“Dear PoP,

Can you put out a call for thoughts on the new Toledo Lounge in Adams Morgan? Once my favorite dive bar I loved for the Ohio theme, quirky servers, lack of crowds, perfect grilled cheese sandwich and the “When It Rains, We Pour” happy hour, it is now trying its hand at being “trendy” with an expensive beer list and “small plates.” The Toledo Lounge I love is gone! Interested to know what you and your readers think.”

Toledo Lounge is located at 2435 18th St. NW in Adams Morgan. It was sold back in Feb. ’11 to the owners of the Black Squirrel and Ventnor Cafe. I haven’t had a chance to check out the newly reopened space, but looking in the window it looks like not much has changed.

For those who’ve checked it out – what are your initial thoughts?


I got a very tempting tweet saying:

“owner of steak&eggs in tenlytown is vying for a 2nd location in old rug store at intersection of connecticut and calvert by the bridges”

Osman & Joe’s Steak’n Egg Kitchen currently has a DC location in Tenleytown at 4700 Wisconsin Ave NW. You can see their menu here. When we discussed their murals back in Feb. ’10 there were a few fans.

The rug store that the tipster is referring to was Jamshid’s Antique and New Oriental Rugs located at 2313 Calvert St, NW which closed in March ’11. Another reader had heard that CVS would be moving into that space. But the mere fact that Steak’n Egg is looking for a 2nd location is good news. Do you think a 2nd location in the Woodley/Adams Morgan area would do well?

I’ll be sure to follow up on this particular location or whichever is ultimately chosen. Stay tuned. And pray that it is true!


Embrace yoga recently opened at 1650 Columbia Rd, NW:

EMBRACE with Faith Hunter Yoga is vinyasa inspired yoga loft that serves as an urban refuge to celebrate life, love and soul freedom through the practice of yoga and community. This modern-yogi haven is a place to have fun in the practice while connecting to the divine love in your heart.

We invite you to dance your dance, breathe gracefully into your yoga practice, and open your heart to the abundance of life. Because each body is different, we are here to help you move in your own authentic way, and find bliss in your pose called life.

Our mantra:
Live life to the fullest, EMBRACE life with passion, EMBRACE your flow!

The practice of yoga is a heart-centered experience that has been shared by millions of people for thousands of years. As modern yogis, our connection to yoga has evolved and shifted over time, however the fundamental principles of pure love and passion for life have remained constant in a changing world.

To this day, we all seek balance, joy and divine love in every aspect of our lives. Through the practice of yoga, we feel connected to the source, and are able to experience this on and off the mat with the loving connection to community.

Inspired by our mantra, we seek to create an inspiring, blissful, and joyous environment where every yogi (no matter the level) feels welcomed.


Bistro 18 recently opened up in Adams Morgan at 2420 18th Street NW. Their Web site says:

Nestled in the middle of Adams Morgan, Bistro 18; the meeting place of the eaters, loungers and artists. From a perfectly grilled fillet to our Quinoa pilaf with asparagus and Portobello mushroom to our cranberry walnut French toast served on the weekend brunch. At any time of day, we are your neighborhood eatery. Our bar and lounge area with five flat screen TVs can peak the interests of any sports enthusiasts or news junkies. If you’re a connoisseur of the arts, you can check out over fifty feet of art exhibits from local artists. For those that are in need of a mid day break stop by for a C & C; a freshly brewed cappuccino and gourmet cup cake!

You can see their menus here.

Anyone check them out yet? Another good brunch option?


Snap opened up in Adams Morgan at 2475 18th St NW back in Sept. 2010. (They also have a Georgetown location at 1062 Thomas Jefferson St NW.) Back in Jan. a reader noted that they were closed during the day on weekdays at the Adams Morgan location. I’m happy to note that the Adams Morgan location is now open during the day on weekdays (the photo above was taken Monday afternoon).

Any fans of the Adams Morgan location?


“Dear PoP,

The former space at Design within Reach at 1838 Columbia Rd NW in Adams Morgan now looks to be occupied (or at least in the process of being occupied). Month-to-month lease to a prominent photojournalist. Display gallery, perhaps?”

It’s actually going to be featuring an exhibit for Foto DC:

Founded in 2008, FotoWeek DC has evolved from a city-centric photography festival to a multi-season tribute — with international appeal– to photography in all its forms.

FotoWeek DC celebrates the transformative power of photography through the exhibition of inspiring and provocative images, diverse programming, and collaboration with the local and international community.

Whether through photojournalism, fine art photography, or the work of emerging artists, FotoWeek DC provides a dynamic, evocative, engaging experience for photographers, cultural institutions, galleries, curators, schools, area residents and tens of thousands of visitors to the Nation’s Capital.

I spoke with one of the organizers who said the landlord was kind enough to let Foto DC use this space until a new tenant is found. This is the space that we spoke about before going for $18,000 per month. Very cool of the landlord to let Foto DC use the space.


Back in Jan. we learned that a new Thai place was going to come into the old Straits of Malaya space at 1836 18th Street, NW. There’s been a lot of progress on the construction and I just noticed a logo for the new restaurant coming in – Zabb Asian Restaurant. They also have a location in Manassas VA and you can see that restaurant’s menu here. Hopefully they open in time to enjoy their great roof deck. Stay tuned.


This rental is located at 2120 18th Street NW:


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The Craigslist ad says:

“2 bedroom, 1 bathroom unit in the heart of Adams Morgan. Walking distance to shops, restaurants and nightlife. Hardwood floors, washer/dryer in unit, central A/C and heat. $1725 per month, plus utilities. No pets allowed.”

For those who want to live right in the middle of Adams Morgan this is an intriguing rental (right above Piccante Pizza. I know it’s a bit tough without photos but for a 2 bed/1 bath at this location does $1725 per month, plus utilities sound right?


“Dear PoP,

Was walking by the new 7-11 in Adams Morgan yesterday and saw some construction going on in the building next door. There were some permits in the window but I couldn’t tell what’s going in there. Any news on your end?”

While no signs have gone up yet at 1759 Columbia Rd, NW a reader sends word (via Combined Properties) that a Game Stop video game store will be moving into the space.

It seems like the only thing that can now save the potential for this section of Columbia Road would be a proper development of the corner space at 17th St, NW:


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