Friday Question of the Day

Friday Question of the Day – Would a Country Bar Do Well in DC?

By Prince Of Petworth

A friend of mine is gonna kill me for posting this question because he thinks this a million dollar idea and wants to open one himself. Nevertheless a fun Friday Question of the Day will always trump my personal friendships… I was also psyched to find another really interesting fact from the cultural heritage trail in Mt. Pleasant (pictured above). It mentioned that there was a country bar located at 1419 Irving St, NW in Columbia Heights (that later became a rock bar) called the Starlite Restaurant. Coincidentally, It turns out that there is currently a vacant retail space in DCUSA in nearly that exact same address (next to the IHOP). Could a country music bar be reborn here?

And in general what do you guys think – are there enough country music fans to support a country bar in DC? If so, what neighborhood do you think would best support one?

Are there any other “specialty bars” missing from DC that would do well here? I’d also vote for and support a good old regular bowling alley.

Friday Question of the Day – What Retail is Union Station Missing?

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

Any tips on what’s going on in the Northeast end of Union Station? Recently all of the car rental agencies moved upstairs, Ben and Jerry’s moved across the station, and the tie store, Lids, and just about everything in that block besides Verizon has disappeared. It seems they are planning on using the Northeast portion for something big, but I have no idea what. Anyone have a clue?

With all of the new restaurants near the metro (Chipotle, Potbelly, and Chopt) and the addition of the NY buses, it’s clear that improvement is afoot at Union Station even before they start construction on Burnham Place. Now if only they can figure out what to do with the old movie theater space and get Bojangles to open up…”

When we discussed the now open Potbelly’s on Monday a reader, Lou, said:

“I saw a presentation done by the Union Station managers a couple of years ago and this was not what was projected. They had ambitions of bringing in Apple, other high-end retail and a high-end restaurant. That’s why they were driving out some of the little independent shops in the basement food court.”

When I spoke to some folks who worked in nearby stores they thought that this space (where the Verizon store is) was simply being cleared to provide more lobby/loading space for Amtrak. But I’m wondering what you guys think – would an Apple or other high-end retail store work in Union Station? Do/Would people go to Union Station for specifically for shopping? I know folks who work nearby go for lunch but would people go specifically for an REI store? The funny thing is – when I was answering my own question in my head, I was thinking a movie theater would be great. I know not everyone liked the old theater because it could get loud but it (the former space in the basement) really does seem like a great space for a theater…

Anyway, for the Friday Question of the Day – What retail do you think is missing from (would be successful at) Union Station? Or should the addition of more restaurants be the way to go?

Friday Question of the Day – Who’s the Best Bartender in the City?

By Prince Of Petworth

Last week when Town & Country closed in the Mayflower Hotel (1127 Connecticut Avenue NW) I wanted to stop by to snap a photo before construction began (it’ll become a Pink clothing store which will move from it’s current location in the hotel.) Anyway, I couldn’t help but notice the faded sign on the outside featuring Sam the bartender. The sign says in part, “…Washington’s most famous bartender…” so it got me thinking about famous bartenders or at least bartenders I like in DC.

And since I’m also horrible with names you can answer the question – “the guy with glasses from Room 11 who used to work at Temperance Hall.” I actually do remember that name – Dan Searing (part owner of Room 11 in Columbia Heights) is one of my favorites. I like Dan because I can go in and say I feel like something with gin and he’ll fix up an amazing concoction that I’ve never tried before. It also helps that he’s a really nice guy.

I was just having a conversation the other night when I said that despite all the bells and whistles of a new bar, for me, what makes or breaks a bar is quite simply the quality of the bartender.

I suppose there can be two elements – fixing drinks and personality. So for the FQotD – who’s your favorite bartender (and what bar do they work at) in the city?

Friday Question of the Day – Is Selling Naming Rights to Metro Stations a Good Idea?

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Sandra Sitar

It’s long been known that metro’s budget is facing tough times. As I mentioned yesterday, they even seem to be looking the other way on questionable ads. A reader writes:

“[From U Street Metro] The first sign you see on your way in is Metro’s “this is not a diner” anti-eating/drinking campaign. The second one you see is this one, essentially telling people to bring their Green Mountain coffee on Metro.”

On Thursday TBD reported:

“Metro CFO Carol Kissal said this morning that the agency is considering selling to corporations the naming rights to Metro stations. She said the move could bring in up to $2 million to the cash-strapped agency.”

