I know tons of people who love this place. This is of course the Irish Bar in the hotel off Dupont Circle. I think it’s a fine place for a pint but I don’t understand why some folks are obsessed with it. I used to be a Nanny O’Brien’s devotee but since they have new ownership I’ve pretty much given up on “Irish” bars. Any fans of Biddy’s out there? Where you gonna go during renovations?


“What up with the Wine bar/community center on 11th street? Thought it was supposed to by open the end of this month. Drove past it the other night and the it looks kinda derelict.”

Last I heard they were finalizing the permitting process. I don’t think they were ever supposed to open at the end of the month. I think a more realistic opening will be in December/January. At Columbia Heights Day I did pick up a card that says:

“Room 11 Wine and Dessert Bar featuring wine by the glass and bottle; beer and hand crafted cocktails; specialty coffee and tea; pastries b PAISLEY FIG; cheeses and cured meats; soups, salads, sandwiches; and small plates. For more information email [email protected]

It sounds like it is going to be well worth the wait!


Most people who have heard of Nellie’s probably know it as the new-ish gay sports bar over on U Street. Or at least, that is how it had always been described to me. Being that I am not gay, and I hardly know the difference between a first down and a touchdown, I never really thought to go there. But, the other day while brainstorming for this week’s story, a friend suggested that I check it out. So, I did, and I loved it!

Nellie’s is a relatively new addition to the U Street scene, and sitting at the corner of 9th and U it’s just an eensy bit set off from the hustle and bustle of U Street, which is actually kind of nice. It’s still easy to get to though, only a block from the 10th Street exit of the U Street metro stop. And it’s hard to miss the regal looking white and blue building, with its great big roofdeck adorned with twinkling lights!

They have a pretty cute schtick on the inside too. The place is decorated with all kinds of sporting paraphernalia, pictures of professional and local, recreational athletes, and vintage stadium sinks in the bathroom. And, right in the middle of the ceiling, a big shiny disco ball!

I’m glad I decided to finally stop in for a visit the other night. I’m also glad that I arrived hungry! I think our eyes were a little bigger than our stomachs, but my friend Crystal and I decided to share an order of the mini hotdogs with sweet potato fries and some buffalo wings. Maybe not the most health conscious meal, but paired with a delicious Octoberfest, it was just what I needed after a long day at work. For those interested in lighter fare, Nellie’s offers some more “figure-friendly” options as well. Everything was great, and I thought the prices were pretty reasonable…although, I thought the beer was kind of expensive. That’s the only complaint I have really heard consistently about Nellie’s – that drink prices are a little high.  More after the jump. (more…)


This is mad skill.

Lot’s of my friends are huge fans of Bourbon on 18th Street in Adams Morgan. The place has definitely been growing on me. But with this chalk masterpiece it has skyrocketed to top 10.

Any Bourbon fans out there?


Red Derby, arguably the best bar in the city, has turned one year old. I think owners Dave and Sasha should be the model for anyone who wants to open up a successful local business. They have truly embraced the neighborhood model and could not be nicer people. How often does the owner of a bar hug nearly every patron upon arrival? I wish them congratulations and much success in the future.

They will be celebrating their birthday tonight at Red Derby located at 3718 14th St. NW.


Did anyone check it out? I can’t believe I missed it! Photos and the following summary from “loveitmadly”:

“This past Tuesday evening D.C.’s own Paul Alexander, a.k.a. Fender Splendor hosted the first ever All-City Air Guitar Competition at The Wonderland Ballroom in Columbia Heights.

Air guitar veterans, novices and wildcards alike took the small stage before a packed house for a night of flips, thrusts, windmills and good ol’ fashioned face melting.

Baltimore’s Lance Karsten (a.k.a. The Shred) walked away the winner and Tim Granlund (a.k.a. The Six String General) may or may not be getting the lay of his life after shoving his tongue down the throat of a very cute blonde in the middle of his final round performance. The General took second place, with Kolb Ettenger (a.k.a. Vlad D.M. Wailer) placing third.”

More photos after the jump. (more…)


I had been tipped a few weeks ago that a new bar was coming to Georgia Ave. right near Moroni & Bros. pizza, but I had forgot all about it until I received an email last night inquiring about this space. I wasn’t able to speak to the owner but I asked some folks what the story was, so consider the following scuttlebutt. I’m told the space will be a bar and restaurant. The food may possibly be Indian but that is speculation. More speculation is that the space will open up soon, perhaps in mid-November. More to come as details emerge. Unless anyone knows some more details?


Nice! I can’t stand those internet juke boxes. I get a bit too overwhelmed with all the choices. I think it’s far more fun to have a nicely stocked proper juke box like this. I always tend to play music that I don’t own on jukes like this one.

In other good LGL news. They now also have a new single malt scotch – OBan a 14 year old single malt. Plus they have a new bourbon – Blanton’s single barrel bourbon. Plus they have a new Irish whiskey, sadly not Powers, Clontarf which is supposedly a bit better than Jamesons. And finally they have a new seasonal beer by Post Road which is a Pumpkin Ale.

But back to the juke box.  Which do you prefer the classic ones like this or the internet ones?


They got new signs up. And even posted a menu. Sadly, it seems “proper attire” is required. I don’t know if you can require proper attire with hanging beads in the front window, right? Oh well, you’ll have to tell me if it’s any good. Photos of the menu after the jump. (more…)


View More Stories