Restaurants

Help: “Noisy Fan from Restaurant Below Apartment. Any ideas for solving it?”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

I live in a large apartment building that sits directly above a restaurant (which opened early last fall). Nearly every day for two months, they have been operating a very loud industrial fan right below my window whenever the restaurant is open, which I have measured at 70 db from outside at the property line and 80 db from my apartment (with the window open), and sounds like someone is running a lawn mower nonstop. I’ve caught the restaurant management lying on multiple occasions, claiming to have turned the fan off when it was still running well after service had stopped, and one night a few weeks ago they forgot to turn it off and kept it running all night.

I scheduled an inspection with the Department of Buildings and got an email confirming that it was conducted, and that they did not find any violations. This seems odd since (more…)

SWEET ALERT: Free Gelato Scoop from DOLCEZZA Today (5–7 pm!!) – Happy 22nd Anniversary!

By Prince Of Petworth

From an email:

“DOLCEZZA, D.C.’s award-winning gelateria, is also celebrating 22 years since they opened their first shop in D.C. with the sweetest kind of birthday party: free gelato.

On Tuesday, July 21 from 5–7 pm, all DOLCEZZA locations (with the exception of the Hirshhorn Museum) will be offering guests a free scoop of its limited-edition Chocotorta gelato. (more…)

DDOT Approves Two More Sidewalk Robot companies for DC

By Prince Of Petworth

From DDOT:

“The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) announced that permits have been issued to two personal delivery device (PDD) companies, Serve Robotics and Coco Robotics. Their sidewalk robots will offer door-to-door food delivery services in the core of the District.

“Personal delivery devices offer an additional option for food delivery in the District and can be an alternative to trips made by larger vehicles,” said DDOT Director Sharon Kershbaum. “We are excited to add this delivery option.” (more…)

Restaurant Rant: “flabbergasted at the behavior of the parents and children”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

To the families at Andy’s Pizza in Shaw: restaurants can absolutely be family-friendly, but the communal water pitcher isn’t a toy. Watching kids repeatedly fill cups just to dump water on the floor, splash each other, and soak themselves while adults chat and ignore made being there unpleasant for everyone else. What surprised me most was that staff didn’t intervene until I finally said something. A little parental supervision and something from management would’ve been appreciated. Maybe take the kids to a splash pad instead? (more…)

This is why you may see some folks dressed in a cow costume* tomorrow (Tues. 7/14)

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by Julia

*I’m aware this is a photo of a bull costume but I work with the photos I get!! :)

From an email:

“Chick-fil-A’s Cow Appreciation Day is Back in D.C. – July 14!

Cow Appreciation Day is BACK at Chick-fil-A! After a long-awaited return, one of the brand’s most beloved traditions takes place at restaurants nationwide for one day only, bringing more free food for its Guests.

🐄 Dress Like a Cow, Enjoy a Free Entrée: On Tuesday, July 14, Guests who visit a Chick-fil-A restaurant dressed in cow-themed attire can redeem one free entrée.

When: Tuesday, July 14 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., local time, while supplies last

Where: Chick-fil-A restaurants nationwide

How it works: Guests who visit the restaurant, dressed in their best cow-themed attire will receive one free entrée, subject to availability”

Full release: (more…)

“Summer Restaurant Week Returns August 18-24”

By Prince Of Petworth

From the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW):

“Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week Summer 2026, presented by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW), returns August 18-24.

One of the most anticipated food events of the summer, this week-long dining experience showcases the dynamic dining scene of the DMV, including 2026 RAMMY Award-winning favorites, Michelin-recognized dining destinations, neighborhood hot spots and more.

Starting July 10, (more…)

“DC’s Restaurants Show Sharp Drop in Closures After DC Council’s Initiative 82 Reform”

By Prince Of Petworth

From the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW):

“New data from the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) show that closures among DC’s mid-priced restaurants fell sharply by 54% in the first two quarters of 2026 — offering evidence that the DC Council’s 2025 reform of Initiative 82 is relieving pressure on local restaurants, even as operators continue to face higher costs, weaker diner spending, and staffing challenges.

Across all restaurant types, closures have fallen 43% year-over-year. The findings come as voters may soon consider Initiative 87, a new ballot measure that would raise D.C.’s minimum wage — already the highest of any state in the country — to $25 an hour, a faster and steeper increase than any American city has attempted. (more…)

Congrats to “Moon Rabbit’s Pastry Chef Susan Bae Wins James Beard’s 2026 Award for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker”

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by Rachel Paraoan

From an email:

“Eleven Eleven PR and Moon Rabbit proudly celebrates Pastry Chef Susan Bae’s recognition as Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker at the 2026 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards, one of the highest honors in the American culinary industry, her 3rd finalist nomination.

Known for her creativity, technical excellence, and personal approach to pastry, Bae has earned national acclaim for desserts that draw inspiration from her Korean heritage while embracing contemporary techniques accented by Asian flavors. Her award marks a significant achievement for both Moon Rabbit and Washington, D.C.’s vibrant dining community. (more…)

View More Stories