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7th and Q Street, NW

From one of the owner’s of Dacha Beer Garden:

“Dacha Needs Your Help!

You asked, and we answered! Dacha is planning to build a small building with a kitchen and proper bathrooms to better serve our customers, while preserving the green outdoor space that makes Dacha so great.

BUT WAIT!

The DC Historic Preservation Office is requiring that we extend the building to cover the entire outdoor space. Their vision would enclose the beer garden and cover a significant portion of the Elizabeth Taylor mural we’ve all grown to love.

See the pictures to better understand our position. A beer garden with no sun is no beer garden at all!

Please support us! E-mail the Mayor and HPRB the following:

“Hon. Mayor Gray,

I/We support the design for the new Dacha Beer Garden building as submitted to HPRB and not the one Historic Preservation imposes. Please do not let them ruin the mural and destroy the green open space we like so much.”

The Mayor – mayor(at)dc.gov
Historic Preservation – historic.preservation(at)dc.gov”

SAVEDACHA


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Rendering via ANC Rep David Garber

In May a liquor license application was posted for “Riverfront at the Ball Park” located in the lot at 25 Potomac Ave, SE:

“New Tavern, Food will come from various local restaurants nearby traditional and American cuisine. There will be a stage for live entertainment.”

riverfront_at_the_ballpark

It was narrowly supported by the local ANC:

“Last night, at 12:30AM, a slim majority of ANC 6D finally supported the liquor license and concept for a new temporary outdoor venue just south of the ballpark. The venue will be a partnership of Taste of DC, United Social Sports (frisbee, kickball, bocce leagues), and others, and is planned to activate the vacant lot behind the stadium until it’s developed as soon as next year.”

ABRA has denied the liquor license:

“In this case, the Board determines that no adequate conditions exist that can fix Riverfront’s Application. First, the Board is not confident that MPD has sufficient resources to police the establishment and the surrounding streets during events at Riverfront; especially, when Riverfront is requiring some patrons to come to the establishment from off-site parking areas.

Second, as an undeveloped lot, Riverfront cannot prevent noise generated at the venue from bothering nearby residents. Supra, at 4, 13. Third, based on its proximity to South Capitol Street, S.E., the Board lacks confidence that Riverfront can ensure the safety of pedestrians. Supra, at 43-47. And fourth, the Board is unconvinced that approximately three foot bicycle racks and silt fences sufficiently block patrons from the river bordering the proposed location. Supra, at 4, IS, 21. Based on these issues, the Board lacks confidence that any conditions that the Board could impose would ensure the proposed establishment’s peaceful coexistence with surrounding residents and the safety of patrons and pedestrians.

You can read the full ruling below:

Riverfront at the Ballpark – Order on Denial of License (PDF)


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1370 Park Rd, NW across the street from Giant

Back in March we learned Sticky Fingers was applying for a liquor license. Looks like they got it:

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Their website says:

“Come out and celebrate the launch of our new boozy drinks menu! THAT’S RIGHT! Boozy drinks at Sticky Fingers! Think mudslides and bourbon vanilla bean milkshakes, creamy-khalua au lait, and of course vegan friendly wines and crafts beers. A portion of all sales will go to Benefit the animals at Poplar Springs Animal Sanctuary.”

Also some of the flyers (pictured above) were posted in the former OXXO dry cleaners space next door – perhaps Sticky Fingers is expanding into the space – stay tuned.

UPDATE from owner of Sticky Fingers:

“As of now, we are using the space next door while it is vacant to throw a few fundraisers. There are no plans to take over that space currently.

Here is the drink list:

BOOZY MILKSHAKES
• MUDSLIDE
• VANILLA BEAN BOURBON
• ORANGE RUMMSICLE

BOOZY COFFEE DRINKS
• IRISH LATTE
•KAHLUA AU LAIT
• SPICED RUM COCONUT LATTE

SIGNATURE COCKTAIL MADE WITH GOUTER TONICS-SEASONAL
BOURBON BLOODY MARY

CRAFT BEER AND WINE”


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14th and Meridian Place, NW

A readers sends word:

“Stopped into the Getaway for brunch on Saturday and was informed that they are closing in two weeks. They said something about how they would be relocating, but didn’t say where.”

