1900 N Street, NW photo by JM

You can see their menus here.

From an email:

“At the crossroads of legendary hospitality and unmatched culinary expertise, you’ll find Balos: a zestful dining experience built on the freshest, most vibrant Mediterranean dishes the city has to offer. Named after a lush, lively lagoon nestled on the outskirts of Crete, Read More

425 12th Street, NW

From a press release:

“Assets from the Washington, DC landmark eatery Ollie’s Trolley, a downtown lunchtime hotspot at the base of the historic Hotel Harrington since 1989, are now up for auction at CapitalOnlineAuctions.com.

Fans of Ollie’s Trolley can bid on more than 100 lots from the restaurant, which will close Dec. 12 as part of the Hotel Harrington sale. Available to the highest bidder are the iconic “Ollie Fries” and “Ollie Burgers” neon signs; additional Ollie’s Trolley indoor and outdoor signage; vintage and vintage-inspired décor items; trolley imagery and décor; the eatery’s signature red booth seating and padded chairs; high-end commercial kitchen equipment, and much more.

“There are many pieces of nostalgia that will strike a chord with fans looking for an item to remember Ollie’s Trolley by,” said Mitch Rotker, owner of Capital Online Auctions, which is hosting the online auction. “We also hope that the commercial kitchen equipment and classic dining fixtures can go back into the local business community to be used in area businesses and restaurants.”

Bidding on the Ollie’s Trolley auction begins closing on Dec. 14 at 11:00 am EST.

R. also reported: “Harry’s Bar’s last day is Sunday, December 3. I’m there on Friday night December 1 and it is packed.” Read More

In November the proper signage was finally posted. And now thanks to Bennett for sending:

“I was walking through Union Station yesterday (11/29) and noticed that Raising Cane’s has a “recruitment office.” I ducked inside and asked someone (who had just finished conducting an interview of an applicant) for the official opening date, and she said the grand opening should be January 9!” Read More

2300 Washington Place, NE

Thanks to B. for sending from Rhode Island Row. The Carolina Kitchen opened here back in 2014. Updates when we learn what becomes of the space.

From an email:

“On December 6th at 5pm bottles of this special single barrel will be available at Cinder (800 Upshur St, NW) and Johnny’s (3226 11th St, NW). This 6 year rye is made from a mash of 75% rye and 25% barley, was distilled in DC in the summer of 2017 and bottled in DC this fall. Matt Krimm (Cinder) and Branden Givand (Johnny’s) tasted through multiple barrels and picked this unique rye. “We loved the tropical fruit aromas, backed with a slight caramel-chocolate sweetness, and finished with a pleasing rye character” said Matt. Read More

700 7th Street, NW

From a press release:

“Dos Toros, the renowned San Francisco-inspired taqueria known for its Mission-style burritos, is pleased to announce that its first D.C. taqueria—located in the heart of Chinatown at 700 7th Street NW —will open Tuesday, December 5 at 11 am.

To celebrate opening day, Dos Toros will award a grand prize of a $500 gift card to a lucky winner who correctly guesses the number of burritos the brand rolled in the past year, with any guest who purchases an item on opening day eligible to participate. Additionally, Dos Toros will be offering complimentary burritos to the first 50 customers in line, along with swag, and a spin to win prize wheel awarding free guacamole, salsa, entrées and more. Read More

2009 18th Street, NW

Thanks to Adam and everyone else who wrote on Friday/over the weekend:

“Alfresco Tap and Grill seems to have closed (temporarily?) already. Really nice staff but the menu and food were a mess. So odd that they spent so much money building it out and so little thought on what it would be.”

“I would assume this is really temporary given the years and dollars they spent building this place out from parking lot.”

“Alfresco Tap and Grill has a handwritten sign on the door saying “temporarily closed” as does their website”

Update from their IG:

3122 M Street, NW

Thanks to N. for sending the “the new Smoothie King location in Georgetown.”

Google says it’s opening December 19th.

3276 M Street, NW

We first heard about this “mega Italian concept” back in 2021. Given the massive renovations required, not too shabby!!

Osteria Mozza’s Los Angeles website says:

“Presided over by James Beard Award-winning Chef Nancy Silverton, Michelin-starred Osteria Mozza celebrates traditional Italian cuisine and seasonality. From our iconic Mozzarella Bar to exquisite handmade pasta to Read More

Duccini’s deliciousness

Hold up. Wait a minute. I heard the most magnificent news about the best jumbo slice in Adams Morgan/U Street: Duccini’s, is opening a second location in Shaw in the long vacant retail space underneath Ivy and Coney: Read More