Bars

Hitching Post Sold in Petworth – Last Day July 31st, Will Re-Open Aug. 7th

By Prince Of Petworth


200 Upshur St, NW

Back in Oct. 2010 we first learned that the Hitching Post, located at 200 Upshur St, NW (across the street from the Old Soldiers Home) at the corner of Rock Creek Church Rd, and Upshur, was for sale. Well – I’ve got good news and bad news: The Hitching Post has sold. The Hitching Post has been bought by the owner of Fusion located at 4815 Georgia Ave, NW.

The Hitching Post has been owned by one of the nicest families you’ll ever meet – the Carters. Danny Harris wrote a great profile on Mr. Carter back in Sept. 2009.

At that time Mr. Carter said:

“I think that our music box has also been a big addition to our popularity. We carry a mixture of music, much of it dating back to the 1940s. I still enjoy listening to Big Band, it has always been a part of my repertoire. We have some of our favorite artists such as Nat King Cole, Jo Stafford, and Chet Baker. A lot of the music is quiet music, nothing that is going to blow you out of here. We do have a little music that would be attractive to the younger generation, but most of our music is for a subtle dining atmosphere. With that Ipod you can collect more of what is available, but the music box still has something that you can’t replace, nostalgia. I think that in time, the music box is going to be an old dinosaur, just like the Carters!

Now the good news – the owner of Fusion, Barry Dindyal and his family are also among the nicest you’ll ever meet. If you’ve never met Barry or his family you can do so on Thurs. June 28 for Fusion customers appreciation day from 5pm-9pm at 4815 Georgia Ave, NW.

Additionally there is not going to be a huge change with the space. They are keeping the name Hitching Post and the famous fried chicken! The menu will not be Indian like Fusion. It will be an affordable American style spot. They will also offer Saturday and Sunday brunch, a great outdoor patio, a new happy hour and most entrees will be between $12-$15. Hitching Post’s last day will be July 31st and they will reopen Aug. 7th.

New Tavern Coming (Again) to 1930 9th St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

Back in Feb. we learned that a new tavern was coming to the former El Sol space at 1930 9th St, NW (south of U Street.) There had been no movement since then but this weekend a new liquor license application was posted repeating:

“New Tavern with an occupancy load of 122. Requesting an Entertainment Endorsement to include dancing and cover charge.”

More info as it becomes available.

Update on Bar, Penn Social, to Replace Riot Act in Penn Quarter

By Prince Of Petworth


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From a press release:

The newest bar to open in the bustling neighborhood of Penn Quarter will be the ultimate social experience. Located at 801 E St NW, Penn Social will provide an extraordinary atmosphere for its patrons by incorporating live entertainment with recreational activities.

Penn Social will feature three distinct areas: a seasonal outdoor patio, a stylish street level bar, and a large social, gaming, and entertainment space.

The seasonal outdoor patio will offer full food and bar service. The street level bar and lounge area will have classic board games, and play host to karaoke, trivia, and comedy open mic nights. It will also feature live local music during happy hour.

The downstairs area will feature two bars, one with 30 drafts lines, in addition to six 10-foot wide projector screens, and a 20-foot wide HD projector screen. The center of the room will be a versatile floor space that can hold an audience, but will also be used for bocce ball, corn hole and cruise ship shuffleboard. The main room will include billiards, skee ball, table shuffleboard, and darts. A stage with professional sound, lighting, and video equipment will feature live music, comedy, and interactive game shows.

Penn Social has partnered with United Social Sports, as well as District Karaoke, and will continue to coordinate events with other local organizations. United Social Sports will run in-house leagues Sunday through Thursday. District Karaoke will host competitive karaoke Monday nights upstairs, with their regional finals downstairs on the main stage.

Penn Social will be open seven days a week beginning on July 9th, with the Grand Opening Party scheduled for Saturday, July 14th at 8pm. The facility is available for corporate events, political and charity fundraisers, holiday parties, and other private functions.

Owners of The Pug, Solly’s and Sova bringing a New Neighborhood Bar, Grill and Coffee Lounge to Brookland

By Prince Of Petworth


3514 12th Street, NE

Huge news for Brookland residents – the owners of three rock solid spots on U St and H St are combining forces to open a new bar, grill and coffee lounge in Brookland. This could be the biggest thing to hit Brookland since the Pope visited The Basilica. The owners of The Pug, 1234 H St, NE – Tony T; Solly’s, 11th and U St, NW – John Solomon; and Sova – 1359 H St, NE – Frank Hankins are coming to the former Library space at 3514 12th St, NE near the Brookland metro:


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I spoke with Pug owner and Brookland resident Tony T who explains their vision for the space:

We are putting together a family friendly, neighborhood bar and grill. The coffee element that Frank brings is also an integral part of what we are doing.

I live just a few blocks away, so I’m looking to make a place where I can take the kids to dinner as well as a place the softball team can come for a few pitchers after a game. the neighborhood bar feel is very important, but with the chef we’re bringing on board, the menu is going to be much broader than hot dogs and 13th street meats off of the Pug’s grill. Although both may be included to keep the kids happy.

The long and short of it is, we want a place to eat and drink that caters to the families and folks who have been in Brookland for years, as well as a place for the newer folks.

Coffee in the morning and beer at night – sweet!

They are still finalizing their liquor license transfer and some other logistics so realistically standby for an Autumn opening. More details on the menu (and the name of the place!) as they get closer to opening.

What the…?

By Prince Of Petworth

@TimmyShea sends the photo and asks:

“Do you know anything about this new development at Lauriol Plaza?”

I wonder if that means no half pitchers? Anyone know if they used to sell half glasses of margaritas?

Lauriol Plaza is located at 1835 18th Street, NW.

