Bars

Judging Saloons – Jack Rose

By Prince Of Petworth

We’ve judged the building but now it’s time to judge the bar. Jack Rose is located at 2007 18th St, NW. Their Web site says:

“Jack Rose Dining Saloon, a true DC establishment crafted from the minds of DC natives & longtime friends Bill Thomas, Stephen King, & Michael Hartzer. At Jack Rose Dining Saloon one can experience over 1400 bottles of hand-selected scotches, bourbons & spirits, uniquely hand-crafted cocktails, wines from around the world, and over 20 beers on draft. On the first floor you will find our main saloon bar that seats up to 35 and a full-service dining room. Hosting your own event? Our second floor has an elegant private dining lounge with it’s own balcony and fireplace. If you’re in the mood for something more casual, hang out on the open-air terrace and enjoy snacks from the BBQ Pit or grab a drink on the Back Porch Bar…feeling like hiding out?… head down to the Prohibition Bar “no secret knock” required. At Jack Rose Dining Saloon, one can sense the ties and tributes between the region, and the long history of the spirits that line the shelves.”

The road construction on 18th Street is a bit of an obstruction but has anyone stopped by yet?

Judging Bars – Off the Record

By Prince Of Petworth

Off the Record is located in the Hay Adams Hotel at the corner of 16th and H St, NW. Their Web site says:

“Selected by Forbes.com as one of the “World’s Best Hotel Bars,” Off the Record is well known as Washington’s best place to be seen and not heard. Your host, John Boswell, 4-time winner of the Washingtonian’s “Best Bartender Award,” takes pleasure in mixing his classic specialties for your enjoyment. Favored by locals for its relaxing environment, creative menu and exceptional wine selection, Off the Record is a popular choice for dining and entertainment.”

Any fans?

Shaw’s Tavern Opening Tonight (Without Alcohol)

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to all who’ve written in about the opening Shaw’s Tavern at 520 Florida Avenue NW. Last we heard they would be opening at some point. At the risk of being lectured that I don’t know what the F*** I’m talking about – allow me to share a brief update: A message on their Facebook page says:

“Shaw’s Tavern is officially opening Friday July 29, 2011 at 4:00 pm. Chef John Cochran will be preparing some amazing meals for any and all who want to stop by. Unfortunately, due to a miscommunication with the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration we will not be allowed to sell alcohol on the premises for a week or so. I invite everyone to stop by.”

Scuttlebutt: Former 4Ps and Current 4 Fields Irish Bar likely to be Taken over by McFadden’s in Cleveland Park

By Prince Of Petworth

A couple of weeks ago a reader posted on the Cleveland Park Listserv:

“I heard a rumor that Ireland’s Four Fields (formerly known as Ireland’s Four Provinces) is closing. Folks said that the owner cannot pay the increased rent and they will be closing some time in August. This would not be like a one-week closing (see: Brickskellar), but permanently ending their time in Cleveland Park. Can anyone confirm this?”

Formerly Ireland’s Four Provinces (4Ps), currently Ireland’s Four Fields is located at 3412 Connecticut Ave, NW. Ever since the Cleveland Park listserv message went out I’ve been getting emails asking if I knew what was going on. After digging around I’d heard lots of names of potential groups interested in taking over the space. But I think I now have the answer. A source with pretty good knowledge tells me the Four Fields Irish Bar in Cleveland Park will be taken over by – McFadden’s.

McFadden’s currently has a location at 2401 Pennsylvania Ave., NW. Their Web site says:

“McFadden’s Restaurant and Saloon opened in the Washington DC area on St. Patrick’s Day 2003 and has quickly taken its place among the premier Irish Pubs/ Restaurants and citywide nightspots. McFadden’s is open for lunch & dinner with seating available for over 100 people. We have Happy Hour Specials Monday through Friday with a Live DJ spinning the hottest music Tuesday through Saturday nights.”

I’m told that Four Fields will close sometime in November and McFadden’s will take over after that. It is not clear if the space will close temporarily or what/if any renovations will take place. While this is unconfirmed scuttlebutt – it does seem very likely that the 4Ps/4 Fields is going to close. I’ll be sure to update when/if McFadden’s confirms that they are taking over the space and what their plans will be.

Judging Bars – Recessions

By Prince Of Petworth

Recessions is located downstairs at 1823 L Street, NW. Recessions is one of these places that sometimes falls below people’s radar but those who know it absolutely love it. And I just learned they have karaoke. Anyone ever eat here? You can see the full menu here. Any fans in general?

The 5pm Post – Nanny O’Brien’s Sierra Nevada Tap Takeover Benefit Thurs 7/21

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user [F]oxymoron

From an email:

For one night only, Sierra Nevada will be taking over ALL of Nanny’s taps with special brews like the California Common and Juniper Black Ale. Door Prizes and fundraising games will be going on all night to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training! Hope to see you then!

When: Thursday, July 21 from 5pm-2am
Where: Nanny O’Brien’s Irish Pub
3319 Connecticut Avenue Northwest

Shaw’s Tavern Opening At Some Point

By Prince Of Petworth

I’ve been getting lots of emails from folks asking for updates on Shaw’s Tavern located at 520 Florida Avenue NW. There have been lots of false alarms about opening dates. This is gonna be a situation for me, where I have to see it (or get a photo from a reader) of the opening. There have been some super “soft openings” but I believe they are still waiting on getting their proper permits in order. I’ve heard some people say they will be open tomorrow. I’m willing to say that they will be open soon. If anyone notices a proper opening tomorrow or this weekend – please send a photo and an email to princeofpetworth(at)gmail.

