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301 Pennsylvania Ave, SE

Thanks to @bryan_in_dc for tweeting us these updated photos of the Pret a Manger coming to the former Cosi space at the corner of 3rd and Pennsylvania Ave, SE.

“Pret A Manger at 3rd and Penn SE looks like it may open any day now. Interior looks done – even cash registers are installed. about half a dozen workers inside, too, so obviously actively trying to finish it up.”

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1701 Connecticut Avenue, NW

From a press release:

“Dupont Circle’s La Tomate has launched a new concept in its existing space on Connecticut Avenue. Family owned and operated since 1987, La Tomate inaugurates La Tomate Caffe’ adjacent to its current bistro – the first of many changes the restaurant will implement between 2014-2015. A Grand Opening of The Caffe’ will happen on Friday, July 25th all day. [Full menu here.]

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Photo credit: Rey Lopez

Designed by Milan-based architect, Fillipo Taidelli, The Caffe’ offers Belle Epoque inspired atmosphere with Italian-flared menu items. Open from breakfast to late-night, The Caffe’ will serve brioche and sweets, espresso, coffee and fresh-squeezed juices for breakfast, artisanal-cut domestic and Italian charcuterie, assortments of cheeses, mozzarella varieties and light-fare. A vast array of packaged homemade gastro products, including fresh, signature sauces and soups as well as Italian delicatessen treats, cocktails, wine and beer will be available all day.

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Photo credit: Rey Lopez

The Bistro will remain a place for leisurely indoor and al fresco dining, while The Caffe’ offers a fast option for a quick breakfast, lunch break, or dinner. “Whether dining in or on the go, La Tomate Caffe’ will offer fresh, affordable and delicious food in a cozy, traditional Italian caffe’ setting,” says La Tomate owner Natalina Koropoulos.

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Photo credit: Rey Lopez

To celebrate the opening, La Tomate Caffe’ will be serving up complimentary and reduced price specials all day on Friday, July 25th.”


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1513 Wisconsin Avenue, NW

A couple liquor license placards just went up on Wisconsin Ave – first in front of the Violet Spa:

New restaurant serving Sushi. Seating is for 80 patrons. Total occupancy load is 110.”

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1515 Wisconsin Avenue, NW

And right next door in front of the John Rosselli Antiques shop:

“New restaurant serving Japanese type Teriyaki grilled food. Seating is for 50 patrons. Total occupancy load is 99.”

Maybe they’ll be located on the second floor a la Toki Underground? Updates when more info is known.

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looking south on Wisconsin Ave towards M Street


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5111 Georgia Ave, NW

From 3 Little Pigs kickstarter page:

“We have been in business for three years now, doing business out of two thirds of our building. We have been waiting to invest in the third floor until we knew that we had the right idea. Our team spent late nights talking about ideas for the space – selling coffee and doughnuts, renting the space out as offices, a full service restaurant, all the way to using the space to offer mail order services. But, nothing felt quite right, so we stayed committed to searching for the right decision – one that sparked enthusiasm in everyone.

From the day we came up with the idea for Three Little Pigs, we knew we wanted to work to become a destination. After reading about “third places”, written about in The Good Great Place by Ray Oldenburg, we realized that to become the destination we wanted to become, we needed to create a place where the community comes together.

That is what we are building. We are building a place where we can host themed dinners, private luncheons, wedding showers, large scale butchery classes, food and wine tastings, classes on all types of food, even football Sundays. This is a place for all of the great people in our community to meet and have a great time!

Your help will go towards the much needed tables, chairs, doors, and the equipment and tools we need to teach and host our guests. We are investing our money to pay for the renovations, but that money will only get us a blank canvas – we need your help so we can get the paint, too. 15k is our goal, but the more we can raise the more we can invest into special equipment and other needs to make this event space awesome!”

Contribute here.


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Photo via Macon Bistor’s facebook page.

I finally got a chance to taste the relatively new Macon Bistro & Larder up in Chevy Chase [5120 Connecticut Avenue, NW] – and I guess I went in not knowing what to think but it was absolutely delicious (I had the scallops which were just insane.) Check out their full menu here. This is one of the few restaurants I’ve been to where every single thing from drinks to appetizers to entree (too full for dessert but had some tasty cookies) was just amazing. [The last restaurant I’ve been to like this was Fiola.] Anyway, good stuff. Anyone else take a taste?


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5501 14th Street, NW

Finally a bit of info on the long anticipated restaurant coming to the former Colorado Cleaners at the corner of 14th, Colorado and Kennedy Streets, NW. Thanks to all who sent emails. A recent liquor license placard posted out front says:

“New Tavern. Serving American Cuisine. Occupancy load is 295. Sidewalk Cafe

Hours of operation are listed as Sunday through Thursday 8 am – 2 am, Friday and Saturday 8 am – 3 am.

This space has huge potential – updates as construction progresses and more info is known.

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looking south


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8th and Monroe St, NE

Brookland blowing up Vol. 72 – finally some good news from Brookland Pint – from a craigslist ad:

“Brookland Pint is preparing to open in Monroe Street Market! Conveniently located across the street from The Catholic University of America and directly adjacent to Brookland/CUA Metro stop on the Red Line. We will be a new American restaurant that focuses on community and neighborhood with a bit of a craft beer problem. We are currently seeking ALL FOH positions for a tentative opening day in the beginning of August. If you are a restaurant professional and have ever wanted to open a restaurant, here is your chance! Please respond with a resume and a good time to meet. We will also be accepting applications in person Friday, July 18th, from 12-4 and Saturday, July 19th, from 10am-2pm on site! Our address is 716 Monroe St. NE, 20017. Applicants who come in to apply in person should bring a pen and a hard copy of their resume.”


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1309 5th Street, NE courtesy of Bidwell

From an email:

Bidwell is ready to make your weekend delicious!

Now open for breakfast on weekends from 9:30 – 10:30

Live Music Outdoors
Saturdays 7:00 – 10:00 pm
Sundays 6:00 – 9:00 pm

Rooftop Garden Tours starting at 3:00 pm”

Check out their breakfast menu here and other menus here.

What’s the word on their dinner menu?


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