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2100 Vermont Ave, NW at V Street looking west

Finally!!! Some news on the long vacant space by Duffy’s, American Ice Co. and 9:30 Club – Wet Dog Tavern is coming! A liquor license placard posted out front says:

“Tavern serving American Food. Occasional live entertainment to include Deejays, live music
and dancing.

Sidewalk Café Seats is 30, Summer Garden with Backyard Seats of 70.

Summer Garden RoofDeck total is 30

Entertainment Endorsement, Cover Charge, Dancing. Total Occupancy Load 200.”

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by American Ice Co. looking east towards 9:30 Club


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7th and Q St, NW

Ed. Note: Another cool detail I’m told is that “We have hired a historian to report on what the front of the China Express building looked like. We plan bringing the building closer to its original appearance.”

Also they are still working on leasing the Mt. Vernon Squangle location at 5th and K St, NW but they are still in negotiations.

From a press release:

“Dacha Beer Garden is pleased to announce signing of the lease for the adjoining China Express building at 1602 7th Street, NW

Owners llya Alter and Dmitri Chekaldin are planning to gut the Chinese restaurant building and integrate it with the existing popular Shaw beer garden.

Instead of a planned small, controversial building in the original beer garden, Dacha owners are gearing up to expand and build out the China Express structure thereby not only improving Dacha’s operations, but also complying with the neighborhood agreement that specifically calls for a permanent structure.

The planned building will feature three bars, a grand beer hall, state of the art bathrooms and private lockers for regulars to keep their steins on premises. Dacha’s beer menu will expand; however, Weihenstephaner Brewery products will continue to be the core of the draft lineup. The third floor bar will feature rare, hard to find beers, meads and ciders. A full kitchen will allow Dacha to expand its food offerings.

Owners are hoping to receive the new construction permit by the end of January 2015 and immediately start construction. If all goes as planned, the new addition will open in the summer of 2015. The garden, however, will open in its current format in early spring of 2015 and will operate while the China Express building is being renovated. Additionally, owners are planning to keep the garden on standby during winter months and opening the popular spot weather permitting.

****

Dacha Beer Garden is a pleasant, green neighborhood epicenter that has been warmly received and endorsed by the community. Dacha serves a carefully curated selection of world-class German, Belgian and American beers, a variety of meads, ciders and wines – all accompanied by German-inspired menu. The open-air format, comfortable seating, and convenient location make Dacha an easy choice, while affordable prices offer a great dinner/lunch alternative to a restaurant or a take out.

We change the world, one beer at a time.”


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1336 14th Street, NW

Huge news about the former Ghana Cafe space from a Logan Circle ANC meeting last night according to Short Articles about Long Meetings:

“The prospective owners [Jamie Hess of Ivy and Coney and Steve Zarpas of Crow Bar (closed in ’98 at 20th and K St, NW] told the ANC they wished to get a tavern license, but they intended to serve a full menu of “comfort food” at “average price points”.

Zarpas said he was “astounded” at the $20 hamburgers routinely found at restaurants along 14th Street. He wished to open a place with more reasonable prices.”

Updates if/as they move forward.


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2737 Sherman Avenue, NW at Girard

“Dear PoPville,

Do you have any news on Hilltop Bar on Sherman Ave.? I haven’t seen any movement and a bunch of us here in the neighborhood were pretty excited about this new bar. Is it dead? I hope not.”

I am happy to report that the Hilltop Bar and Restaurant is alive and well! There have been some permitting delays but lots of progress has been made. They are now about to start work on a huge kitchen to be located in the basement which will take about 2 months to complete. After that they will likely have a zoning hearing in September and if all goes well they hope to open sometime in October.  A peek inside to prove the progress:

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Also standby for a sidewalk cafe too:

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From owners Matthew and Rose:

“Dear Popville.

Do you remember 2004 – when it was radical to have a smoke-free upstairs bar and dance floor?

The good times roll on in the beer garden this Sunday: the Wonderland Ballroom celebrates it’s 10th anniversary! Sunday, Aug. 3rd, 2014.

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! to PoP, the Popville readers, and all the Wonder Family for your support and love over the years. Hope you can come celebrate with us! Hope to see you on Sunday.

Cheers, the Wonderland Ballroom.”

Ed. Note: Amazing – can’t believe it’s already 10 years – congrats!!! Here’s a reminder of how the space looked in 2004:

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11th and Kenyon St, NW in 2004 courtesy Wonderland Ballroom


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