Bars

Gay Dance Party to Launch at Wonderland Nov. 18th

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

I’m starting a new gay dance party at Wonderland, the third Wednesday of every month, and it would be so awesome if you could maybe run a story about the launch of this. The area currently doesn’t have a LGBT night anywhere so this is kind of a big deal!”

Press release:

“The Wonderland Ballroom Returns to its Roots with Launch of new monthly eccentric/alternative gay Dance party!

The Wonderland Ballroom, the dancing/drinking oasis for Columbia Height’s hipster sub-culture, launches new monthly gay dance party, Pink Sock, the third Wednesday of every month. Starting Wednesday, November 18th, Pink Sock marks a return to the bar’s roots as it once served as an African-American gay bar in the early 70s.

This time around, Boston-native DJ RAD (Twitter: @ForeverRAD) will be MC’ing an orgy for the eyes and ears, as he pumps out the hottest ass-shaking jams from the most innovative and avante garde performance artists from the 70s-disco era, 80s-new wave, 90-house & hip-hop, to the freshest electro music of today. We’re talking everything from Grace Jones to Prince, Madonna to Lady Gaga, Miss Kittin to MSTRKRFT. To further stimulate and entrance you, there will be accompanying visualizations and home-made music videos that are sure to delight and disturb.

EVENT DETAILS:

Pink Sock @ The Wonderland Ballroom

The Third Wednesday of Every month

Launches Wednesday, November 18th, 2009
1101 Kenyon St, NW (11th & Kenyon)
Doors open @9:00pm
Free (As Always!)
$5 Pink Sock Shot & PBR Special

FOR MORE INFO: www.pinksockdc.com”

Cafe Nema and Momo’s Sports Bar Open for Business

By Prince Of Petworth

A few readers had sent in news about DC’s Office of Tax Revenue (OTR) closing 8 restaurants. As we’ve heard the Argonaut has already reopened. I also noticed that Cafe Nema located at 1334 U Street, NW was also on the list. I got frightened that the sports bar upstairs, Momo’s also may have closed. I’m happy to report that I just got off the phone with them and both spots are now open. Whew! Go Yankees!

What the Helen of Troy is the City Tavern and Sign of the Indian King?

By Prince Of Petworth

Well a quick google search hooked me up. Their Web site says:

“The City Tavern Club is a private social club located in the heart of Georgetown, 3206 M Street, NW, Washington, DC. The Club provides fine dining, elegantly appointed rooms for entertaining, popular member events and a diverse membership. City Tavern is also a top venue for private parties and meetings throughout the year. The historic Federal-Style clubhouse, acquired by Club founders in 1959, is one of oldest buildings in the nation’s capital, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Our membership is comprised of Washington professionals from all fields, including government, law, medicine, architecture, consulting and many others. The Indian King Society, or IKS, is chaired by younger members and organizes a variety of fun events. The Club maintains reciprocal relationships with over 100 clubs worldwide.”

You can read more history here. So how do I get invited to be a member…?

And while we’re on the topic, I’m just curious – what’s the most “exclusive” private club in DC?

Mark Your Calendars – PoP Turns 3 – Party Nov. 5th

By Prince Of Petworth

At long last the details of the PoP 3 year anniversary party. I’m really excited about this one – it’s fixing to be pretty sweet. It will be held at Wonderland (like last year) located at the corner of 11th and Kenyon Streets, NW. It will start around 6:30/7pm. So here’s the cool part – if you have a PoP t-shirt wear it because Wonderland and Looking Glass Lounge (3634 Georgia Ave.) have been kind enough to donate a significant tab (no shots).  So free drinks until the tab runs out for all who are wearing PoP t-shirts.  I got the new batch of t-shirts in so you’ll be able to purchase or claim your caption contest spoils at the party.

And more generosity – Pete’s Apizza (1400 Irving St NW) has been kind enough to donate pizza! And more good news – James O’Brien, owner of Red Rocks Pizzeria (1036 Park Rd NW) and frontman for O’Tasty is reuniting the band for their first show in many months. They were phenomenal last year and are sure to rock again this year. They will go on at 9pm and DJ Stephan Outlaw will spin afterwards.

See ya Nov. 5th!

More H St, NE News – (Temporary) Closings Edition

By Prince Of Petworth

News Channel 8 is reporting that MPD is closing the H Street Martini Lounge, located at 1236 H St NE, due to fight that occurred injuring two, off duty firefighter patrons. The lounge will be closed for 96 hours.

I know this has happened at many bars/lounges across the city – they are closed for a short time after a violent incident. My question – does the closing make sense?

In other crazy H St. News – Frozen Tropics has published a letter from Joe Englert explaining the situation behind the Argonaut’s (1430 Maryland Ave NE) closing for tax reasons:

“Argonaut was closed down tonight because of a serious miscommunication with DC Tax and Revenue.
A few weeks back, a DC Tax and Revenue officer phoned me and told me that three of my establishments owed tens of thousands of in back Sales and Use Taxes.”

He says he will pay the bill in full “tomorrow”.

Thanks to reader emails for the heads up.

The Black Rooster Pub (1919 L Street NW) May Be Saved

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by Chris

Back in early October a reader wrote in asking folks to rally to save the pub. DCist shared the news that according to the Black Rooster Pub twitter feed (I’m now following it as well) the pub is on it’s way to reopening. And Mike Debonis from City Paper relays word that Ward 2 Council Member Jack Evans may have had a hand in saving the pub. Given all the comments when we first heard of the pub closing this should allow many folks to breath a sigh of relief. I’ll update with more info as it becomes available.

Though I guess the question now is – if the pub remains what space will the Peace Corps expand into?

Wonderland Captures Sweet City Signs – Nob Hill and Don’t Urinate

By Prince Of Petworth

I’ve always been a big fan of Wonderland (11th and Kenyon Streets, NW) but I think the real love comes from our shared love of old city signs. (Their cousin Looking Glass Lounge, at Georgia and Princeton, (a PoP advertiser) also has many great signs). Anyway, I’ve been meaning to put the amazing one from above up for a while. It’s is a real sign that Wonderland’s owner Matthew salvaged.

Also of note, which I surprisingly just learned, is that they have the original Nob Hill sign (former occupant of the building) on the ceiling toward the bathrooms and kitchen:

PoP Preview – Birch & Barley and Church Key – Grand Opening Thursday!

By Prince Of Petworth

This is a huge spot located at 1337 14th Street, NW (which used to be the old Dakota Cowgirl space). It is actually two concepts. Downstairs is the more restaurant focused Birch & Barley and upstairs is the beer focused Church Key (though there are also dining options for the upstairs space). I was able to take some preview photos on Wed. and the place is looking good – it finally opens to the public on Thursday. Be sure to let me know what you think. For the beer lovers, you will have lots and lots of options (500 bottles, 50 drafts, and 5 casks).

Downstairs:

Lots more photos after the jump. (more…)

Coming to 1321 Connecticut Ave., NW – Mad Hatter?

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

Further away from the circle, right near the Luna Grill, I noticed an ABRA notice for Madhatter bar. There’s already a Madhatter around the corner on M Street, will be interesting if that dive is moving.”

It is indeed the same Mad Hatter from 1831 M Street, NW. I’m told if all goes according to plan the M Street space will close and the Connecticut Ave. space will open up sometime in November. Of course these dates tend to get pushed back, but this is definitely an interesting development. Any fans of the Mad Hatter? I haven’t been there in years.

View More Stories