
3229 14th St, NW
About a month ago we learned that Pollo Campero’s dining room was getting renovated in the Columbia Heights plaza – turned out nice:


3229 14th St, NW
About a month ago we learned that Pollo Campero’s dining room was getting renovated in the Columbia Heights plaza – turned out nice:


6th and H Street, NW
Finally a new tenant for the former video store at the corner of 6th and H St, NW – pizza.


13th and F Street, NW
Back in June M&S Grill closed “For a Remodel” at the corner of the 13th and F St, NW near the National Press Building. Washington Business Journal reports on the replacement:
“We now have the answer to what will fill the shuttered M&S Grill restaurant space at the corner of 13th and F streets NW: Mastro’s, an upscale steakhouse and seafood restaurant new to the Washington region.”
Mastro’s website says:
“Mastro’s collection of sophisticated, classic Steakhouses and Ocean Club Seafood locations are recognized for their combination of world-class service, highly acclaimed cuisine, and live entertainment in an elegant yet energetic atmosphere. A truly unparalleled dining experience…”
Ed. Note the description does not continue it ends with a …
You can see their Chicago menu here.

4481 Connecticut Ave, NW
Thanks to a reader for sending:
“Just thought I’d let you know it looks like another Quiznos has bitten the dust. This one was on Connecticut Avenue in Forest Hills/North Cleveland Park, next to Italian Pizza Kitchen. I was in there on Friday and they barely had anything in stock. Walked by on Saturday and the signs were taken down and people were loading up a trailer. The location’s been removed from the Quiznos website. There is a Potbelly and Subway a couple blocks away (and a Panera in Tenleytown), so it’s not a huge loss, but the folks who worked there were always pleasant. RIP Quiznos in DC?”
I think there is still a Quiznos alive in Chinatown at 750 I St, NW. Any others still kicking?

4434 Connecticut Ave, NW
Nearby there is also some nice progress at the new bakery, Bread Furst:


108 Rhode Island Ave, NW
More good restaurant news for Bloomingdale – this time on Rhode Island Ave near Boundary Stone and Grassroots Bakery – from an email:
“Plans are moving forward with the space at 108 Rhode Island Avenue, NW. The application for a liquor license has been submitted, and placards are going up later today for El Camino, a full-service restaurant featuring traditional-style Mexican food with a variety of Latin cocktails, by the partners behind 1905 Bistro & Bar. Tony Lucca and Phil Rodriguez (also of Sticky Rice DC) hope to open the Bloomingdale restaurant later this summer.”


2475 18th Street, NW
In Dec. 2013, after sporadic hours, we finally pronounced Snap dead in Adams Morgan. Now Adams Morgan BID The 42 Bus reports:
“Z-Kabob is opening soon where Snap used to be at 2475 18th Street, NW. Signage for Z-Kabob was erected last week at 2475 18th St NW. This appears to be the same Z-Kabob already found in four locations across Maryland and Virginia. If that is indeed the case, they’ll be offering a halal menu with meat kabobs, haleem, biryanis, and more, including some vegetarian options.”
You can see Z Kabob’s Menu here.

1250 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Last month we learned things appeared back on track for STK steakhouse coming to the former Casa Nonna space (and California Pizza Kitchen before that) in south Dupont Circle. Stay tuned for a Spring opening – from a press release:
“The ONE Group (OTB: STKS), a leading lifestyle hospitality company, announces the expansion of STK, its high-energy steakhouse into the nation’s capital. Slated for a spring 2014 opening, “STK DC” will be located at 1250 Connecticut Avenue, NW, marking the restaurant’s eighth outpost of the modern reinvention of the traditional American steakhouse. In the heart of the city’s Dupont Circle neighborhood, STK’s vibe-driven scene will be based around a bustling bar, while banquettes and bistro seating will offer diners a menu with an extensive selection of delicious steakhouse classics with a twist. STK also breaks the mold of a conventional steakhouse with its sexy, social atmosphere and vibrant bar scene featuring DJs spinning. STK DC will launch with nightly dinner and happy hour menus, adding a lunch program shortly thereafter.
STK artfully blends two concepts into one—the modern steakhouse and a chic lounge—offering a vibe-driven dining experience with the superior quality of a traditional steakhouse. Naturally steak is the main attraction at STK where a variety of cuts are available in “small,” “medium” and “large” sizes to appeal to every appetite. Options range from a 6 oz. Filet Mignon, to the 16 oz. Sirloin and even a 34 oz. Cowboy Rib Steak, among others. Yet the menu also features hearty salads, fresh seafood and savory sides with signature dishes including Shrimp Rice Krispies, Lil’BRGs, Foie Gras French Toast, Parmesan Truffle Fries; Sweet Corn Pudding; and Jump Lump Crab Salad.
A central bar and DJ booth take the focus of the space with crowd-pleasing mixes playing of 70s, 80s and 90s tunes, beginning the night as background music and increasing with the vibe as the night progresses. The wine and cocktail program certainly lends to this as well where signature drinks include Not Your Daddy’s Manhattan (Bulleit bourbon, Zinfandel Port, sweet and dry vermouth); Cucumber Stiletto (Ketel One Citroen, St. Germain, muddled cucumber); District Darlin’ (Apple pie moonshine, aperol, lemon, thyme honey); Green Intensity (Absolut Elyx, fresh lime, jalapeño, basil); and Strawberry Cobbler (Belvedere vodka, fresh muddled strawberry, graham cracker crust).
There are currently seven STK restaurants in major metropolitan cities, including Atlanta, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York (2), London and Miami, which is in the process of being re-located in South Beach. The ONE Group will open the reservation line for STK DC on March 15 (202.296.1880) for future bookings with an anticipated late spring opening of the Dupont Circle location.”

