coffee

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…)

Appreciating Columbia Heights Dunkin Donuts

By Prince Of Petworth

I’ve long gone on record that I’m a Dunkin Donuts fanatic. I know there is better coffee elsewhere but I’m addicted to theirs. Sometimes I just have to give props when props are do. In addition to the coffee which admittedly you can get anywhere – this Donkin Donuts located at 2750 14th St NW (by Girard St) have the nicest people in the world working for them. Seriously, every single person I have encountered there have been beyond nice. So I just wanted to publicly thank them. It’s not a glamorous job and I’m sure the pay is not super high – so again, thank you.

And on a side note: when I go it is normally always crowded – I think some more retail on that section of 14th St, NW would do very well…

Pound Coffee’s 2nd Location on Capitol Hill Hopes to Open March 7th

By Prince Of Petworth

When we spoke about Perfect Pita coming to NoMa some folks were psyched to learn Pound Coffee would be opening a second location at 621 Pennsylvania Ave, SE. Here’s what it looked like last weekend. The sign is new to me. I’m hearing that if all goes according to plan they’ll be opening March 7th. We first learned of the 2nd location back in Oct. ’10. I’ll be sure to update when they open.

Incidentally, does anyone happen to know the plans for next door at 623 Penn. Ave, SE in the old Capitol Hill Art and Frame storefront? I’m always intrigued when the windows get papered over…

Wait U Street Cafe Closes at 4pm!?!?

By Prince Of Petworth

Why would a coffee shop located in the heart of U St, NW (1301 U St, NW – between 13th and 14th) close at 4pm? I just don’t get this.

Anyone know when the hours changed?

Their Web site says:

Wouldn’t folks want to enjoy all day breakfast items past 4pm? What’s going on here?

Pangea Artisan Market & Cafe Abruptly Closes Downtown

By Prince Of Petworth


Pangea in March ’10

“Dear PoP,

I work right across the street from Pangea (I can see it right now) and it’s totally empty. Everything is totally moved out – they didn’t even have a going out of business sign – they were open on friday!! EVERYTHING is gone. and i mean EVERYTHING.”

Wild. We had just checked them out at 2121 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW last March.

Their Web site is no longer active as well. It previously said,

“Pangea is Greek for “all lands”. Pangeamarket.com, supported by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), brings together traditional high quality handicrafts made by artisans in developing countries.”

It’s too bad it sounded like a cool spot benefitting a good cause. Anyone know what happened?


Pangea in Feb ’11

Florida Coffee House Coming to Bloomingdale/Ledroit Park

By Prince Of Petworth

I’m happy to report that Bloomingdale/Ledroit Park/Truxton Circle residents will be getting a new coffee house very soon. The Florida Coffee House will be opening (hopefully) next Sat. at 220 Florida Ave, NW:


View Larger Map

I ran into one of the owners (who was super nice) and was able to get a sneak peek. It is a very small space that can probably fit about 15. There will be a few outdoor spaces available out back when the weather warms up. In addition to coffee, pastries and some other eats will also be available at the coffee house.

Local residents will recognize that this space is only 1 1/2 blocks away from the very well regarded Big Bear Cafe located at 1st and R St, NW.

The Florida Coffee House looks like it can become a very quaint neighborhood spot. I don’t think people will travel miles to visit, like some do for Big Bear, but I do think this new spot will serve the neighborhood(s) very well. I’m super eager to try out the coffee. And they’ll have free wifi too!

While final touches were ongoing at the time of my visit, you can see a couple of photos of the inside after the jump. (more…)

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