A friend of mine was recently talking about the dearth of good BBQ near the Green Line. I immediately thought of the Rib Pit located at 3903 14th St, NW. We spoke of other good bbq options here but those discussions were a long time ago. So any fellow fans of the Rib Pit?
I’m still saddened that I never got to see the Rib Pit Lounge…
Photo by PoPville flickr user AWard Tour
“Dear PoP,
Do you have any good ideas for first date restaurants? I’m looking for a place that is low key and relatively quiet/private so my hypothetical date and I can have a good conversation and get to know each other. Also, it shouldn’t be so inexpensive that I look cheap, but it shouldn’t be so expensive that I look like a show off (or that I blow a fortune on someone then realize that there won’t be a second date).
To give you an idea, a place like Red Rocks strikes me as a good first date option. I’m interested in non-Columbia Heights/Petworth spots too, though, because I live up here and I feel like it sends the wrong message to take a woman somewhere that’s just a few blocks away from my place.”
Back in Feb. ’08 we had a similar question where I recommended:
If you want to stay in the U Street area, you should get dinner at one of three places followed up by some live music at HR57 (jazz). Good places to eat beforehand are Rice, Al Crostino, or the new wine bar Cork. You’ll probably have to drop like $80 total for the both of you on dinner but HR57 is pretty cheap and you can even bring your own wine there. Rice is located right next to HR57 on 14th Street a couple blocks north of P. Al Crostino (a bit more expensive) is on U St. between 13th and 14th. If she’s been to HR 57 before or any of these restaurants a strong runner up would be to take her to Utopia which has live music at 1418 U Street. It has an awesome atmosphere and the music is usually pretty good. I think they only have music on Friday and Sat. though. If you want another place that is kind cool, go to Bohemian Caverns at 11th and U. It has a lot of history and the music is also rather strong in my experience (jazz and sometimes blues).
He decided to do this. Of course there are tons of new places that have since opened up since Feb. ’08 so what/where would you guys recommend for a good first date?
Photo from Nirvana Web site
“Dear PoP,
Do you know about the Indian restaurant Nirvana? I’m sure you do, since you’ve been in D.C. for a while. Nonetheless, it suddenly closed in July. Initially I was told by one of the owners that they were closing due to renovations. But now, when walking by, it appears the closing is more permanent, as the metal sign is gone and the windows are “boarded up” with a white sticker (now commonly used by buildings that do now want to appear vacant). Do you know if there is any chance one of the best Indian restaurants in town is relocating? Or, do you know what happened, exactly? Did the restaurant’s lease expire?
The address of the restaurant that closed was 1810 K Street, NW. It had the best buffet, in that all of the food was extremely fresh. Also, Nirvana’s buffet featured a different region of India every weekday, something I enjoyed. It will be missed. I’m going to check out the 18th & I express location to see if the new restaurant has a buffet. If not, I guess I will have to find another lunch option. ”
Their Web site says:
“Nirvana will be closing for good as of June 25. We appreciate your business, and hope we see you in our other locations.
Nirvana Express
1825 Eye Street NW
Washington, DC 20006
Farragut West Metro
Indian Delight
1100 Pennsylvannia Ave NW
Washington, DC 20009
Federal Triangle Metro”
Were there any other fans? We looked at some DC’s best Indian restaurants here and here when we judged Rasika.
Penang is located at 1837 M Street NW. I was impressed with their outdoor couches but I have no idea about the food. You can see their menu here. Any fans? Any must order items? Are the outdoor couches as comfortable as they look?
Back in May we learned that Fuddruckers had closed up at 1216 18th St NW just off, Connecticut Ave. Many folks have written emails, curious about what is going go into this prime location. Brace yourself – I’m told New York’s famous Shake Shack has signed a lease for this space. Shake Shack is most famous for its burgers and its Web site says:
Welcome to Shake Shack®, a modern day “roadside” burger stand serving the most delicious burgers, hot dogs, frozen custard, beer, wine and more! We use the finest local ingredients to make our version of much-loved American classics.
