Restaurants

The Getaway Very Likely Closing in Columbia Heights at the End of the Month

By Prince Of Petworth

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14th and Meridian Place, NW

A readers sends word:

“Stopped into the Getaway for brunch on Saturday and was informed that they are closing in two weeks. They said something about how they would be relocating, but didn’t say where.”

I checked with some folks who are in the know who also said they heard The Getaway was closing at the end of the month. An email to the owner was not returned but I’ll update as soon as more info becomes available. Back in May 2011, The Getway opened in the former Social space (and before that Christian bookstore) at the corner of 14th and Meridian Pl, NW. You can see their menus here.

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New Taqueria Coming to U Street will have a Retractable Roof – Opening Late December

By Prince Of Petworth

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917 U Street, NW

Earlier in the week I mentioned that the Taqueria coming next to Dodge City (from the Hilton bothers) would be opening in late December. Here’s more good news – it will have a huge retractable roof:

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I took a peek inside and while there is obviously still work to be done, you can tell there will also be multiple bars on either side of the space.

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I’m loving this trend of retractable roofs – first Red Rocks on H Street, then word of plans for Ivy and Coney and now this – sweet.

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Alibi Restaurant & Lounge Opening in former My Brothers Place space in December, Check Out the Menu

By Prince Of Petworth

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237 2nd Street, NW

Last week we learned that Alibi Restaurant & Lounge would be taking over the former My Brothers Place space near Union Station. One of the owners got in touch with me and says plans are to open in December before the end of the year. Their website says:

“A British American Pub
As a nod to the history of Capital Hill, THE ALIBI is inspired by British traditions and influenced by local American products. The menu features slow roasts, fresh meat pies, fried fish, and other comfort foods made in house with age old techniques including braising, smoking, baking and pickling.

The beverage program draws from both countries as well, with traditional beers from the colonies and the mother country. Classic cocktails are kept simple, with a commitment to bringing out the artistry of these original recipes, while our modern cocktails introduce spices and herbs for a more exciting flavor profile.

Owners Martin (the Englishman) and Rachel (the American woman) are proud to be a part of this new chapter in history for the infamous building at 237 2nd Street Northwest. With restored exposed brick, wood floors and stained glass chandeliers, THE ALIBI provides an escape from the hectic, fast paced world right outside its doors of 21st century DC. Simple honest products as well as personable and stellar service give everyone from Senators to maintenance workers a reason to find a good alibi.”

You can see their menu here.

Maple Expanding into the former Columbia Heights Coffee Space

By Prince Of Petworth

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3416 11th Street, NW

Last month we learned the trailblazing Columbia Heights Coffee had closed on 11th Street. At that time some commenters had heard that next door neighbor Maple would be taking over the space. Turns out it is true. While my feelings about Columbia Heights Coffee have not changed, I am happy to hear that Maple is taking over the space. Maple is delicious and I’m glad I will have a better chance of getting a table. The news is still a bit bittersweet but at the end of the day – this is good news. You can see Maple’s menu here. Looking forward to seeing how the buildout turns out.

Bandido Torta Pop Up Returns to Dodge City, Taqueria Coming Next Door Will Open in Late Dec.

By Prince Of Petworth

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917 U Street, NW

Ed. Note: The Taqueria from the Hilton Brothers opening next door to Dodge City is looking at a late Dec. opening. Stay tuned for more info on that front soon.

From an email:

“After an overwhelmingly positive response, Dodge City is happy to say that the Bandido is back! Beginning November 11 Tortas Bandido will once again take over our grill for the next four weeks. Chef Paul Challan has been hard at work crafting recipes for the season. He brings a brand new menu of Mexican sandwiches available every Mon.-Wed. 6-10 PM. Get there early and enjoy a torta and a spicy soup to keep you toasty this fall!

TORTAS
Roasted turkey breast, turkey skin chicharron, lettuce, avocado, pickled jalapenos, mayo, black beans, green salsa

Beer braised beef short ribs, caramelized onions, Muenster cheese, pickled jalapenos, black beans, red salsa

Muenster cheese, Monterey Jack, queso fresco, pico de gallo, black bean, lettuce, red salsa (vegetarian)

SOUPS
Tortilla Soup: Vegetable-tomato broth, tortilla strips, Muenster cheese, avocado, chiles (vegetarian)
Pozole: Mexican pork stew, hominy, lettuce, avocado”

Some Residents Not Too Happy with the Folks from TGIFriday’s Coming to Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth

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14th and Monroe Street, NW

“Dear PoPville,

I am writing on behalf of Monroe St NW residents; as I am sure you know, there’s a TGI Friday’s that will be setting up shop very soon at the corner of 14 and Monroe. Ever since we found out about this, the Monroe Street residents Association along with the Kelsey Elder community have been very inquisitive and worried about this type of businesses opening up in a residential street and specially right below a Community of elderly people. We have voiced our concerns to our councilmember Jim Graham and our ANC reps. We have attended multiple meetings and even one with the TGI Friday’s people on Wednesday. We had been working on a settlement agreement with the ANC and filed a formal protest to the ABRA Board. Everything went great until we questioned them on a couple of issues. They saw our settlement agreement and basically rejected any type of compromise on most of it. Their discourse on willing to do anything to be a good neighbor went out the door when we asked for them to amend their closing hours to around midnight. At that point their bullying behavior became apparent and they immediately shut us down without any room for discussion. The fact of the matter is that they have not shown any action or willingness to go out of their way to appease our concerns. (more…)

New Brunch Launching at El Chucho this Saturday

By Prince Of Petworth

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3313 11th Street, NW

From an email:

“El Chucho Cocina Superior in Columbia Heights has a new four-item brunch menu that will debut this Saturday November 9 when doors open at 11:30 a.m. The menu will feature a spin on traditional Chilaquiles (braised black beans, ranchero salsa, queso fresco inside a crispy tortilla); Buttermilk Masa Pancakes served with cinnamon butter, agave-maple syrup and fresh grapes, strawberries, cantaloupe and honeydew; Green Eggs and Ham (two poached eggs, ham and black beans served on top of crispy huaraches and topped with a chimichurri hollandaise); and Rum Raisin Tamales (two cream cheese tamales topped with rum raisin sauce and served with fresh fruit).

All brunch items are under $10, and El Chucho will also be serving brunch cocktails including red or green bloody marys, mimosas, and french press coffee.”

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