Bars

West End Cinema Coming to 2301 M St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

I tweeted about this on Friday (you can follow me on twitter @PoPville here) because I was so psyched but it deserves proper Monday morning discussion. The description from the alcohol application says:

“NATURE OF OPERATION
Movie Theater with concession stands serving food & beverage service.

HOURS OF OPERATION AND SALE/SERVICE & CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES FOR INSIDE PREMISE
Sunday through Thursday 10 am – 12 am and Friday & Saturday 10 am – 2 am”

So movies and food and beer. Sounds awesome! I wonder if it’ll be like the Arlington Cinema and Draft House? Though after the alcohol license came out the owner sought to reassure his neighbors:

Note that even though the address is 2301 M St, NW the location is actually on the 23rd St, NW side on the lower level. We’ve spent a lot of time pining for a new movie theater, it’s nice to finally share news of a new one. And it’ll serve alcohol!

Friday Question of the Day – Where Do You Watch Your Football?

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Mylar Bono

“Dear PoP,

With the NFL season upon us, I would love to see poll or ratings of bars in the area that have both the NFL package AND enough TVs to show ALL the games on Sundays.”

Back in Oct. ’09 we looked at bars that cater to specific teams. But for today’s question I’m curious where you recommend that doesn’t just cater to one team but like the reader asked – shows all the games?

Since it’s the end of summer, I also think some predictions would be fun. So how do you think the Redskins will do with a new quarterback and who do you think will win the Superbowl this year?

Dear PoP – “I wonder why there are no ping pong tables in DC”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo from American Jewish Historical Society

“Dear PoP,

Why is there such a dearth of table tennis/ping pong (is there a difference between those two terms?) options in DC?
I only know of Comet Ping Pong…do you happen to know of any other ping pong tables in the district?”

A question dear to my heart. I can only think it’s a pain to chase the balls around and takes up too much space for most bars. According to wikipedia table tennis and ping pong are synonymous. And an Olympic sport…

Many were hopeful that Ping Pong Dim Sum in Chinatown would offer an alternative but aside from good food, no sports are offered.

Back in January we learned that the Rock and Roll Hotel on H St, NE offered ping pong Monday nights. Anyone know if that is still going on? Where do you guys play ping pong?

Dear PoP – What’s Going on with 9th Street Retail?

By Prince Of Petworth


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“Dear PoP,

I’m trying to find out if anyone knows what’s been done with the building that was formerly The Space at 903 N Street. It closed a while back and now that EFN Lounge is also closing on 9th Street I’m sad to see these local businesses go. I was hoping perhaps these spaces might be available for lease or sale. Anyone know anything?”

Anyone know of any plans for these spaces? I couldn’t help but note that the old Vegetate space at 1414 9th St, NW also sits vacant. Do you think this section is regressing? Ed. Note: By regressing I mean a return to vacant storefronts. No more no less.

Update on Building at 3rd and P St, NW Plus Ozio Getting a Roof Deck

By Prince Of Petworth

Back in Dec. ’09 we heard that the renovated building at the corner of 3rd and P St, NW in Truxton Circle was going to become a wine store and/or market. The building looks great though it still sits vacant. I did notice a for lease sign has gone up. The owner has always intended to lease the downstairs space out to another business. Anyone heard any rumors of movement either on the wine store or other tenants looking at the downstairs space?


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And Ozio located at 1813 M St, NW is looking to open a roof deck. From an alcohol application permit:

“LICENSEE REQUESTS THE FOLLOWING SUBSTANTIAL CHANGE TO THE NATURE OF OPERATIONS:

New Roof top Summer Garden. Occupancy load is 110.”

Bloomingdale Fire House at 1626 N Capitol St NW on the Market Again!

By Prince Of Petworth

I think the folks of Bloomingdale have been teased more than any other neighborhood in the city. Ugh. Thanks to a reader for sending the word that the old Fire House at 1626 N Capitol St, NW is on the market again (for $1,100,000).

Last we heard back at the end of July the space was slated to become a three level restaurant. This news may have gotten a bit overshadowed by Big Bear’s liquor license travails.

Keep knocking wood for Rustik Tavern to open up soon…

Alliance Tavern Papered Over at 3238 Wisconsin Avenue, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

It seems this is another location that is tough to pick a winner. The former location of Enology Wine Bar became Alliance Tavern back in January. A reader noticed that the storefront had been recently papered over. A neighbor thinks that they’ve closed but I called their phone (and left a message) which is still connected as is their Web site.

Were there any fans of Allicance Tavern? Anyone hear any rumors of what’s going on here? I’ll be sure to update when more info becomes available.

Dear PoP – Highland Cafe & Bus Barn Updates on 14th St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

I live right near Highlands/former Mocha Hut (4706 14th Street, NW), and I’ve been there for brunch a few times (it’s been delightful – good food, nice neighborhood-y feel). I happened to catch the chef/proprietor and got to chat a little bit. He told me that a) their license was approved and they should be moving on that soon, and b) the bus barn is being developed into something that’s not a bus barn – he said he thought mixed use condos like the types that are in the Petworth/CH area. I think there was some question as to whether this was an unsubstantiated rumor? Even excluding the condo issue, that block is pretty cute, and seems prime to me for some more neighborhood restaurant/bar/retail action.”

Back in May we talked about Bus Barn rumors at 4615 14th St, NW. We learned more about this section of 14th St, NW in June.

Dear PoP – Has Bella Cafe Opened?

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

Any word on Bella Cafe on Florida? I see they’re open, wondering about the menu, etc.”

I’m happy to report that Bella Cafe has opened at 900 Florida Ave, NW (by the 9:30 Club) in the old Asmara Cafe space. I stopped by and the place is looking great though there are not tons of bells and whistles.

I took some photos of the menu after the jump. Anyone check them out yet? (more…)

Dear PoP – Tune Inn Going Commercial?

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Rukasu1

A reader shares the word from FamousDC:

The Tune Inn, holder of the oldest liquor license in Washington, D.C. and celebrated for its gritty pretentiousness, recently re-branded itself after Food Network personality Guy Fieri following his April visit for the show “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.”

The reader sums it up succinctly, “This, to me, is kind of the death knell for the District that I knew and loved…”

Tune Inn came up numerous times when we recently discussed the most authentic dive bars in town. I’m beginning to regret my sub-question:

Are they Endangered?

For those feeling frustrated by this development if you find yourself up in Petworth you can still stop by and soak up some old school charm at the Hitching Post.

For the fans of Tune Inn – what do you guys think – is this the beginning of the end? Or if lines don’t form around the block after the reality show airs – then maybe they’ll go back to their roots?

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