1654 Columbia Rd, NW

Shawarma King opened up at 1654 Columbia Rd, NW back in Dec. 2008. They competed in a battle for the Shawarmas with nearby Shawarma Spot here and here. We had a proper judging in Nov. 2011. Sadly their doors have now closed. But a new spot will take their place – Doner Bistro:

Our Döner is more than a meal, it’s a fusion of cultures and ideals stuffed into grilled flat bread and made to your individual tastes.

Enjoy our spiced meat prepared daily, fresh fixings of natural ingredients and beverages such as imported beer, wine and organic lemonade in a welcoming environment; the recipe for a perfect day. Come by and experience the modern taste and feel of Germany without buying a plane ticket.

You can see their menus here.

And more description:

Thoroughly European

Everything from beer poured into the right style glass to the radio station’s German beats to its little quirky details, Döner Bistro is your first class ticket.

It’s your day, your life; you deserve a little fun :-)

But what the f*** is a Döner?

The Döner Kebab (meaning “turning meat”) is a traditional Turkish dish served with rice on a platter.

In the 1970’s, a Turkish entrepreneur in Germany altered this dish by stuffing the Döner meat into a flatbread with salad and sauce.

This form better suited the German taste and hectic lifestyle, and its popularity quickly spread from Germany throughout Europe into Australia, Canada and across the world.

Our version of the meat cones are made in house.
We do not use pre-processed meat, fillers or preservatives.

All our menu items are made to order right in front of your eyes!


The 18th Street streetscape improvement brought wider sidewalks to Adams Morgan. Keep your eyes peeled for more sidewalk cafes. First up – Madam’s Organ has applied for one at 2461 18th Street, NW.



1825 18th St. NW

Dear PoPville,

Any word on what’s up with The Cajun Experience on 18th Street in Adams Morgan? Their website is down and no one is answering the phone. Also, the recent Yelp reviews are horrible. I used to really like this place and I had high hopes for them, but I can’t seem to figure out what happened! I have a LivingSocial deal for this place…guess I’ll try to get a refund.

Wow, just last week I noticed a banner announcing new managment:

But I stopped by over the weekend to check in and the banner was gone and the place was deserted:

We judged the Cajun Experience back in March 2011. We we first learned that they would open in the old Inti Peruvian space by Lauriol Plaza back in Dec. 2010.



Photo by PoPville flickr user TDLphoto

Tim writes:

“Last night while i was drinking at The Reef, some guy got pissed his girlfriend told him off and thought that he would impress her by showing that he could jump from The Reef to The Mellow Mushroom and didn’t quite make it.

Here is a picture from the vantage point of The Reef of him being lowered to 18th Street via a DC Ladder truck.”

Coincidentally my friend posted the following poem on his facebook page:

“Sit, be still, and listen,
because you’re drunk
and we’re at
the edge of the roof.”
― Rumi



1781 Florida Ave, NW

Thanks to all who sent photos of the Pleasant Pops Farmhouse Market and Cafe signage at the former Rita’s space in Adams Morgan. Back in March we learned:

“What is the Farmhouse Market & Cafe?

Inspired by DC area farmers’ markets, our vision is to create a year-round community market and gathering place in the heart of Northwest DC. We’ll feature a selection of seasonal local produce, dairy, farm goods, sandwiches, locally roasted coffees, and our original pop creations.”

Looks like their kickstarter campaign raised $26,366. Well done.

I’m super psyched for this one to get here!



2450 18th St, NW

Back in Dec. 2011 McNasty’s opened up at 2450 18th St, NW in Adams Morgan. In early April 2012 the owners explained the origin of McNasty’s.

Apparently the explanation wasn’t good enough because we now have a new name for the ever changing 2450 18th St, NW – it is now Shenanigans Irish Pub. And the old logo has also been changed to a much friendlier looking leprechaun:


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