not only accepted they are encouraged.


I can’t believe I’ve waited so long to check these out. They are incredible. I remember Nichole mentioned them way back in the day but I saw them for the first time this past weekend. By the by, anyone know when Eastern Market is slated to be totally fixed up and opened again? Check out some close ups after the jump. (more…)


I can’t decide if I’m a fan of the glass on the door but the stained glass up top is right on.


Surely, I’ve shown this house before. But dang some of them are worthy of multiple posts. For sure this is one of them.


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