Well this is something. Thanks to a reader for passing on this listing from Rasmus Auctions:
“M30277 – Miracle on 7th Street Pop-up Bar – Washington, DC
Restaurant Equipment”
The tipster notes: “I thought maybe they were getting rid of accumulated junk from old concepts, but you don’t sell the sinks and ice machines unless you’re done (or it’s a complete renovation which I doubt).” (more…)
1825 M Street, NW
From a press release:
“Sign of the Whale, the DC institution known for decades as the ultimate intern hang out has closed and re-opened its doors more than a couple of times. Now under new ownership, what was once an overcrowded divey intern bar is maturing into a gathering space where those same interns, now grown professionals, and new DC residents alike can get a touch of nostalgia, grab a quality cocktail and bites and be proud to frequent.. Keeping its namesake, the new Sign of the Whale will be unveiled to the public mid-February. Owners of Nero, who have taken over Sign of the Whale, have pegged Chef Andre Holden to create a unique fusion dining experience for the concept.
Beyond the new sleek, white facade of the century-old building at 1825 M street NW will lie a chic, fully renovated cocktail lounge. The once sticky marble-top bars will now boast sophisticated copper counter tops flanked by expanded fireplaces and bistro-style seating. Upstairs, a smaller bar and cozy, lounge seating await with exclusive cocktails awaits. Beyond the freshly exposed brick where sports flags once hung, an intimate dining area with banquets and booths for more private dining will be available. In 2012, Complex Magazine named Sign of the Whale as “one of DC’s douchiest bars,” writing, “At some point you age out of guzzling liquor from a tiny plastic cup.” Owner Vik Bhalla understands just that and is ready with a craft cocktail menu that will accompany a curated wine menu. However, at Sign of the Whale, a selection of Sake will take the lead, accompanying chef Andrew’s sushi and southern comfort-fused menu. (more…)
1940 11th Street, NW
From a press release:
“The team behind Michelin-honored Royal, Latin-inspired bar and eatery in Washington, DC’s LeDroit Park neighborhood, has just announced it will soon open its next venture, Lulu’s winegarden, just off U Street at 1940 11th Street NW, in February 2020. Lulu’s will be a communal, bottle-driven winegarden, with two lush garden patios, reimagined dinner party fare with hints of the southwest from chef and partner Cable Smith, and a fun and affordable under-$50 wine list curated by owner and wine director Paul Carlson.
Dreamt up by local husband-and-wife team Paul and Brittany Carlson, the name honors their 8-month-old daughter Lucilla. Paul currently owns the locally-treasured and esteemed Royal, and formerly operated long-lived and loved Vinoteca which closed in November 2019 after 12 years. (more…)
2009 14th Street, NW
From an email:
“Literary Cocktails, a popular weekly staple at the Reading Room of Petworth Citizen, is coming to The Gibson, the beloved speakeasy and cocktail bar located on 14thStreet to the left of Marvin, in lieu of Petworth Citizen’s unfortunate closing. Literary Cocktails at The Gibson’s upstairs bar begins Friday, February 7 with founder, Chantal Tseng. (more…)
1716 I Street, NW
A new liquor license placard for the space says:
“Request to increase Total Occupancy Load from 397 to 549, with interior seating for 397 patrons. Rooftop Summer Garden occupancy load will increase from 77 to 184.”
Any fans?
2033 K Street, NW
Proper 21 opened on F Street back in 2016. Check out their menu here. Plans for K Street include “Seating Capacity of 120, Total Occupancy Load of 240 and a Summer Garden with 60 Seats.” (more…)
701 7th Street, NW
Thanks to Kyle for sending: “Bar Louie Chinatown closed”
End of an era. Back before there were options Bar Louie was a huge go to spot for those who worked in the area or before events at the MCI Center. A bit reminiscent of when The Greene Turtle closed around the corner. For those not familiar with Bar Louie: (more…)
1230 9th Street, NW
The liquor license placard for ‘Never Looked Better’ says:
“1230 9th Street, N.W., Basement
A new Retailer’s Class C Tavern with a seating capacity of 75 and Total Occupancy Load of 75. Licensee is requesting an Entertainment Endorsement.”
STAY TUNED.
Photo by PoPville flickr user Ryan Maxwell
Short and sweet discussion today: “Where are you favorite places to dance on a Saturday night?”
RIP
This week’s question comes from Keiser:
“Just moved here from Los Angeles. Can you recommend any great bar arcades in the greater DC area? Not just, like, a bar that happens to have a Mortal Kombat machine and a foosball table.”
As a pinball guy (sup Lyman’s!!) I’ll defer to you guys here but I’m thinking The Eleanor in NoMa and their sister spot Bar Elena on H Street. What/where are some other good ones?