Back in April I mentioned that Gori Cafe had opened up at 1113 V Street, NW. I accidentally posted their photo last week to the wrong post but what I wanted to say was that the sign they recently put outside is phenomenal:

And I mean that very sincerely. For those that live in the area and are looking to support local businesses – look no further. And $2 for a domestic beer from 4-9pm is incredible. I think I need to have a happy hour here – We’re long overdue…


This has been quite an epic development at 84-86 T Street, NW (just off North Capitol). A friend of mine lives nearby and told me that construction has restarted on this spot. It is supposed to become a bar (the first for Bloomingdale?) and will also serve some food. I believe there were some legal battles that slowed down progress and most recently I’m hearing construction is on again – off again. But at least construction has (sorta) resumed. I believe this spot is owned by the same guy who owns Veranda at 1100 P Street, NW. I hope they finish soon as folks have been pining for a bar in Bloomingdale.  What are your predictions for when Bloomingdale will finally get a new bar?


Bread & Brew is located at 1247 20th St, NW. I think this spot used to house a Greek restaurant, right? I’m hearing that this is a great place. I’d never even heard of it before. How long has it been there? Anyone check it out? You can see the menu here. Any particular specialties that are a must order?


I’ve been in contact with the owners of Room 11 on a weekly basis. I’m happy to report that they say:

“We received our certificate of occupancy last week and also passed the health department inspection.”

You can see photos inside the space, located at the corner of 11th and Lamont, here.

And here’s the scoop I received Monday afternoon – soft opening (not open to public) August. 4th, 5th, and 6th.  They will open to the public on August 10th. Of course it’s possible that those dates could change by a day or two but since they’ve got the certificate of occupancy (c of o) they are good to go. There are a few finishing touches needed but you’ll be able to check them out very soon!

Ed. Note: I’m sure there will be a minority that is not happy about this space. And I’m fairly confident they are a very small minority. But those that don’t like this idea are welcome to leave their opinions of course. What I would suggest is that a more helpful response is, not to complain about the “whiners”. That is a vicious circle that really does no good for anyone. I suggest, if you like the spot or the idea of the spot then simply say so. If there are 20 positive comments and 5 negative comments then the sentiment is there. But we don’t need to get into this endlessly repetitive argument of those who like wine bars vs. those that think it is too expensive or whatever. If that’s how they feel then that’s how they feel and that’s cool too. But, if you like it – say so. For the record I am super psyched about this joint and can’t wait to visit it often.


“Dear PoP,

Was there on Sunday and the patio is indeed open now. (a little small, but nice all the same) The bottom floor will be open sometime soon – a guy was working on graffiti for the walls when we were there. But the newest news is that they are also working on getting the TOP floor open sometime in the future. Supposedly as a martini bar. Our bartender seemed to think the bottom floor would be more about music and dancing, middle about beer , and top about martinis (maybe a lounge?).

Sounds awesome is all I can say. Black Squirrel is hands down my favorite place in Adams Morgan and the owners and staff really give them a one up on the rest of the street. And all the amazing beer and food doesn’t hurt.”

Very cool news! Black Squirrel is located at 2427 18th Street, NW.


Thanks to an alert reader for sending me the heads up:

“Now, this is really exciting news! It looks like the empty lot next to Marvin that’s being built on is going to be a Bakery/Wine Bar.”

I love good Monday morning news. And it is from the owners of Marvin and Gibson (ESL Development LLC):

They’re forming quite the force on 14th Street. That’s three spots in a row not to mention Patty Boom Boom around the corner on U Street.

Here are the rest of the details:

Do you think a bakery and wine bar is a good combination?


Wow this spot at 2450 18th Street changes names/themes more than, um, more than, alright I can’t come up with anything but it changes names a lot. It was Morgan’s back in Feb. And of course when it was, briefly, True Story before that it kept changing signs. I’ve seriously never seen a place change names so frequently. I wonder if the ownership keeps changing as well. In any case, has anyone checked out “Draft Pix”? How does it rank as a sports bar?


It looks like the former home of Project 4 Art Gallery located at 903 U Street, NW is slated to become a wine bar. The liquor application says it will be called Dickson Wine, which you can see in the photo above is the name of the building.

The application also says there will be light fare, charcuterie, and a DJ or small band with an occupancy of 75. Looks like this section of U Street is really starting to pick up with the addition of Nellie’s, Lounge of Three and now this.


Sangria Cafe is located at 3636 16th St NW. Here’s another one I’ve always been curious about. It is so nondescript you could easily walk right past it without realizing it’s there. I know there are fans of the Woodner building, so any fans of the Sangria Cafe? Is it more of a restaurant or bar?


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