coffee

Pesto Ristorante Becoming a (Seattle’s Best?) Coffee House in Woodley/Cleveland Park

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

Have you heard any murmurs about the old Pesto Ristorante space on Connecticut, between Woodley Park and Connecticut? I constantly see people in there working on the space, but wasn’t sure if they had found a new tenant!”

Pesto, located at 2915 Connecticut Ave, NW, closed back in Sept. 10 (and before that was Mrs. Simpsons). I also noticed a bit of construction and a permit on the window a few weeks ago but I couldn’t tell then who was going in. But I think I finally have the answer – it looks like it’s going to be a coffee shop. Peering in the window I was able to make out a sign advertising Seattle’s Best Coffee.

Any fans of Seattle’s Best? Think they’ll be able to compete with Starbucks just up the block (3000 Connecticut Ave NW)?


Sorry for the bad photo but the sun wasn’t cooperating. Though if you squint a bit you can see a series of Seattle’s best coffee choices.

Coffy Cafe Coming Soon Signs Arrive in Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

I wanted to see if you’ve noticed or heard about the new shop opening in Columbia Heights on 14th st. between Park and Monroe where the old “Mozel Fashion” store was. It’s called Coffy Cafe and says it will serve cupcakes and crepes among other things. It advertises a logo of a woman’s head with a huge afro and says it will have a “mod 70-s feel”. The glass is covered in bright orange and pink paper right now. Let us know if you find out any more details!”

This is the space I mentioned back in the end of March that should open in late summer. I’ve been emailing with the owner who is super enthusiastic. Stay tuned for more updates as build out progresses at 3310 14th St, NW (just north of Park Rd).

Another reader writes:

“Dear PoP,

For all the haters that said “Coffy” was a stupid nonsensical name, we can see now that it’s really “Coffy” as is in Pam Grier from 1973. Now lets just hope those crepes will keep them in business!

PoP Mini Preview – Flying Fish Coffee Opening Soon in Mt. Pleasant

By Prince Of Petworth

On the heels of Mt. Pleasant’s most recent new opening comes more good news. It’s been a while since we’ve spoken about Flying Fish Coffee & Tea coming to 3064 Mt. Pleasant St, NW near Nana’s.

I stopped in yesterday to snap some photos – but there were still some finishing touches on going so here’s a quick mini preview for all who’ve been emailing for an update. On Thursday, owner Mike Visser tells me that they just got their business license and should get there C of O next week. Stay tuned for an update next week.

In the meantime – the bay window are looks awesome:

Dear PoP – Can We Get an Update on the Brixton and the Independent Coming to Shaw

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

I was just thinking I haven’t seen a follow-up on much needed coffee in my Florida and U neighborhood. Do you have any idea what came of the 715 Florida Ave place?”

and

“Hey PoP. Whats up with the Brixton?! I pass it every day and haven’t seen any activity there since they put up the fence.”

There have been a lot of recent inquiries and emails about these two projects. The Independent is a coffee lounge and bar coming to 715 Florida Ave, NW (just east of 9th and U St.). The exact description from the liquor license was:

“Coffee House, bar lounge, 199 seats and total occupancy of 235 on first floor and storage on first and basement. Summer Garden with 75 seats and a total occupancy of 90.”

I can tell you that these projects continues to move forward – I recently traded emails with the architect (it is the same architect for Brixton and Independent). However glancing at 715 Florida Ave, NW at this point it looks like only a Demolition permit has been issued for the Independent. I’m not sure what permits have been issued for the Brixton but I think work has been ongoing.

I believe that some of the ownership team are the same folks behind the Brixton and Blackbyrd opening soon next to Marvin (the Hilton brothers) not to mention Billy Simpson’s in Petworth. I’m told all of these projects continue to move forward. It seems that the strategy is to complete one project before moving on to the other. Clearly – Blackbyrd (14th and U St, NW next to Marvin) will be completed first. Following will be Brixton, the Independent and Billy Simpson’s. I don’t know in what order. But they’re all still coming! (Knock wood…)

Coffy Cafe Coming to Columbia Heights This Summer

By Prince Of Petworth

I’m happy to share the news that a lease has been signed at 3310 14th St, NW in the Samuel Kelsey Apartments (across the street from the Tivoli) next to the Florist space. It has been leased by a DC Teacher and resident who is “putting together Coffy Cafe, a coffee shop and crepery with a Mod 60s/70 theme. It’s about 1500sqft and should hopefully be open by late summer.”

I’ll be updating with more info as we get closer to the opening date.

Georgia Ave News: Sankofa Cafe Applies for Liquor License, “Hokah Bar” Coming?

By Prince Of Petworth

The great Sankofa Cafe located at 2714 Georgia Ave, NW has applied for a liquor license. The liquor license says:

“New Tavern, Live Entertainment and a Summer Garden.
Total Seating is 86, Total Occupancy Load is 136, Summer Garden 40 seats.”

The trend of coffee shops getting liquor licenses continues. Do you think it makes sense for coffee bars to sell alcohol? I can only think of a few coffee bars left that haven’t applied for liquor licenses…yet.

And in other Georgia Ave news, I don’t know if I’m just noticing this for the first time but the sign below for Nati Hokah Bar at 2839 Georgia Ave, NW seems new to me. Anyone know if that is a new or old sign?

Pound Coffee Closes in NoMa

By Prince Of Petworth

Wow, I was surprised to see this – Eater DC reports:

Khalil Ghannam, owner of the coffee shops, confirms that they had to close the NoMa location this morning — for good. While Pound had every intention to keep both locations running, he says, issues with the landlord proved too difficult.

Their Facebook page says:

“For our NoMa regulars, we really apologize for the lack of notice as things did not work out as planned on the logistics side of things…but Pound NoMa is no longer open, but the friendly staff is all working at Pound The Hill! We love all of you and you are amazing customers. We hope you can venture to the other side of the Hill to see us soon.”

Pound NoMa was located at 1300 2nd St NE. Their new location on Capitol Hill is located at 633 Pennsylvania Ave, SE – we took a look earlier this month – early reports say that the shop was smashed crowed this weekend.

PoP Preview – Pound The Hill

By Prince Of Petworth

Pound Coffee is opening it’s second location on Capitol Hill, Pound The Hill, at 621 Pennsylvania Avenue SE. I was able to stop by Thurs. afternoon to get a sneak peek before their soft opening next week (official opening March 14th.) I’ll say it straight off – just based on aesthetics – this is by far the nicest looking coffee shop I’ve seen open in DC. Hands down. The space is just awesome. It is clear that owner Karl Johnson spent a lot of time on fulfilling his vision. And his vision is far more than a coffee house. Those who are familiar with their first location, Pound in NoMa, will recognize that they offer great international lunch options as well. Pound on the Hill will not only offer international lunch options but will also be serving breakfast and dinner. And in the next 6 months or so stay tuned for a liquor license.

And while the paint is still drying I couldn’t resist asking about future location and there is no doubt in my mind we will be seeing more. Obviously, the focus will be on ensuring Pound the Hill is a success but in the next year or two keep your eyes peeled for Pound the Street (U Street) and/or Pound the Circle (Dupont Circle). And if the coffee and food taste anywhere near as good the space looks I’m sure will Karl and his partners will be Pounding many more neighborhoods.

And to further entice you to check out the new space – the folks from Pound the Hill will be offering one of their specialties free. 1000 of their specialities – Nutella lattes. Starting March 21st, for 10 days in a row the first 100 people will get a free Nutella lattes. Nice.

What do you think of the space (lots more shots after the jump.) (more…)

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