Bars

New (to me) and a Crime Meeting Reminder

By Prince Of Petworth

When did the Public Bar open at 1214 18th Street, NW? Anyone check it out yet?

And Crime Reminder Meeting

From an email:

Fifth District Citizens’ Advisory Council
Metropolitan Police Department
June 2009 Meeting
Thursday, 25 June 2009
Fifth District Police Headquarters
1805 Bladensburg Road, NE
7:00PM

Special Guests:
The Honorable Eleanor Holmes Norton – confirmed
The Honorable Adrian M. Fenty – invited
The Honorable Harry “Tommy” Thomas – confirmed
The Honorable Phil Mendelson – confirmed
Cathy Lanier, Chief of Police, DC Metropolitan Police Department – confirmed
The Honorable Channing D. Phillips, Acting U.S. Attorney for DC – confirmed
Joseph Persichini, Assistant Director In Charge, FBI Washington Field
Office, U.S. Department of Justice – confirmed
Salvatore Lauro, Chief of Police, United States Park Police, National Park
Service, U.S. Department of Interior – confirmed

Finally the (Ambitious) Plans for 1357 U Street, NW – You Know the old State of the Union Building

By Prince Of Petworth

A while ago I got a vague email telling me about potential plans for this space but I hadn’t heard anything else until this morning. And wow, are these interesting plans. The spot has been leased and will turn into Kindred Bar and Lounge. But it has a very interesting mission:

Have you ever found yourself wondering why that bottle of Miller Light at the bar costs the same as a six-pack at the liquor store? Or, why you have to pay so much more for a martini that only takes a minute to shake when you’re at home? Well, the answer to those questions is pretty simple: Bars charge more than liquor stores because they have to pay more overhead: opening costs, renting a space, paying employees, and interest on bank loans. When you do the math, it all adds up.
These are hard times, and most of us are having to cut back on outings to bars and restaurants. Or, maybe we now find ourselves only going to places with specials.

Here’s where KINDRED Bar and Lounge comes in. My goal in launching this unique and inclusive tavern is to provide everyone with a great space and great prices. I’m not trying to get rich quick, or to open up a chain of KINDREDs across the country. What I am trying to do is simply to pool our resources to create a space that saves us money, brings us together (with inexpensive drinks!) and ultimately provides a unique space for the community — for us.
I can only do this with your help.

What a cool idea. The idea is the brainchild of Nikisha Carpenter. You can read more info and more importantly donate here. Think it’ll be possible to raise the dough during these tough times?

What’s Your Favorite Bar in Adams Morgan?

By Prince Of Petworth

This is a two part question. I’ve been curious for a while with so many new bars and old bars on 18th Street, what’s your favorite? Recently mine has become Bourbon. But here’s the second part of the question sparked by a conversation I had with a friend.

For those that are Dan’s Cafe fans – when are you too old to go? Back in the day I used to go to Dan’s fairly frequently but that’s just because my name is Dan and I’m very loyal. But, I’m 34 now and it’s just not as fun for me anymore. Would you say that the average age of 18th St. bar patrons is much younger than elsewhere in the city? Ed. Note: My stereo is now playing “my my my slow descent into alcoholism it went” by the New Pornographers. Seriously. Great now I’ve probably upset my mom.

So what’s your favorite bar on 18th Street? And when are you too old to go there?

It’s Been a While Since We’ve Had Some Sweet Scuttlebutt

By Prince Of Petworth

I got some good juice for ya. It seems the folks behind Marvin (14th and U) are becoming the Joe Englert (developer of many H Street, NE bars/restaurants) of the U Street neighborhood. The latest I’ve heard is that they have purchased the old Cue Bar located at 1115 U St, NW. I hear this spot will become a bar/dance spot.

Additionally I heard they purchased the vacant lot located right next door to Marvin on 14th Street just north of U. Not sure what that will become but I’m guessing it’ll be a bar/restaurant of some sort.

Good news?

Dear PoP – What’s Going on With Ghana Cafe?

By Prince Of Petworth

“Hello PoP,

Over the past few weeks my friends and I have noticed that the Ghana Cafe (on 18th street in Adams Morgan) is going through a transformation. First they took down the sign, now they have gutted the whole building, installed new windows on all three floors and put up new internal walls. Could you work your magic and find out if it’s coming back as a shiny new Ghana Cafe or if it’s gonna be another Jumbo Slice?”

I took a look this weekend and the permits out front said that it was slated to become a retail or wholesale store. I think it would be great to add some retail to the mix of 18th Street. Anyone have any idea what type of retail this may become? What do you think would do well in this spot?

An Update on the Raven Renovations

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to Gabbie for following up and snapping some photos of the inside:

“The deal is they are trying to return to the original old look with booths from an old restaurant and neat retro light fixtures according to Merid. I ran into him out front he let me snap a few pics and said they would complete with the “oldfurb” in a couple days!”

I think returning to the original look with booths is going to be sweet. You? Check out this gem found on the wall:

Uh – Oh What’s Going on at the Raven?

By Prince Of Petworth

“Hi PoP:

This morning (Thursday) on my way to work, I walked past the Raven and all of their furniture was stacked neatly out in front of the building (see attached photo). I’ve heard no wails of sorrow go up in the neighborhood recently, so I’m assuming they’re not closing. Perhaps they are (almost as confusing/upsetting) . . . cleaning? Maybe exterminating? Was there some sort of beef jerky/Miller High Life combustion that now requires a scrub down? I turn to you and the greater PoP readership community for answers.”

Anyone know the scoop?

11th and Park – Watch

By Prince Of Petworth

Well, the Old Bi-Rite building slated to house Meridian Pint seems to be slowly coming along. Incidentally I noticed the following from the CH Listserv:

“I am a long standing DC restaurant/bar owner, and the Columbia Heights neighborhood is the perfect setting for my second restaurant. I am seeking potential investors to get involved in this unique business opportunity. Please contact me directly at [email protected] for all the details and information.”

I recognized the email address as the same as the owner of the soon to be Meridian Pint. I emailed John Andrade to see if he was looking for investors in Meridian Pint and to see if everything was coming along according to plan. Following is his response:

“I’m happy to say that all is well and I am still on track. I am, however, looking for a few select investors to complete my budgetary needs. As the project has evolved so too has the budget. I, therefore, am reaching out to members of the community who would like to take part in the growth of the budding 11th Street corridor. Interested parties may contact me at [email protected].”

The Gibson Launches Huge Marketing Campaign

By Prince Of Petworth

The Gibson is the cocktail lounge located at 2009 14th Street, NW next to Marvin. Up to now they had purposely stayed away from marketing the spot. That’s why I was stunned to see their door above. So much for flying under the radar anymore.

Seriously, since they’ve been open for 6 months or so – what’s your take on it now? How are the crowds? Does the new outdoor area make it easier to get a table? Any favorite cocktails?

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