This almost sounds like a joke but if it’s actually being considered – I gotta ask – do you think it’s a good idea?

Also who do you think would have the deep pockets to purchase a name? Well there are 86 stations so that would come to roughly $23,000 for a metro station. And how would it work – would it be something like, “next stop Georgia Ave/Petworth” sponsored by The House? Next stop “Columbia Heights sponsored by Ellwood Thompson’s Target”?

Short Week – Thurs. Question of the Day – What’s Your Favorite Vacant Property in DC?

By Prince Of Petworth

I have three that jump in my head right away. I’ve always loved the old post office (pictured above) on T St, NW just west of 14th that has been for lease for ages. I also love the old Fire House on North Capitol in Bloomingdale and I love the Uline Arena (home of the first Beatles concert in the US) in NoMa. Another good challenger is the old theater in Adams Morgan on Columbia Rd, next to the old CVS. And of course there is the classic Wonderbread Factory in Shaw. What’s your favorite/which would you most like to see get fixed up?

The crazy thing is that sometimes I have people emailing me about these properties and want to start businesses/restaurants there, so in my mind something is completely fracked up that the buildings still sit vacant/dilapidated. Now I’m no economist but if we have people that want to open up in these spaces – they should not be sitting vacant this long! Somehow, some part of this system is seriously fracked.

I hate to be a tease but Bloomingdale folks would be seriously sick to their stomachs if they knew who wanted to open up in the old Fire House on North Capitol St. Ed. Note: it is an established and very good restaurant. But I digress…

Friday Question of the Day – How Do You Feel About Having Your Bags Searched at Metro?

By Prince Of Petworth

On Thursday, WMATA issued a press release saying:

Metro Transit Police today advised customers they will conduct random inspections of carry-on items, as part of the continuously changing law enforcement programs designed to keep the system safe.

Based on programs now successfully used in New York and Boston, Metro Transit Police will randomly identify carry-on items for inspection at station entrances.

“This adds another layer of security to our system,” said MTPD Chief Michael A. Taborn. “The program will increase visible methods of protecting our passengers and employees, while minimizing inconvenience to riders.”

The inspections will be conducted in conjunction with Transportation Security Administration officials and are expected to take only minutes and are designed to be non-intrusive, as police will randomly select bags or packages to check for hazardous materials using ionization technology as well as K-9 units trained to detect explosive materials. Carry on items will generally not be opened and physically inspected unless the equipment indicates a need for further inspection.

Anyone who is randomly selected and refuses to submit their carry-on items for inspection will be prohibited from bringing those items into the station. Customers who encounter a baggage checkpoint at a station entrance may choose not to enter the station if they would prefer not to submit their carry-ons for inspection.


Given the recent threats metro has received do you think this is a good idea? We actually spoke about this when it came up a previous time back in Oct. 2008. At that time most people thought the searches were an invasion of their privacy. Do you still feel that these searches are an invasion of your privacy? Or do you think they are necessary to ensure your safety?

I don’t mean to be out of line but what if a mass transit system were hit by a bomber somewhere in a major US city would you then change your mind? Or do you think that would lead us into slippery slope territory?

For those that are opposed – is the major objection the invasion of privacy or the feeling that it will provide a false sense of security or the feeling that it will slow down the commute while not really serving as a proper deterrent?

Friday Question of the Day – Should Online Gambling be Legal in DC?

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by flickr user Orin Zebest

The Washington Times reports:

The D.C. Council on Tuesday, with little discussion and no public notice, voted 11-2 in favor of a budget amendment that would legalize online poker and fantasy sports gambling through the D.C. Lottery as a means of helping plug a $200 million budget gap.

But on Wednesday, Rep. Jason Chaffetz of Utah, ranking Republican on the House subcommittee that oversees the District, said he is “absolutely, totally opposed” to the idea — and because of the District’s status as a federal enclave, Congress has final approval over its laws.

Now I’ve already admitted that I’ve taken a few knocks to the head in my day and before we knew sniffing glue was bad for you… but honestly I just don’t understand this. Can’t you play online poker anywhere already?

But assuming there is something I’m missing here – what do you think about the idea of legalizing and promoting online gambling in DC?


Friday Question of the Day – What are the Best Additions to the DC Scene in the last Three Years?

