coffee

“Urban bakeshop/cafe”, Ryse, Coming to City Vista in Mt. Vernon Square

By Prince Of Petworth

A lot more info came out today on what was once scuttlebutt here back in early August. Today, Washingtonian’s Todd Kliman got details:

“I just this second hung up the phone with Michael Landrum, the iconoclastic restaurateur who operates Ray’s the Steaks and Ray’s Hell Burger. Landrum has big news on this chilly Election Day morning: an announcement of a new coffeehouse venture.

“Not only can I confirm that we signed a lease at CIty Vista, but we actually — believe it or not — have already begun construction on an urban bakeshop/cafe called Ryse, which is built to extend the impact that Ray’s the Steaks in East River has had in that community. It will be a modern streamlined mainstream coffeeshop with salads, fresh-made sandwiches, and possibly frozen yogurt.”

Does this sound like it’ll be a good addition to Mt. Vernon Square?

Gori Cafe Becoming V Street Cafe

By Prince Of Petworth

I just noticed the new awning 1113 V Street, NW. This is the space that used to be Gori Cafe and had a phenomenal happy hour. I spoke to a neighbor who said that there will be new owners at the V Street Cafe and that the inside is getting renovated. I’ll be sure to post when they re-open which is expected in 2-3 weeks.

Bistro 18 Coming to Adams Morgan

By Prince Of Petworth

I’ve been getting a number of emails from readers about the sign that has gone up at the old Oya’s Mini Bazaar and African Art space located at 2420 18th St NW. This is the space that I learned will become:

‘a “Tryst” type spot (coffee house, sandwiches, etc…) with low sofas and lots of gathering space. The new owners have already purchased a liquor license. There wasn’t a kitchen previously so they will have to build out a whole new kitchen and remodel the inside so it is likely going to take a number of months before they open up.’

Thanks to all who sent emails.

Pound Coffee Signs a Lease on Capitol Hill

By Prince Of Petworth

Great news! I’ve always thought this part of Pennsylvania Ave, SE was a bit of a slow zone so it’ll be nice to see it get some new life (along with the soon to be Ba Bay Vietnamese Restaurant at 633 Pennsylvania Ave, SE).

Here’s the good word from the owners:

“Pound signed a lease on a fantastic historic space at 621 Penn Ave SE. The new Pound will be almost twice the size of the existing cafe and will allow us to significantly grow our “comfort food from around the world” offering. We will of course maintain our focus on premium organic fair trade coffees and lattes, continuing to be the exclusive provider of 2010 Top Micro-Roaster in the country, Kickapoo Coffee from Wisconsin, as well. The larger space will allow us to separate the dining traffic from the chill and relaxing coffee house area and vibe. We also have a beautiful large back enclosed patio covered by old growth Oak trees that will really make this a unique cafe destination on the Hill. Front sidewalk seating will also be available, as well as comfy seating right in the bay window frontage on Penn.

We also plan to do a Kickapoo coffee tasting at the space in November to give the neighborhood a chance to try out our coffee and possibly some food as well.”

I’ll be sure to update as construction progresses and an opening date is selected. Pound Coffee currently has a location in NoMa at 1300 2nd St NE.

Tynan Coffee & Tea Progressing in NoMa

By Prince Of Petworth

Tynan will be located at 1275 First Street, NE. And they say they’ll be opening in 2-3 weeks. Nice. I of course noticed the big sign announcing a happy hour, proclaiming it the best happy hour in NoMa. Just wait till the Harris Teeter opens…

Just out of curiosity – does the Columbia Heights location also serve beer?

Bistro 18 Coffee House Coming to Adams Morgan

By Prince Of Petworth

Back in March we learned that Oya’s Mini Bazaar and African Art located at 2420 18th St NW had moved to 2600 block of Connecticut Ave, NW. A reader recently spotted a DCRA sign for demo under the name of “Bistro 18”. I was able to learn that the space is going to become a “Tryst” type spot (coffee house, sandwiches, etc…) with low sofas and lots of gathering space. The new owners have already purchased a liquor license. There wasn’t a kitchen previously so they will have to build out a whole new kitchen and remodel the inside so it is likely going to take a number of months before they open up. I’ll be sure to update as progress is made.

Do you think 18th St, NW in Adams Morgan has room for another Tryst type spot?

Dear PoP – Highland Cafe & Bus Barn Updates on 14th St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

I live right near Highlands/former Mocha Hut (4706 14th Street, NW), and I’ve been there for brunch a few times (it’s been delightful – good food, nice neighborhood-y feel). I happened to catch the chef/proprietor and got to chat a little bit. He told me that a) their license was approved and they should be moving on that soon, and b) the bus barn is being developed into something that’s not a bus barn – he said he thought mixed use condos like the types that are in the Petworth/CH area. I think there was some question as to whether this was an unsubstantiated rumor? Even excluding the condo issue, that block is pretty cute, and seems prime to me for some more neighborhood restaurant/bar/retail action.”

Back in May we talked about Bus Barn rumors at 4615 14th St, NW. We learned more about this section of 14th St, NW in June.

Huge Coffee News: Peregrine Espresso Expanding to 1718 14th St, NW in Logan Circle

By Prince Of Petworth


Peregrine Espresso Current location at 660 Pennsylvania Ave SE

Huge news spread on twitter late Friday afternoon. But this is not late Friday afternoon news, this is huge Mon. Morning news. Especially for those who live near Logan Circle. On their blog Peregrine Espresso wrote:

“We are pleased to announce that we are working on a new store in NW DC. We have recently signed a lease on the storefront at 1718 14th St NW formerly occupied by Flowers on 14th (which moved a few doors down).”

When we discussed the best latte in town Peregrine Espresso’s current location at 660 Pennsylvania Ave SE, near Eastern Market, was mentioned.

I take three things particularly serious in life – pizza, bars and coffee. Therefore I consider this huge news. I found it interesting to note that on their blog, Peregrine Espresso also said,

“We are also thrilled to be joining our friends at MidCity Caffe and Blackbyrd Warehouse (coming soon) to create quite a wonderful trio of great coffee options along that strip.”

I think that’s a lovely sentiment but, to speak honestly, if I was MidCity Caffe (1626 14th Street, NW) I’d be terrified at this announcement. They are located super close to the new Peregrine spot and unless Peregrine plans on sharing profits, Mid City Caffe will certainly lose some customers to Peregrine Espresso.

What do you guys think – can that section of 14th St, NW support two proper coffee shops?

For those who live nearby, if you had to choose, will you hit Peregrine or MidCity for your coffee needs?

Busboys and Poets Expanding to Harlem, NY

By Prince Of Petworth

This was an interesting link I found on twitter yesterday from Harlem Condo Life. They write:

“So I called over to the press office of Busboys and Poets to see what the deal was and the person who answered the phone confirmed they do have plans to open another restaurant outside of the Beltway and into Harlem.”

That’s wild and it got me thinking – what are other stores/shops/restaurants that originated in DC and expanded to other cities outside the Beltway?

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