It was back in March when I first reported the scuttlebutt about a merger between Palace of Wonders and Red and the Black at 1210 – 1212 H St, NE. Just got an email that they’ll be launching this weekend:

“We are happy to announce, FINALLY, the opening of the Red Palace at 1210-1212 H ST NE. A combination of Palace of Wonders & the Red and the Black, the new venue will feature both sideshow, burlesque, in addition both local and national music artists. The larger, yet still very intimate space, will launch this weekend!

The first official event will be Saturday November 6 with the Dangerously Delicious Pies 8th Annual Pie and Rock-n-Roll Extravaganza with The Deadmen, Glenmont Popes, HR of Bad Brains, and Lazlo Lee and the Motherless Children. Doors @ 8pm Show @ 9pm – 18+ welcome”

If anyone checks them out be sure to shoot me an email with your impressions. I’m curious to see how the space looks.



Photo by PoPville flickr user slightlyworn

I know we’ve got a lot of beer loving readers, so start salivating…

From a press release:

What: Birch & Barley hosts a very special collaborative beer dinner with Matthias Trum, owner of the world-famous Brewery Tavern Schlenkerla of Bamberg, Germany, home of the original Rauchbier (Smoke Beer). Executive Chef Kyle Bailey joins forces with Wolfgang Theil, Executive Chef at Brewery Tavern Schlenkerla, to create a menu showcasing the flavors of Franconia.

The four-course menu was specially created to complement Trum’s exceptional beers. Trum will lead guests through each course and share stories of his beers and his family’s lauded brewery.

The dinner is priced at $55 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity. For reservations to this dinner, please call Birch & Barley at 202-567-2576.

When: Wednesday, November 17, 2010 at 7 PM

Where: Birch & Barley is located at 1337 14th St, NW, Washington, DC

Menu and more info after the jump. (more…)


I think Star & Shamrock has been open long enough for a proper judging. They are located at 1341 H Street, NE. And perhaps it is because I’m Jewish with a great, uh, er, affinity for elements of the Irish culture…but I freaking love this place. You can see their menu here. Thumbs up or down? For the fans – what’s your favorite food there?


Is it just me, or is this freaking awesome? An Ethiopian restaurant hosting a Hootenanny? Too good.

From a press release:

The Human County Jukebox, Washington D.C.’s premiere country and western band, will be performing at Axum Ethiopian Restaurant’s Level X-Lounge, 1934 9th Street, NW, on Saturday, November 6th. Doors open at 7PM, with drink specials running all night, including $4 beers and half-priced appetizers.

The Human Country Jukebox is a D.C. based, “classic” country band, playing hits by artists such as Hank Williams, Bob Wills, Merle Haggard, and Johnny Cash. Front man Jack “Big Texas” Gregori runs the Wednesday open mic night at Madams Organ, where he met the other members of the band. Local musician Clayton Halsey will open Saturday night’s show. Saturday is a unique opportunity to enjoy the perfect combination of great country music and delicious Ethiopian food.

Axum Ethiopian Restaurant’s Level X-Lounge is located at 1934 9th Street, NW, near the U Street Metro station. The newly renovated Level X-Lounge features lounge and bar seating, as well as an Ethiopian fusion menu with American favorites such as chicken wings, burgers, and salad. There is a $5 cover charge to attend the Saturday’s event.


“Dear PoP,

yesterday while walking home I had a nice chat with the guy doing the build out on a new bar/lounge going in next to Looking Glass. It will be called the Blue Banana. They were building two seating areas in the front and rear with banquettes and tables. The middle section will have the bar on the right side and tables on the left. They made a slight grade to the floor at the entrance rather than putting in a step to maintain wheelchair accessibility.

It’s too early to see what the finishes will look like, but he said it will be very modern/contemporary. They wanted to be open by now but permits, etc…. They hope to open the week before Thanksgiving. If everyone there is as nice and straightforward as the guy I talked to was, this is going to be a great place.”

Blue Banana is a sports bar coming to 3632 Georgia Ave, NW. We last spoke about the project here and you can find more background info here.

I noticed that the construction was progressing nicely. Stay tuned for updates as they come closer to opening.


Here is the early look from the Post’s Tom Siestma:

“Neighbors tell me they’re thrilled to finally have somewhere to sip and sup. I’d be more excited if the food had more finesse. Mushrooms that smacked of the canned variety lessened the appeal of a thin-crusted pizza billed as Ward Five, and a grilled cheese sandwich, while generous with Gruyere, could have used more seasoning. (Pickled carrot sticks add a colorful touch to the plate, however.) Braised lamb with pita tastes one-note; like the sandwich, it needs a flavor injection.”

Though he was a big fan of the baby octopus and happy hour prices.

Personally, I had a pizza that was delicious. And for those who are a bit more enthusiastic, I’m happy to report that Rustik located at 84 T St. NW (by Rhode Island and 1 St, NW) will soon be offering brunch in the next couple of weeks.


19th is located at 1900 I St NW. I can’t believe I’ve never heard of this place because it was pretty packed when I walked past it on Saturday. Is this a good sports bar? How’s the food? You can see their menu here. Though, I gotta be honest – I can’t believe how douchey their intro to Happier Hour sounds:

“Because 19th is smack in the middle of the financial district and on any given day you’ll find the big swinging d**cks of DC’s firms celebrating or soaking at the bar we bring you…Happier Hour”

Seriously? Well even so, I’m curious – what’s the story here?


“Dear PoP,

Their web site just has info about donating to the legal defense fund for the staff involved in the beating.”

There was a meeting today saying that their liquor license will continue to be suspended for at least another 30 days. TBD writes:

“The co-owner of the DC9 nightclub has resigned from his role operating the bar and music venue, and four other employees have been let go, members of the District of Columbia’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Board learned Monday.”

The sticker on the front door at 1940 9th St, NW still says the license has been suspended indefinitely.

Everyone is still waiting to see what the medical examiner’s report concludes. But since all the parties involved have resigned or been let go – when do you think the club will be allowed to re-open?


I just noticed the new awning 1113 V Street, NW. This is the space that used to be Gori Cafe and had a phenomenal happy hour. I spoke to a neighbor who said that there will be new owners at the V Street Cafe and that the inside is getting renovated. I’ll be sure to post when they re-open which is expected in 2-3 weeks.


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