I’m eager to take a taste!

UPDATE: A reader reminds us that the ABRA (alcohol permit) hearing isn’t until July 25.

I’m now told the new target date for opening is Thurs. July 28.

Neighbors Having Serious Problems With Mood Lounge in Shaw

By Prince Of Petworth

A reader shares a letter and some follow up re: Mood Lounge located at 1318 9th St, NW (in the former Be-Bar space):

Councilmember Evans,

Does the MOOD Lounge have permission to operate on Sunday through Thursday nights? Because their website indicates they are only open on Friday and Saturday nights, and these are the only two nights of the week we as neighbors are subjected to torture on a regular basis…. I know this is not standard for them (as they have not operated on these nights in the past), but tonight is a Thursday night (a work-week night, for those of us in the surrounding neighborhood…) and the music is blasting, the patrons are lined up out front (and I took pictures) and they are operating as any other nightclub that is not in a residential neighborhood.

I’m really beginning to lose my patience with this operation and with the complete inaction by local government officials to address this problem…. I know that in other neighborhoods I have lived in that the City Councilmember wouldn’t put up with this.

Councilmember Evans – HOW WILL YOU FIX THIS??? As a citizen in your ward, I rely on you to handle issues like this in this neighborhood that affect the quality of life for your citizens. PLEASE RESOLVE THIS ISSUE – either by closing this nightclub in a residential neighborhood permanently or by forcing them to abide by the Voluntary Agreement that they accepted when they obtained the rights to this club (which, for the record, as a new operator, should have been renegotiated with the local residents).

Furthermore, I want to encourage you, as a sleepless resident, to introduce legislation (which if you don’t have time to write, I am happy to write on your behalf since I cannot sleep and have nothing better to do with my time…) that invalidates any prior ABRA license and VA for any new owner or lessee of a property which previously held one in the District. Furthermore, I am happy to introduce legislation that bars ABRA from granting CT or CN licenses within 300 feet of a residence, as such licenses are incompatible by definition with a neighboring residential community. I am confident I can validate this concern through a petition of residents in your ward.

Time after time, future owners have presented issues in every Ward that were not anticipated (and therefore legislated against or fought in a prior VA) with prior owners of said license. You may be sleeping soundly when this email is sent, but I am not. And that is a problem. As my City Councilmember, I am asking you why I cannot get a resolution to an ongoing problem with noise complaints, drug sales, prostitution, and loitering from a nuisance bar that is 75 feet away from my home. An answer to myself and all CC’d on this email would be appreciated. If the shortcoming is in the law, I would appreciate a civics lesson in how as a citizen I can improve the relevant laws to increase the quality of life in my own neighborhood. If the shortcomings are in the enforcement of the existing laws, I would appreciate an answer about why the Councilmember we voted to keep in this position cannot resolve a simple ABRA issue relating to REPEATED BLATANT VIOLATIONS OF THE LAW.

Why is it every single time I overstay my meter by 60 seconds I get a ticket from the parking authority (and have to pay the fine or get booted) and yet this business repeatedly throws up the middle finger at city hall and gets away with it???? Double Standard???

Responses after the jump. (more…)

The 5pm Post – Capitol Lounge Hosts Comedy Fundraiser for Tune-Inn Staff Tonight

By Prince Of Petworth

From a press release:

The Capitol Lounge and Hobbes’ House of Soap are partnering to host a comedy benefit for staff of the Tune Inn on Wednesday, July 20. A local institution, the Tune Inn was forced to shutter its doors indefinitely after a fire ripped through the business’ kitchen on June 22, 2011. Three of the area’s best comics have agreed to perform with a portion of proceeds being donated directly to the staff of the Tune Inn.

Jason Weems – http://jasonweemscomedy.com – has been seen at the most prestigious comedy festival in the world – The Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal – and recently added a featured semi-finalist credit to his name on the hit NBC Series Last Comic Standing. In December 2010, he filmed his first hour comedy special entitled Jason Weems, Vol. 1: Intellectual Property in his hometown that has since been released independently.

Check Jason out here: http://www.youtube.com/jasonweemscomedy

Food and drink specials will be available. In addition to proceeds, direct donations will be accepted on behalf of the Tune-Inn employees.

Comedy Night Benefit for the Tune Inn staff
Wednesday, July 20th at 8:00 pm
Capitol Lounge, 231 Pennsylvania Ave, SE (metros: Eastern Market/Capitol South)

Dear PoPville – Reality Check: How Hard is it to Open up a Bar?

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Lauren PM

“Dear PoPville,

If the readers were to open up a bar, restaurant or food-related establishment (e.g. like a Cork Market) in DC, what neighborhood would you do it in? What kind of startup capital goes into something like that?

And thinking of that, if bars and restaurants are such bad business investments how come so many keep opening up? Are they all losing money? Why is it that all the seemingly sane advice that I ever heard growing up was that opening a restaurant was like throwing money down the toilet – that the likelihood of success is so small that it is not worth it. Has that all been a lie?

Obviously I ask these questions because I’m one of “those” people who hates their job, has always dreamed of doing something with food and thinks that, if the right mix of things comes together, that I could make it work. Reading the Duplex Diner post and linked-to Blade piece made me think that it isn’t such a pipe dream to do these things but I would love a reality check from the PoPville readership.”

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