I thought this was a pretty humorous last message (I assume) left by the owners of Adams Mill Bar & Grill which closed last week at 1813 Adams Mill Rd NW, to (I assume) the owner of the building. In the picture above you can see small red sign on the last window on the right hand side. Here’s a close up:
Photo by PoPville flickr user JosephLeonardo
Kristi Green grew up in Frederick, Maryland and loves above all else art, writing, and wine (and her dog, Ginger). She works at a Wine bar on U St and is the author of the blog DC Wineaux.
WASHINGTON DC–THE MOST WINEAUX-FRIENDLY CITY? I THINK SO.
Much to the delight of DC’s wine drinking crowd, every week it seems there is a new wine shop or wine bar popping up around our neighborhoods. The good news is that there’s lots to choose from, the bad news is that it can be a bit difficult to navigate.
In hopes of saving some wine drinkers a bit of Yelp and Open Table scouring, I’ve scouted out some of our city’s extra-fabulous weekly wine experiences.
MONDAY: The Heights (Columbia Heights/3115 14th St NW)
This neighborhood gem hosts a happy hour from four to seven in the evening (and again from eleven to midnight!) with specials for winos and foodies alike! For a truly delicious pairing try the steamed mussels in homemade creamy garlic sauce with NO Wines/North Coast, California/Sauvignon Blanc.
TUESDAY: Veritas Wine Bar (Dupont Circle/2031 Florida Ave NW)
Happy hour begins at five and ends at eight in this traditionally styled wine bar–all wines by the glass are discounted twenty percent. To experience a bit of Spain in DC try lomo (Spanish cured pork) with ibores cheese (made from goat’s milk in Spain, rubbed in olive oil and paprika) with a glass of Bodegas Los 800/Priorat, Spain/Garnacha/Carignena/Cab Sauv/Syrah–Want to sound like a pro? Ask for a glass of, “The Priorato.”
WEDNESDAY: Cork Wine Bar (Logan Circle/1720 14th St NW)
Each week, Tuesday and Wednesday night, Cork wine bar host’s “off the list.” During this weekly event, they pour wines from their private cellar that are not typically on their wine list at special by-the-glass prices. Take this opportunity to taste some high quality unique wines.
THURSDAY: Dino (Cleveland Park/3435 Connecticut Avenue NW)
Here, each thursday, thirty-nine dollars gets each patron a three course tasting menu–the gem of this deal? An expertly coordinated dessert wine pairing with your last course! I recommend the Vin Santo 99, a wildly delicious Tuscan dessert wine.
Continues after the jump. (more…)
Bier Baron is located in the old Brickskeller’s space at 1523 22nd St NW. Many folks weren’t too sad when we heard Brickskeller had sold in Dec. ’10. Anyone check out the new space yet? Is it an improvement?
Even though we confirmed it yesterday, it is still really bizarre to see Toledo Lounge closed at 2435 18th St. NW in Adams Morgan.
Moment of silence.
Yesterday we learned that CommonWealth in Columbia Heights (1400 Irving St, NW) would be closing at the end of the month. At the time I said the space would be closed for 60 days for some renovations. And commenter Michael (from Pete’s next door) wrote:
“The gastropub is going to close for 60 days, and the operator of the Lou’s is going to take over the pub, put down hardwood floors, remove the “private dining room” that bisected the old CommonWealth, expand the bar, mainstream the menu (still pub food though).
As for Jamie Leeds, she’s done well at CommonWealth but is taking the resources from the sale of the business and investing into the building next door to Hank’s.”
On Wed. afternoon I spoke with Terry Cullen who in addition to running the nearby new sports bar Lou’s City Bar, will also be running the new venture that goes into the CommonWealth space. If all goes according to plan the space will reopen with a new name in early May. Cullen did confirm that Jaime Leeds will be concentrating on the Hank’s expansion in Dupont but will also consult a bit with Terry on the new space. As Michael noted yesterday the changes will not be drastic. Cullen said the pub will be a bit more Irish than English and will have an expanded bar area.
So in the end the space will be a warmer more open environment but won’t be terribly different from the CommonWealth gastropub feel.
Wed. afternoon I had the opportunity to chat with Lou’s general manager, Terry Cullen, to talk about Columbia Height’s long anticipated sports bar. Lou’s City Bar will be located across from the Best Buy sign on the south side of the 1400 block of Irving St, NW. So let me start with some facts – the space is 4,000 square feet and looks even bigger than that because of the very cool architectural details done by GTM architects (photos after the jump, you can easily see wires where all the tvs will go.) What strikes you right away when you walk in is the high curved ceiling. Occupancy load will be 150 inside and in the warmer months there will be a patio section out front.
The beer mix will consist of seasonal local breweries and a few standards like Guinness. There will also be 24 beers available in bottles. Make no mistake this’ll be a sports bar with a bit of Irish flavor.
Though the menu can best be described as Americana – Angus burgers, steaks, prime rib, wings, specialty sandwiches including an unbelievably sounding BLT. Prices will range from less than $8 for appetizers, $9-$11 for sandwiches, $8 and up for burgers and $14-$18 for entrees. There will also be a three course option of salad, entree, and dessert for $25.
If all goes according to plan the soft opening will take place in early March. Stay tuned for more updates as opening date approaches. And stay tuned for an update on what will become of the CommonWealth space later Thurs. morning.
