Last week it looked like Biergarten haus, located at 1355 H Street, NE was going to open up at the end of this week. While they are now shooting for May 14th for an official opening date, they are still awaiting some final permits before officially announcing an opening date. I was, however, able to take a sneak peek on Tuesday and all I can say is that the hype we’ve been hearing is warranted. The inside feels like a ski lodge with tons of wood and a warm feeling despite some finishing touches still ongoing. The inside actually takes up two floors with a nice bar on the first floor and 5 big flat screen tvs upstairs that will show European soccer matches.

But no matter how good the inside looks the real gem of this place is the outdoor beer garden. It is far larger than I originally anticipated and I’m gonna be bold for a second because I love Wonderland’s patio and I’m even quite fond of Red Rock’s patio but this beer garden (even in its slightly unfinished state) is by far the coolest outdoor restaurant/bar space in the city. It even has an outside bar. The section closer to the building will be mostly standing room/first come first served and the tables in the back will seat 4 tops and larger parties. As I’ve heard a few people say, the only fear is that this place is going to be insanely crowded when they open. Stay tuned for when a final opening date is selected.

Lots more photos after the jump. (more…)


I’m not sure what’s going on here but this sign didn’t look good:

Someone’s getting sued but I suppose there may be some tenants in the building as well? Any fans of this place? Anyone know if it’s still open?


Back in early March we learned that Leftbank was closing its doors at 2424 18th St., NW. We knew that a restaurant was going to take its place but we now know that Slaviya, an Eastern European restaurant has opened up in the space.

I had a chance to chat with one of the new owners over the weekend. In addition to an Eastern European restaurant there will also be live music and DJs. Last night they featured a Bulgarian Folk Singer ($10 cover charge). Next Sat. they will be featuring the uber popular Romanian duo, Morandi, who is regularly #1 on MTV Europe according to co-owner Irena. If you want to see Morandi, it will be $30 in advance and $35 at the door and Morandi will go on at midnight (though you can always just go to the restaurant if you are not interested in the music).

Much of the space looks the same though there have been some slight changes. More photos after the jump including photos of the brunch menu. (more…)


I’m happy/terrified to announce that I’ll be one of the judges for this year’s sundress fest at Wonderland (11th and Kenyon Streets, NW) on Sunday (party starts at 2pm, judging will take place in the early evening). Other judges include Dan Searing from Room 11, James O’Brien from Red Rocks and lead singer of O’Tasty, Nikki Caporale from City Paper, and John Andrade from Meridian Pint. Contestants are both male and female.


Lots of folks have been inquiring about the status of Meridian Pint coming to 11th and Park Road, NW. I’m happy to report that the place is progressing nicely and they will be open in about a month (definitely in time for the World Cup). I was able to take a bunch of photos of the progress.


upstairs bar has used some reclaimed detailed old wood

Lots more photos after the jump. (more…)


Just a reminder that the PoP spring happy hour is tomorrow night at Social (14th and Meridian Streets, NW – Columbia Heights Metro). It’s fixing to be a good time. I’ve picked the special drink suggested by Minnie:

“How about a gin sidecar? Equal parts gin, Triple Sec, lemon/lime juice. A sprig of mint if you’re feeling fancy.

And of course, you’ll need a snappy name. If it’s made with lemon, it’s the Yellow Line; if it’s made with lime, it’s the Green Line. Yum!”

We’ll call it the Green Line and Minne you get a PoP t-shirt for picking the winner. Also $1 from this drink will be donated to CentroNia (http://www.centronia.org/html/about_us.html).

Looking forward to meeting many of you!

Ed. Note: The photo above was taken from the photography competition ‘Portraits of DC’. The 51 winners are exhibited at Social and they had an opening reception last night though you’ll be able to see them tomorrow night. It was packed! Photos from the event after the jump. (more…)


Cafe Green is located at 1513 17th St, NW and takes up two floors. There had been a coming soon sign at this spot for ages, so when I walked by last weekend I was, happily, shocked to see them open. I was able to chat with one of their owner and GM, Jimmy Cooney (the other partner owns Java Green located at 1020 19th St, NW).


Upstairs dining area

So here’s what I learned:

They will be having their grand opening in late May but they “will be having a big opening party this coming Saturday, May 1st, from 11 am to 11 pm. A Gift Card Raffle, Music, and Specials on the menu will round out the day”.

They will soon have a full bar including liquor, wine including organic wine, beer, juice and coffee.

Below is a desert and beverage menu that will have some minor changes:

Café Green Beverage Dessert Menu 4.19.10

Below is the dining menu:

Cafe_Green_Dining_Menu_4_27_10

They will soon be serving brunch as well.

A few more photos after the jump including a photo of the soft opening menus. (more…)


Thanks to a reader for sending the word. I also happened to note that the entrance was looking good at 457 Massachusetts Ave, NW. You can sign up for their alerts here (careful music plays).

Also of note nearby, the one holdout building (formerly home to the proposed Ledo Pizza) now has a for sale sign, I wonder if the owners regret not selling earlier…


A few weeks ago there was concern that the U and 14th Streets, NW area had reached its cap of 25% for eating and drinking establishments. On twitter @dcra reports, “Zoning Commission approves raising cap for Arts Overlay to 30 percent immediately – agrees to consider further increase at June”. While we heard that the cap could’ve increased to 50% an initial increase to 30% should at least allow a few more new places to set up. Presumably the percentage will increase a bit more in June.


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