Sounds Like Riot Act Comedy Theater is Closing in Penn Quarter at the end of the Month

By Prince Of Petworth


801 E St, NW

A reader sends an intriguing email:

I got the information below from a United Social Sports email today that they are having a party in a new club (and indicates used to be Riot Act). I looked at RA’s site and doesn’t indicate they are closing but they don’t seem to have any acts scheduled for July or August on their calendar. If true, too bad for RA. I hosted a private party in their showroom shortly after they opened, it’s a wonderful space.

“Exclusive Preview Party!

Join USS as we invite you to an exclusive private preview of Penn Quarters Newest Bar!

Its so new we can’t even give you the name so you KNOW this is going to be a blast!

There will be Free Miller Lite & $2 Rails and an awesome DJ from 9-11pm then the party continues with ridiculous drink specials and games the rest of the night.

Where: Penn Quarters Newest Bar (Formerly Riot Act)
When: Saturday, July 9th @ 7pm”

Another reader writes:

“Thought you may like to know; Riot Act Comedy Theater is planning to close at the end of the month. Employees are trying to keep it hush but word gets out. A check of their calendar shows no planned events after the 29th.”

Indeed Riot Act’s Web site has no new shows listed after June. Other readers have also written in asking about a new “huge” bar in Penn Quarter.

Riot Act opened up back in Aug. 2011 at 801 E Street, NW. More info as it becomes available.

Update from commenter Downtown Dave:

“For what it’s worth, the place isn’t closing — it is being recreated/renamed. The stage will remain downstairs and they will continue to host live events — music, comedy, etc. Further, the upstairs space will be reinvigorated as a Tryst-like coffee house/bar open day and night– a huge upgrade from its current underutilized state.”

Looks Like Buddha Bar Closed

By Prince Of Petworth


457 Massachusetts Ave, NW

Washington Business Journal reported yesterday:

“The high-profile Pan-Asian restaurant Buddha Bar appears to have abruptly closed.

The restaurant was not answering phones during business hours last night or this afternoon.”

I stopped by yesterday afternoon and a guard in the building said they were closed too. Buddha bar opened at 457 Massachusetts Ave, NW back in May 2010. We judged them here. If they are indeed closed it’ll be interesting to see who takes over the gigantic space.

All Souls Neighborhood Bar Granted a Liquor License in Shaw!

By Prince Of Petworth


725 T St, NW

Great news from the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration about All Souls Neighborhood Bar:

“All Souls, LLC, t/a All Souls, (Applicant) filed an Application for a new Retailer’s Class CT License (Application) at premises 725 T Street, NW Washington DC. We find the Application appropriate for the neighborhood, and grant the Applicant a Retailer’s Class CT License.”

All Souls – Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Order – 6-20-2012

New Columbia Heights Bar – Kangaroo Boxing Club (KBC) Releases Menu

By Prince Of Petworth

Last week we took a sneak peek of Kangaroo Boxing Club which opened in the former Acuario space at 3412 11th St, NW in Columbia Heights. Now have a look at the menu:

Appetizers

Hummus and Fluffy Pita- housemade, spicy and delicious, ’nuff said *v 6
Bacon Date Crostini- bacon, date, almond, goat cheese, walnut raisin ficelle 7
Black Bean Dip- with sliced radishes, pita, Greek yogurt and feta, ‘lil heat *v 6
Meat Board- 3 options per plate, blueberry habanero salsa, pickled collard stems -Pulled Pork -Smokey Joe -Pastrami (+$1) -Merguez Sausage 8

Soup- served with toasted bread
Carrot Soup- creamy carrot soup with parmigiano reggiano *v 4
Spicy Brisket Chili- Smoked brisket lovingly enveloped in spicy peppers 4

‘Cue and Sandwiches- served with vinegar coleslaw and a side

Make it a platter for 2 bucks (no bun, more meat, two sides)

Pulled Pork- slow-smoked over hickory and applewood for 16 hours, PORC’s #1 (also available as a 3 Little Pigs with ham and bacon on top ) 9

Smokey Joe- our take on the sloppy joe with smoked Angus beef and our delicious sloppy joe sauce 9

Pastrami- traditional hand-cut brisket served on marble rye with a caraway Guiness mustard 11

Flat Top Burger- Angus chuck, served pink or brown 8

-Toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, bacon ($1), provolone ($.50), cheddar ($.50), blue cheese ($.50)
-Big Bad Wolf: topped with Pulled Pork, Ham and Bacon (plus $4.00)
-Chicken Little: The Big Bad Wolf topped with a heart-healthy fried egg (plus $4.50)

HRC Sammie- spicy hummus, cherry mustard, spring salad, sliced radishes, cucumbers and tomatoes on a kaiser. Invented in the early days of PORC experimentation and we can’t get enough of it. 8

Club Options

Veg ‘n’ Egg- A tasty medley including carrots, beets, mushrooms, roasted garlic, sliced almonds, spinach and quinoa then topped with a fried, local duck egg, balsamic reduction and vegan bbq sauce 9

Farm Salad- a seasonal salad of balsamic-macerated strawberries, arugula, candied ginger, toasted pecans, feta and a tarragon dressing 8

Crab Cakes- two crab cakes stacked on johnny cakes and collard greens with a sriracha mayo 16

Sides

Side Salad- spring mix, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, balsamic dressing 4
Tots- great for mopping up extra sauce 3
Collard Greens- spicy with lots of good ol’ apple cider vinegar 3
Gorgonzola Mac n Cheese- gorgonzola, rosemary, optional bacon 4
BBQ Beans- smoked beans with pulled pork 3
Johnny Cakes- cornmeal pancakes with maple butter 4

Dessert

-Margarita Pie 5 -Variety Plate: 5 for $7, 10 for $12, 15 for $15 -Strawberry Marscapone Tart 6

Sound good?

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