I checked with some folks who are in the know who also said they heard The Getaway was closing at the end of the month. An email to the owner was not returned but I’ll update as soon as more info becomes available. Back in May 2011, The Getway opened in the former Social space (and before that Christian bookstore) at the corner of 14th and Meridian Pl, NW. You can see their menus here.

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The folks at Meridian Pint (11th and Park Rd, NW) have been kind enough to host the festivities again and the folks at DC Brau have been kind enough to offer some special brews as well. So mark your calendars for Thursday Nov. 21st from 5:30pm – 11pm. I’ll post reminders closer to the date – just wanted to give enough notice. And sorry I’ve fallen off the happy hour scheduling – hopefully this’ll make up for it. Looking forward to seeing everyone.


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237 2nd Street, NW

Last week we learned that Alibi Restaurant & Lounge would be taking over the former My Brothers Place space near Union Station. One of the owners got in touch with me and says plans are to open in December before the end of the year. Their website says:

A British American Pub
As a nod to the history of Capital Hill, THE ALIBI is inspired by British traditions and influenced by local American products. The menu features slow roasts, fresh meat pies, fried fish, and other comfort foods made in house with age old techniques including braising, smoking, baking and pickling.

The beverage program draws from both countries as well, with traditional beers from the colonies and the mother country. Classic cocktails are kept simple, with a commitment to bringing out the artistry of these original recipes, while our modern cocktails introduce spices and herbs for a more exciting flavor profile.

Owners Martin (the Englishman) and Rachel (the American woman) are proud to be a part of this new chapter in history for the infamous building at 237 2nd Street Northwest. With restored exposed brick, wood floors and stained glass chandeliers, THE ALIBI provides an escape from the hectic, fast paced world right outside its doors of 21st century DC. Simple honest products as well as personable and stellar service give everyone from Senators to maintenance workers a reason to find a good alibi.”

You can see their menu here.


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Photo by PoPville flickr user ekelly80

From ABRA:

“For the first time in nearly 20 years, restrictions have temporarily been lifted on alcoholic beverage licenses for taverns in the Georgetown Historic District. The change occurred after the number of licensed taverns within the historic area fell below a legislative cap of six.

As a result, taverns located in the Georgetown Historic District are permitted to transfer alcoholic beverage licenses to new owners and new locations within the area. An existing restaurant in the historic district will also be able to apply to become a tavern or nightclub in the neighborhood. Applications to make any of the changes would need to be filed with the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) for consideration by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (Board).

The Alcoholic Beverage Control Act and Rules Reform Amendment Act of 1994 (D.C. law 10-122) freezes the transfer or sale of tavern and nightclub licenses in the Georgetown Historic District when there are six or more taverns and/or nightclubs licensed in the area. On Wednesday, Oct. 30, the number of taverns in Georgetown fell to five after the Board canceled the tavern license for Saloun—previously located at 3239 M St., NW— for not renewing its license by the deadline on Monday, Sept. 30. There are no nightclubs currently licensed in Georgetown.

The ability to transfer tavern licenses will end once the legislative cap of six taverns and/or nightclubs is reached in the Georgetown Historic District. Applications for alcoholic beverage licenses are available at www.abra.dc.gov.”


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251 Florida Avenue, NW

More good news for Bloomingdale – a new bar is coming to the long vacant space at 251 Florida Ave, NW. A liquor license posted out front says:

“New full service Tavern. Entertainment with DJ. Occupancy load is 85. Sidewalk Café.”

CityPaper reports it is from Bartenders Patrick Owens (Ripple), Owen Thomson (Bryan Voltaggio’s Range), and Ashley May (Velvet Lounge.)

Looks like potential for a great sidewalk cafe (the application says 35 seats):

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This is located right next door to the spot coming from the folks behind 13th Street Meats – Meat & Foods. Looks like they’re getting close too – they’ve recently added “Fine Food & Beverage” above their front door:

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alibi_my_brothers_place
237 2nd Street, NW

A liquor license application posted out front says Alibi Restaurant & Lounge will be:

“A new restaurant serving American Food. Sidewalk Café Seats 40, Total Occupancy: Load 100, Seats 100, Entertainment Endorsement/Dancing”

Alibi will be located in the former My Brothers Place space next door to Hamilton’s bar and grill.  Updates when they get closer to opening.

alibi_hamiltons


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