Shake Shack® opened its windows in Madison Square Park in 2004 and immediately became a neighborhood fixture, with locals, tourists and people from all walks of life gathering to enjoy some Shack goodness. Remarkably, people took to the wait, happy to be together amongst friends and strangers in the name of delicious food, in a fantastic setting. The press took note as well, the ShackBurger®, Hot Dog and Frozen Custard were highlighted among the best in the city by numerous media outlets over the years.
I know there are those who don’t like when I pass on scuttlebutt. Well, tough. This is potentially huge news for burger lovers. I give it a likelihood of 98% accurate. I’m hearing that the lease has actually been signed so it’s not just in a speculative scuttlebutt phase (which I also think is fun). I’ll be sure to update when an opening date is selected.
In the meantime, it looks like this section of Connecticut Ave by Dupont Circle is becoming Burger Row. As mentioned earlier in the day Go Burger is coming to 1317 Connecticut Ave, NW. Rogue States currently of “burger fumes” fame is located at 1300 Connecticut Ave, NW. And finally the first of the recent wave to open The Burger Joint is located at 1514 Connecticut Ave, NW. Can all three make it? And don’t forget celebrity chef Bobby Flay is still looking to open a Bobby’s Burger Palace in the DC area.
It’s been a while since I’ve caught a sweet city sign. “Romance in dining” sealed the deal for me on this one. (From Connecticut Ave, NW south of Dupont Circle).
And while we’re speaking of signs, nearby, I noticed relatively new one announcing that Go Burger will be opening up in Fall 2010 at 1317 Connecticut Ave, NW.
Back in March we heard about a new restaurant, Beau Thai, coming to the corner of R & New Jersey Ave, NW. I’ve had some timely emails on the topic. A reader wrote last week:
“Hey! So my boyfriend and I bike down R street every day to work, and we’ve been monitoring the progress of Beau Thai (at R & New Jersey) pretty closely. Today there were two guys out front and my boyfriend asked them when the restaurant would be opening…they said probably next week! So Bloomingdale might be getting TWO restaurants in August if Rustic keeps on track!”
and from a Bloomingdale resident (email):
“Please note in the upcoming news that Beau Thai will open on this Monday, August 9, for take-out; dine-in coming soon! The restaurant is located at R & New Jersey Ave NW.”
I stopped by on Sunday, and though the doors were locked, I peeked through the window and the inside was looking great. If anyone tries some take out, let us know what you think. I’ll be sure to update when the dine-in option is available.
UPDATE: I’m now told Beau Thai is aiming to open on Thurs. I’ll repost when date is set in stone.
Back in March ’09 we learned that Mar de Plata had closed at 1410 14th Street, NW but had relocated to 1827 Jefferson Place, NW. Sadly, last weekend I noticed that the Jefferson Place located (pictured above near the popular Trattu rest.) had closed as well.
We had previously judged Mar de Plata here. I’ll keep my eyes peeled to see who/what goes into the space on Jefferson. Though it is interesting to not that the 1410 14th St, NW location remains vacant.
Photo by PoPville flickr user Scenic Artisan
Last week I broke the news that Rustik Tavern would be moving into Baraki’s proposed space at the corner of 1st and T St, NW. There was a small open house this past weekend and the folks who stopped by, during the artwalk on 1st (more on that later), could hardly contain their enthusiasm. Indeed the space does look super promising. Including the famed wood burning oven:
I understand that there are still some permits that need to be acquired but hopefully folks will be eating pizza and drinking draft beer in Bloomingdale before the summer ends. I’m told literally hundreds of folks stopped by to check out the space. For those who stopped by what’d you think of the initial feel?
Ulah Bistro is located at 1214 U St, NW. I can’t believe they’ve been open over 2 years now. You can see their menus here (careful music plays). So let’s split this judging into two parts – how’s the brunch and how’s the regular menu? Any must order items?