Oya is located at 799 9th St NW. We took a look back in Dec. ’08 but since a lot of time has passed an some new features have become available – I thought it was time to check in again. So in addition to what you think about the restaurant in general – are there any fans of the prix fixe menus and to go options?
Back in Jan. ’11 we learned that The Codmother would be coming to 1334 U St, NW underneath Touchdown sportsbar. We’ll soon be eating fish and chips on U Street!
What do you think of the logo? I’m going with an emphatic thumbs up.
Over the weekend Penn Quarter Living broke the news that “they will be closing TenPenh on June 30, 2011 due to unsuccessful lease renewal negotiations.”
Tenpenh is/was located at 1001 Pennsylvania Ave, NW. We judged them to very positive review back in March ’11. I’ll be sure to keep a close eye on the space to see who moves in.
Taco lovers rejoice!
A recent liquor license application says that El Ray, coming to 919 U St, NW on the lot next to Dodge City, will be:
“New Restaurant, Seasonal neighborhood taco stand with outdoor seating.
Total Outdoor seating Load 150. Live Entertainment, Dancing, DJ, Summer Garden 150 outside.
Sunday: 12 pm- 2am. Monday through Thursday: 4 pm – 2 am, Friday: 4pm- 3am,
Saturday: 12 pm – 3 am.”
Sound good?
The Queen Vic opened up a couple of months ago at 1206 H Street NE. You can see their menu here. Anyone try the more adventurous menu options?
And what’s the word on the bar itself? A good place to just chill for drinks?
This is one of those places that looks like it could be a classic hidden gem. El Chalan is located at 1924 I St, NW:
El Chalan Restaurant was founded in 1975 by Pedro and Elsa Espinoza. After, a few years in the DC metropolitan area they opened a carry-out in Arlington, Virginia. They initially sold traditional American food such as hot dogs, hamburgers, and fries during the week and Peruvian food was served only on the weekends. Soon, there was increasing demand for the Peruvian menu, and they converted the carry-out to a restaurant and changed the name from Washington Lee Carry-out to El Chalan Restaurant.
El Chalan was the first Peruvian restaurant in the DC metropolitan area, and continues to be one of the most recognized in the area, and has received multiple favorable reviews. Located on 1924 I Street, El Chalan serves up delicious Peruvian fare every day of the week. Our most known dishes are the lomo saltado, causa, and ceviche. The pisco sours are also very popular.
You can see their full menu here.
Any fans?
“Dear PoP,
I was walking by the old Commonwealth space this weekend and noticed that all the Commonwealth insignia have been removed from the front fence and facade. Any word on when the new space will be open or a name?”
Back in Feb. ’11 we learned that CommonWealth was closing at 1400 Irving St NW near the Columbia Heights metro. Recently I’ve been getting many inquiries for an update like the query above. So here’s what I’ve learned.
The new name will be selected very soon and with one of the final options there could be a connection with the new name and the history of Columbia Heights. It is very likely that the new place will be open pretty soon around July 1st. I was able to take a quick tour and while you’ll recognize the CommonWealth space there has already been massive changes. The space has been completely opened up. The new bar/restaurant kinda reminded me of a smaller scale, more modern American Ice Company with the addition of some live music similar to like they have at Hill Country (in the basement a sorta country/southern/blue grass vibe.) Another similarity to Hill Country will be some bbq options on the menu though the complete menu will also offer some other southern specialties.
Sound like a good fit for Columbia Heights?
I’ll be sure to update as we get closer to July 1st.
Continuing with this week’s I can’t believe we haven’t judged them yet is The Heights located at 3115 14th St. NW in Columbia Heights. We once spoke about their famous bloody marys but I’m also curious what folks think specifically about the food including brunch options. You can see their menus here.
I can’t believe we haven’t judged Cork yet. Cork is located at 1720 14th Street, NW just south of the U Street Corridor between the Streets R and S. You can see their menu here.
Back when they first opened in early 2008 the place was regularly mobbed. So what’s the word in mid-2011?
Back in late April I shared the news that a new neighborhood bar would be coming to 3628 Georgia Ave, NW in the old (long vacant) Huron Pharmacy building. A number of people have been asking for an update – so here’s a bit more info that has become available. They’ve applied for a liquor license at the end of May:
New Tavern with food and beverage service for on premise consumption. Entertainment for inside premises and summer garden will include low volume musical performances such as two or three piece member acoustic bands and DJ’s. Seating capacity is 65. Total occupancy load is 65. Summer garden will have an estimated seating for 120 patrons.
They’ve created a Facebook page for the bar to be called DC Reynolds. You can see some photos of the construction progress and what it currently looks like on the inside – here and they describes themselves as:
American pub and grill opening fall 2011 in Park View/Petworth. DC Reynolds was founded by restaurateurs Jeremy Gifford, Jon Calvert, and Justin Gifford after years of experience with a wide range of diverse concepts. DC Reynolds will integrate a full service home cooked menu with a relaxed, comfortable ambiance.
But my favorite post from their Facebook page says:
Met with some farmers and cheese makers this morning at the Bloomingdale Farmers market to talk about sourcing local meat, produce, and cheese. The dragon breath cheese and prosciutto we tried were awesome!
Sweet! Stay tuned for more info as construction progresses.
