J Street Beer Review shares the news:

“The Brickskeller is closing.

Here at J Street Beer, we have on good authority that the final day for the DC craft beer pioneer will be December 18th, 2010.”

We judged the Brickskeller located at 1523 22nd St NW back in Sept. There have been rumors of a sale for months so most wont be too surprised by the news. But if you go drinking tonight, you might want to pour a little out for the Brickskeller that was at one time a powerhouse in DC’s beer scene.


“Dear PoP,

On X-Mass Eve, some Jews in DC with nothing better to do attend a profit driven party called the Matzoball. This year, a few enterprising individuals decided to organize an alternative party at Local 16 on U St called “Falafal Frenzy”. Apparently, all the proceeds are going towards a charity to feed the homeless.”

Their Facebook page says:

“JOIN US at the Falafel Frenzy this Christmas Eve!

This year, join our GRASSROOTS effort to put your falafel balls to good use to fight poverty in DC! Celebrate with your friends and meet new people while contributing to a good cause. 100% of the net proceeds will be going to support local food programs (Jewish and Non-Jewish) through a designated gift to the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington.

When: Christmas Eve, 9pm – …close

Cost: $20 in advance, $25 at the door (Jewish Federation of Greater Washington is matching $ for $ and Local 16 has donated the lounge and DJ)”



Photo by PoPville flickr user philliefan99

DC Whiskey Week – Sweet! Details from Room 11 (3234 11th St NW @Lamont):

“We’re helping to kick off DC’s first Whiskey Week with a Happy Hour Monday from 5 to 7 pm featuring special guest David Perkins, proprietor and distiller of Park City Utah’s High West Distillery. He’ll be offering samples of a very limited High West barrel aged Manhattan cocktail and we’ll have drink specials and flights of High West’s award winning ryes.”


I’ve been monitoring this space since Mar de Plata closed here at 1827 Jefferson Place, NW back in August. Looks like they have a healthy appreciation for a proper beer:

Welcome to St. Arnold’s of Jefferson Place! The name St. Arnold refers to the Patron Saint of Brewing, which conjures up visions of great food, world-class beers and an inviting meeting place in the midtown area. During his lifetime, St. Arnold was said to have performed numerous miracles involving the multiplying of beer. He also was a proponent of the consumption of good food and beer, as he felt it was good for the soul and fostered a sense of community. Our inspiration for St. Arnold’s starts here. We strive to offer a menu of Belgian and American classics in a casual setting.

You can see their beer list here.

You can see their menu here.

I peeked my head in and it looks like there is still a few weeks of construction that needs to be completed but I’ll be sure to update when an opening date is selected.

After looking at their beer list and menu – I’m gonna go out on a limb and say this is a big score for Dupont. Any spot dedicated to the ‘Patron Saint of Brewing’ has a very promising future in my eyes…


This is a pretty sweet promotion announced by yelp today. It will be held at Local 16 (1602 U St NW) tonight (Thurs.) from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm:

“Take a break from the chill and join Blue Moon for a preview of their upcoming Spring seasonal. Complimentary pizza and beer from 6:30-8:30pm.”



DC9 pictured in October.

TBD’s Sommer Mathis has the scoop on the Dec. 15th opening date after attending the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board meeting this afternoon. She writes:

“A status hearing was held today on the club’s license, which was suspended indefinitely after five of the club’s employees were arrested for assault in relation to a man’s death outside of the club in October.”

We last spoke about the case on Nov. 1st, we spoke about the vigil here and here and spoke about the original incident here and here on Oct. 15th.

Do you think it makes sense that the club is allowed to reopen before the autopsy report is issued?

DC9 is located at 1940 9th Street NW.


We recently learned that HR 57 would be moving from 14th St in Logan Circle to H St, NE. A liquor license application went up this weekend listing the exact new address – 816 H St, NE. The application says:

“NATURE OF OPERATION
New tavern with Entertainment that includes live music and cover charge. Occupancy load is 130.

HOURS OF OPERATION
Sunday through Tuesday 11 am –12 am, Wednesday and Thursday 11 am – 1 am and Friday & Saturday 11 am – 2:30 am”

I can’t wait to see what it looks like on the inside.


Funxion is located at 1309 F Street, NW. We judged them back in July. Their liquor license application says:

“CURRENT HOURS OF OPERATION
Sunday through Thursday 10 am – 2 am and Friday & Saturday 10 am – 3 am

PROPOSED HOURS OF OPERATION
Sunday through Saturday 24 Hours”

Do you think folks will be craving a bison burger or a ‘heart blend’ (freshly juiced beets, carrots, apples and pears are blended with a touch of avocado, protein powder, lemon and cleansing ginger) at 4am…?

On a side note, even though it’s getting cold, they have the sweetest outdoor tables and seats.


Last Friday I had the opportunity to chat with American Ice Company’s general manager and partner Joe Reza (The Hilton Brothers most recently of Marvin and Gibson fame are also partners). Well, I’ve been known to get excited about some planned bars and/or restaurants. I’ll admit it, this place has made me giddy – it looks freaking awesome! Period. And it’s not even done yet. But before you get lost in all the photos I’m about to post, let me share a few details – firstly and most importantly – they plan opening up Dec. 15th.

Second, there will be all sorts of bbq options but as Joe explained, this is a bar that serves bbq not a restaurant that also serves drinks (there will be no host/hostess etc). There will be six beers on tap and 10 to 12 offered in cans (as well as a proper bar). Some of the beers to be offered include Stella, Bud, Czechvar, Belhaven, 21st amendment, Guinness, PBR, Dale’s, Old Speckled Hen and more.

Honestly, all you have to do is look at the pictures to see how sweet this place is gonna be. Obviously there was some construction still going on but you’ll be able to get a good idea of what it’ll look like. Mark this as a huge win for the U Street neighborhood.

American Ice Company is located at 917 V St, NW.

Tons of photos of the inside after the jump. (more…)


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