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo of ‘Coffee and ipads instead of coffee and newspapers’ by PoPville flickr user ekelly80

“Dear PoP,

I was wondering if you could do a bit for out of towners (rather selfishly, I admit). I’m moving back to DC after almost three years New York City, and I’m a bit down in the dumps about it to tell you the truth. I would really like to know what there is to do in DC now? Movies? Culture? Great food? Music?”

First and foremost DC has seen tremendous changes in the last three years. But let me take an aside first and offer some unsolicited advice about coming to DC from NYC. I’m originally from New York and when I first visited DC I hated it. It wasn’t until I stopped comparing everything about DC to NYC that I started to really enjoy it and then I quickly fell in love with DC’s distinct neighborhoods. NYC is a very unique place and there is no place else like it period. Having said that DC is an amazing place in its own right and every year I’ve been here it keeps getting (mostly) better. But that’s just me, so, back on point. What’s the best change we’ve seen in DC over the last 3 years?

Well, the restaurant scene has exploded all over the city. It seems like every single week a new restaurant is opening or planning on opening. I had the opportunity to try Estadio (14th and Church St, NW) for the first time and while the food was great, I was blown away by the slushito (alcohol slushies). Truly amazing. And if you really get homesick for NY – we’re even getting a Shake Shack soon! And we already have a Carmine’s. And we have a ton of food trucks now. The amount of change in the restaurant scene all over the city is astounding.

As for music – we still have the great 9:30 club which was great 3 years ago (same goes for the Black Cat) but Rock and Roll Hotel on H St, NE has really come into its own. And in Columbia Heights you can catch some really interesting acts at Bloombars.

Additionally the bar scene has exploded across the city especially on H St, NE. We now have a proper German Beer Garden and another one is on its way to Near SE/South Barracks Row. We also have a phenomenal restaurant and bar in Logan Circle called Church Key and Birch & Barley. Up in Columbia Heights we have bar with table taps! And nearby you can get some great Pho.

As for the movie scene – I’d say it remains basically the same as it was 3 years ago. E St. Cinema remains the best for eclectic/indie films. However there are lots of film festivals that seem to pop up every other month.

In addition to having a new baseball stadium – we’ve also have new parks and basically a whole new neighborhood.

As for culture – well DC has one of the greatest museum scenes in the world. You can see some of our favorites here. And here’s a number of general must do activities in DC. Here are some great romantic spots around town. Bottom line is – there are tons of amazing things to do in DC, all you have to do is look and the good news is that there are a lot more places to look now.

So for the FQotD – what has been the greatest change/addition to the DC food/cultural/music/movie scene in the last three years?

Special Wed. Before Thanksgiving Question of the Day – What are you Thankful For?

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user JRoseC

Last year a reader suggested a what are we thankful for post and I liked the idea. I’m thankful for a wonderful family, friends and our online community that has become PoPville. You can drive me nuts from time to time but I genuinely like, respect and appreciate (most of) you more than ever.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the Police Departments, Fire Department, other emergency responders and all those who are working over this Thanksgiving holiday.

To MPD in particular, I often post horrific crimes (and banal ones too) but rarely post about your accomplishments. Just this evening I read a report of a robbery that was thwarted as a result of MPD officers and 2 handguns were recovered in the first police district (700 block of 11th Street SE). Your successes are not unnoticed and I want to thank you for your service. While I and others don’t often say it, I appreciate your efforts in making our neighborhoods a safer place to live.

For those traveling – wishing you and yours a safe and speedy journey.

If anyone cooks a particularly good looking Turkey or has a good thanksgiving scene be sure to upload to the PoPville flickr pool or send in an email to princeofpetworth(at)gmail(dot)com.

So, what are you thankful for this year?

Friday Question of the Day – 5 Year Limit on Welfare Payments in DC? (Reader Request)

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user christopher.poole

I’ve gotten a ton of emails about this one. The Post reports:

“Two D.C. Council members from impoverished areas of the city are proposing to end cash payments to long-term welfare recipients to save tax dollars and encourage more of their constituents to find work.

The proposed five-year benefit limit, sponsored by council members Marion Barry (D-Ward 8 ) and Yvette M. Alexander (D-Ward 7), would bring the District in line with most other states, but the proposal is drawing warnings from advocates that it would lead to more homeless families, hungry children and crime.”

While the answer may be complicated, the question is quite a simple one – do you think this is a good idea or would it lead to more homeless families and crime?

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