After a devastating fire last June, the Argonaut (1433 H Street, NE) has recently completed an extensive renovation. I’m loving the new gigantic ship-like bar on the first floor.
Photo courtesy of argonautdc
You can see their new beer list below:
And you can see the new dinner menu below:
If anyone checks them out be sure to let us know what you think of the new look.
Photo courtesy of argonautdc
2010 9th St, NW has undergone a few openings and closings over the years and is now slated to become Ghion. According to a recent liquor license application the space will become a:
“Cuisines consist of American, Ethiopian and Italian dishes. Music will consist of traditionally soft Ethiopian and Jazz music. No other goods or services will be provided. Seating capacity is 20. Total occupancy load is 20.”
I’ll update again when they open up.
A reader posted this info in the recent discussion we had about Stroga located at 1808 Adams Mill Road, NW.
According to the Mansion presented by Grey Goose, there will be a book signing on Fri. Jan. 14th with a $20 entry ($40 VIP):
On Friday January 14, 2011 we bring in the new year with a set of events that will defy conventional wisdom. In the spirit of bringing you all the ‘new-new’, we’ve collaborated with DT Nation to shake the world up a bit. Turn it on its side, spin it faster and kick it. We’re going a little far, but you get the point.
Party like you mean it. Become Legendary.
* Also join us for Happy Hour with special guest, hip-hop mogul, Russell Simmons, as he signs copies of his new book ‘Super Rich: A Guide to Having It All’.
Photo by PoPville flickr user jacquesofalltrades
Last night I got an email from a reader with a link to the Black Squirrel’s Web site which had a post about Stephen Colbert, Chandra Levy, Crime, and Immigration. Whether or not you agree with the sentiment of the post it certainly did seem to be an odd topic for a restaurant/bar to discuss on their Web site.
Other posts discussed their thoughts on DC Public schools and more recently posts about sports figures.
I haven’t read through all the posts but the original email writer was quite offended by the message in the (illegal) immigration/crime post.
So I’m curious what you guys think – is it wise for a restaurant/bar to discuss political matters and/or non restaurant related news on their Web site?
I can think of Busboys & Poets that also occasionally discusses non restaurant related news on their blog (and frequently host events). Are there other restaurants/bars that you can think of which talk about non restaurant/bar news on their Web sites?
Before I left on vacation I noted some movement at the former Momo’s sports bar located at 1334 U St, NW. Turns out both Momo’s sports bar and the former Cafe Nema space, located below Momo’s, will be getting new tenants.
From recent liquor license applications:
Coming to replace Cafe Nema is arguably the greatest new name for a restaurant, well, ever?
The Codmother will become a:
“New Tavern and Lounge serving fish, chips and seafood cuisine. No entertainment. Seating capacity is 50. Total occupancy load is 50.”
Touchdown will replace Momo’s and become a:
“New sports bar and lounge with DJ playing recorded music. No dancing and no nude performances. Seating capacity is 67. Total occupancy load is 67.”
Momo’s sports bar, sadly, closed at 1334 U St, NW back in Oct. ’10. I was happy to see a permit recently get posted on their front window. I’m very eager to see who takes over this space. Anyone hear any rumors?
Patrick Owens creator of Bourbon’s great chalk art returns with this piece for American Ice Co. (he’s also a manager there).
So while we’re on the subject – what’s the early word on American Ice Company that opened a few weeks ago at 917 V St, NW?
At long last Smith Commons will be opening up:
“On New Year’s Eve, Smith Commons will welcome guests for dinner on the first floor Dining Room. The Public House on levels two and three has no cover charge and will be open from 9:00 pm to 2:00 am with complimentary hors d’oeuvres from 9:00 to midnight.”
They are located at 1245 H St. NE and you can see their menu here.
Brickskeller recently closed on Dec. 18th at 1523 22nd St NW. When I stopped by on Sunday the awning was taken down and signs were up announcing the new name and opening date. WTOP got a bit of background:
“We found that the name Bier Baron rolled off the tongue and was easy to remember,” Merrifield says.
When the bar opens, there will be 350 different kinds of beers left over from the Brickskeller. Those beers will be part of a special “Brickskeller blowout” menu.
Five hundred other new beers have already been ordered as well.
And they say the new awning should be up by Friday. Looking forward to see/hear if the new incarnation will win back some old fans.
“Dear PoP,
I thought I’d share my feelings on our new sports bar. So far – not good! :( We live up the street from the bar and went to have lunch and watch football on Sunday. I’ll give it another chance in a couple of months but for now I give it a 5 out of 10.
1.) First of all they did not have Direct TV as advertised. Apparently they don’t have the ticket yet. So the only games they were showing is what was on regular TV. I would have been pissed if I traveled far to see a certain game and it wasn’t on.
2.) The bar stools were super uncomfortable. I left at half time because my butt hurt. They also have no place to hang your jacket. (I like the hooks they put on the bar so you can keep your purse right next to you.) They should add those.
3.) The bathrooms were atrocious. Nasty. I’m pretty sure I was the first customer to use the bathroom that day since we showed up right when they opened and we were the only people there. The bathroom only has one weird light fixture on the side wall. They have no lights on the ceiling at all – just a skinny fluorescent light on the wall. I think they were trying to be trendy but it is a poor source of lighting.
4.) No food. I forget if this is always going to be the case. The bartender told us we could get something delivered or go to Manny & Olga’s next door.
The bartender told us there was at least 100 people there on Wednesday night. I find this a little hard to believe but good for them if they did. Hopefully the patrons had a better experience then I did. I don’t mean to sound like a Negative Nancy but I was so excited for a super awesome afternoon and I was very disappointed.
I will reiterate that I loved the beer selection but if I want to go to a bar I’d be much happier at LGL or the Pint.”
I’ve been getting a lot emails/chats about folk’s first impressions of Blue Banana located at 3632 Georgia Ave, NW. Unfortunately all the early reviews have been similar to the one posted above. Personally, I think it’s a bit too early to tell but hopefully they make some adjustments after reading some constructive criticism. Any other first impressions?