1645 Connecticut Avenue, NW
@jlkoepke tweets us:
“Five Guys in Dupont is “closed until further notice.” Another Dupont restaurant bites the dust?”
Ed. Note: Potbelly closed closed a few storefronts away late last year.

707 H Street, NW
Thanks to @dewbertdc for tweeting us the photo above. 707 is the former home of Capital Q BBQ which closed in 2012. From a press release:
“Cava Mezze has finalized a lease agreement to expand its fast-casual restaurant, Cava Grill, with a location in Chinatown at 707 H Street NW, set to open this summer. Drawing from the success of Cava Mezze’s modern take on Greek food, Cava Grill brings these authentic flavors to the fast-casual setting, redefining signature dishes for budget-,time-, and health-conscious customers. The restaurant’s format will fit well in Chinatown’s diverse and busy neighborhood.
Founders Ike Grigoropoulos, Ted Xenohristos, Chef Dimitri Moshovitis, and business partner Brett Schulman are spearheading the expansion, which first opened in Bethesda January 2011. “The authenticity of our food has been the driving force behind our restaurants,” noted Ted Xenohristos. “It goes back to our mothers’ cooking –fresh, flavorful food, shared with family and friends. We are excited to bring Cava Grill to Chinatown and open our first Cava Grill in downtown DC.”
Grigoropoulos, Xenohristos, Moshovitis, and Schulman plan to continue expanding Cava Grill, opening several outlets in the Washington, D.C., metro area, as appropriate locations become available. Cava Grill has five locations in Bethesda, Tenleytown, Columbia Heights, Merrifield, and Tysons Corner. Cava Mezze Restaurant opened in 2006 in Rockville, expanding later to Capitol Hill and Clarendon, VA, and has been recognized as one of Washington’s best restaurants.”
You can see Cava’s menu here.

1648 North Capitol Street, NW at R Street
We first heard about plans for Pub and the People back in October:
“A neighborhood restaurant and bar with 70 seats indoors and a potential for up to 100 outdoors. The largest patio in the area will also provide a view of the U.S. Capitol Building (which will be nice, assuming it ever reopens). Indoors, the space will bring the atmosphere of DC’s early pubs and restaurants. Think exposed brick and wood, not suspenders.
We have recruited Chef Dan Dalcin, currently Sous Chef at the award-winning Black Salt in Palisades. Chef Dan’s menu will offer traditional American cuisine, and will draw influence from several other cuisine types: Southern, Southwestern, Seafood, Asian, and Vegetarian.”
And we saw some renderings later that month. And now they’ve applied for a liquor license:
“New Tavern serving high-quality American Fare with entertainment for special events, live music, karaoke and community speaking events. Total occupancy is 99. Sidewalk Café with seating for 125 patrons.”
Very much looking forward to this becoming a reality.

North Cap looking north

North Cap looking south

Firehouse at the southern end of the 1600 block of North Capitol Street, NW
Ed. Note: On Washington Firehouse Restaurant’s facebook page they wrote on Jan. 30th:
“Thank you to everyone who signed the petition, emailed their representatives, and came out to support The Washington Firehouse Restaurant. Our ABRA hearing lasted almost 7 hours yesterday and we should hear back from the board within 60 days as to their determination on our application and the hours of operation. As soon as we hear from the board we will post the news on our Facebook page. Thank you again and have a great week.”