1826 Columbia Road, NW
El Rincon suffered a big fire back in October. Glad to see they’ve just reopened.
Ed. Note: Not to be mistaken with El Rinconcito II who also suffered a big fire in Columbia Heights. Last we heard they too hoped to reopen in a week or so.
711 Kennedy Street, NW
The liquor license placard says:
“Applicant requests a Summer Garden Endorsement with 10 seats.”
Nice! Previously we learned:
“The 1,300 square foot Cidery and Tasting Room at 711 Kennedy Street NW will be the center of all ANXO cider production upon opening. The tasting room includes a bar that seats 30, and will function as a neighborhood bar three days a week. In addition, we look forward to hosting events that celebrate cider and DC’s growing community.”
Standby for an opening date.
1723 Connecticut Ave, NW
Things that make you go hmm….
Jesse reports:
“Looks like “Third Eye” is up and running in the old Salty Dog space (Black Fox Lounge before them) in Dupont. All night happy hour including food specials.”
Ed. Note: I hope they didn’t bail on the Nepalese… You can see the full menu from their website here.
2301 Bladensburg Road, NE
A reader reports:
“Driving home this weekend, I noticed that Mason Dixie Biscuit Co. appears to be setting up a brick and mortar spot on Bladensburg, just north of NY Ave NE. It’s taking over the building that used to be Dolphin Fish and Chicken. Super exciting to see something that isn’t a new night club going in on this stretch, and hoping it means more to come for Bladensburg!!”
Mason Dixie Biscuit Co tells me they should be opening soon – stay tuned for an exact opening date later next week. In the meantime they describe the new spot:
“CUISINE: A nostalgic throw-back to a 1950’s roadside kitchenette, Mason Dixie Biscuit Co.’s Drive Thru is a fresh-fast restaurant focusing on crave-worthy biscuit sandwiches, juicy fried chicken, and creamy frozen “Cultshakes” by DC’s premier ice creamery, Milk Cult. Mason Dixie serves versions of these delicious Southern roadside classics made-to-order, using fresh, preservative-free, hormone-free, and high quality local ingredients with heart-warming Southern hospitality.
ICE CREAM PROGRAM: Mason Dixie Biscuit Co. partners with DC ice creamery, Milk Cult, on an ice cream program specially made for the Drive Thru. The menu is complete with ice-creams by the scoop, inventive ice cream sandwiches, and introducing the exclusive “Cultshake” by Mason Dixie – signature hand-spun milkshakes only available at the Drive Thru. The duo met as members of Union Kitchen in Ivy City and are collaborating for this break-out concept.
SPACE: Located in Washington, DC’s thriving Ivy City/Gateway community, Mason Dixie’s Drive-Thru reinvigorates the former fast food locale into a nostalgic 1950’s roadside kitchenette. The restaurant preserves the existing drive-thru and features updated vintage fixtures and a fresh new face to the exterior façade. The 32-seat restaurant interior gives a playful nod to a throw-back Howard Johnson meets old-fashioned ice cream parlor. Hand-picked vintage furniture and a retro color scheme provide a fun and relaxed aesthetic which will reintroduce the social aspect of the classic teen hangout spot. The youthful ambiance and family-friendly atmosphere is sure to evoke a trip down memory lane.”
Say what you will about the Hilton brothers but they are not lazy. Next up – Crimson Diner + Whiskey Bar. I had a chance to take a quick peek and while it wasn’t photo ready it’s pretty big news for Chinatown! There are actually three separate parts. In the basement there will be the Whiskey Bar (and moonshine!?!!) and it is huge. There will be a massive bar and total occupancy for maybe around 500. Stay tuned for many more details on that front including a menu but they should open around June.
On the first floor will be the Diner. It’s a bit smaller but should fit around 150. You can expect biscuit sandwiches (ex Buttermilk fried chicken, spicy honey, bread & butter pickles, Duke’s mayo, sesame seed bun), breakfast all day, shrimp and grits and other southern inspired fare. The menu will be completely different from the Whiskey Bar downstairs. The Diner should open in early May. Also in the Diner space up front will be a coffee bar. They’ll open at 6am and the Diner will be open from 7am-2am. The space is being designed by the same folks who designed Maketto.
Finally upstairs there is a roof deck. And while the name hasn’t been finalized you can expect to sup on some oysters and charcuterie with your drinks.
Updates on all three fronts as opening dates are firmed up and more details are released.
627 H Street, NW
501 H Street, NW
A tipster with an impeccable record hears that an All About Burger (formerly Z Burger before the split) will be coming to the former Li Ho Food spot that closed back in 2015. Stay tuned for confirmation and updates.
RIP:
818 H Street, NE
Quara’s liquor license placard says:
“A restaurant serving Ethiopian Cuisine. Seating Capacity of 52, Total Occupancy Load of 60. To include Entertainment Endorsement, Dancing and Cover Charge.”
Updates as they get closer to opening. They’ll be located right by the Halal Guys space coming to 814 H Street, NE.
Photo by PoPville flickr user Lindsey Robinett
“Dear PoPville,
I’m planning a surprise brunch for my friend in a couple weeks and was wondering if anyone had any recommendations of restaurants in the DC or Arlington area. There will be about 15-20 of us, preferably bottomless. I have a few places in mind but just wanted to see what the PoPville community recommends.”
1764 Columbia Rd, NW
That was fast part two! A reader reports: “Coming Soon! Maiwand Grill”
Not clear if related at this point but there is a Maiwand Grill (The authentic taste of Afghanistan) in Baltimore and Burtonsville, MD. Updates as they get closer to opening?