Update: Lou’s Web site is now live as well. It says:
“Welcome to DC’s newest neighborhood sports bar, opening THIS March at 1400 Irving Street NW, a half block west of 14th Street and the Columbia Heights Metro. Lou’s City Bar features a 45-foot bar with 24 taps, 14 high def TV’s and a heated outdoor patio (coming soon) on Irving Street.”
A few more photos of the inside after the jump. (more…)
Photo by PoPville flickr user AWard Tour
It’s been a crazy week for Adams Morgan. First we learn that Adams Morgan Bar and Grill closed and now this. I’m hearing that it appears Toledo Lounge located at 2435 18th St. NW will change ownership at the end of the month. According to their Web site:
The Toledo Lounge is an Adams Morgan institution. Mary and Stephanie Abbajay, sisters and refugees from the Washington political scene of the early 1990s, opened the Lounge in July 1994. It was a hit from day one and has been going strong ever since.
Now remember it appears I was wrong about a Panera moving into the Adams Mill Bar and Grill space (though we did learn that Panera would be coming to DC USA in Columbia Heights) so take the following with a grain of salt: I hear that the owner of nearby Ventnor Sports Cafe and a partner, possibly from the also nearby Black Squirrel have purchased the bar. Ed. Note: The new basement bar of Black Squirrel is looking really good and seems to be nearly completed.
Emails go un-returned to the two establishments. I was able to briefly reach the owner, Scott, of Ventnor Cafe by telephone but he would not confirm nor deny the news before ending the call and unfortunately did not call back. So not exactly sure what that means…
UPDATE 11:29am, Sale is confirmed:
“It’s true. We are selling the Lounge. In fact, today is the day we go to settlement — as I write this, in fact. Thanks to everyone for their kind comments and fantastic support over the years. My sister Mary and I opened the Toledo Lounge 17 years ago — in July of 1994. It’s been a fantastic run, but it’s time to turn the old girl over to some new blood. Jon (my partner and the Lounge’s GM for the past 8 years) and I are confident that the new owners — Tom, Scott and Amy — will keep the Lounge spirit alive, and we wish them well. Long live the Lounge!”
Again, this is only scuttlebutt and I haven’t heard any concrete plans so I’ll be sure to update when/if more info becomes available.
Adams Mill Bar and Grill was located at 1813 Adams Mill Rd NW (just north of 18th and Columbia Rd, NW). Thanks to all who sent emails about this. It is my understanding that when negotiating a new lease the rent was simply too high.
Love ’em or hate ’em they def. had one of the best patios in Adams Morgan. At the very least, in that regard it will be a big loss. Anyone happen to have a farewell drink there this weekend?
A while ago there was some speculation that the BB&T bank next door would be expanding. I don’t know if this is better or worse but it is my understanding that a Panera will be moving in. I’ll update when/if that development takes place. Do you think a Panera will be a good replacement for this space?
UPDATE 4:37 PM: TBD now reporting that Panera is coming to DC USA in Columbia Heights but not to Adams Morgan. Wild.
Stay tuned for more info on who moves into Adams Mill space when it becomes available.
“If you thought you could take your date out on Valentine’s Day without a hangover looming over your dining experience, think again. Looking Glass Lounge (3634 Georgia Ave, NW) is proud to afford you the opportunity to smell like the whiskey and beer you drank the night before at our 2nd annual Masquerade Ball. That’s right folks. February 13th is the day of our Black Heart Masquerade Ball. Masks will be provided for a small fee but if you have one of your own, bring it on! There will be drink specials, dancing and tons of fun. Musical guests to be announced.”
Ed. Note: LGL is a PoP advertiser.
National Inventors Day
From a press release:
“On Friday, February 11 inventors from around the country are coming to the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. for National Inventors Day, where they will be pitching their products in an American Idol style to TeleBrands Founder and CEO AJ Khubani and a panel of judges.
A cross between “American Idol” and “The Apprentice”– each inventor has 5 minutes to pitch TeleBrands CEO AJ Khubani and a panel of judges. Products will range from kooky (“what were they thinking?!”) to practical (“why didn’t I think of that!!”) and the pitches will be attention-grabbing. With names like Need a Buddy, The Unique Seat, and The Hand Band, we’re sure to have some fun.
WHEN: Friday, February 11, 2011
9:00am
WHERE: The National Press Club
529 14th St. NW, 13th Floor”
Bullfeathers has reopened at 410 1st St SE. But they’re not taking your old coupons:
According to We Love DC:
“Bullfeathers “closed” in July of last year in order to undergo a complete renovation. The Capitol Hill mainstay is now owned and operated by the team behind the popular Tunnicliff’s Tavern, Ulah Bistro & Stoney’s.”
Bullfeathers’ Web site says:
Located in Capitol Hill is a bar and grill guaranteed to offer you a good time. Bullfeathers is rooted back to our nation’s 26th president Teddy Roosevelt, who didn’t find it appropriate to use profane language in public so he coined the phrase “Bullfeathers!”
This neighborhood bar caters to the young crowd of people working on Capitol Hill. Interns as well as other employees flock to Bullfeathers to grab a drink in this spot. Bullfeathers offers DC politicians a lengthy bar and gathering space to throw a few back. Like our mentor, T.R, we find that good food and drink with friends makes the everyday “Bullfeathers” more tolerable. It is our stated goal to take some of the edge off, take some of the “Bullfeathers” out of life and put a little more fun back in!
Still some mixed reviews on Yelp. Anyone check them out yet? If so, would you say it’s better, worse or the same?