Even though we confirmed it yesterday, it is still really bizarre to see Toledo Lounge closed at 2435 18th St. NW in Adams Morgan.
Moment of silence.
Adams Morgan
|
Photo by PoPville flickr user AWard Tour
It’s been a crazy week for Adams Morgan. First we learn that Adams Morgan Bar and Grill closed and now this. I’m hearing that it appears Toledo Lounge located at 2435 18th St. NW will change ownership at the end of the month. According to their Web site:
The Toledo Lounge is an Adams Morgan institution. Mary and Stephanie Abbajay, sisters and refugees from the Washington political scene of the early 1990s, opened the Lounge in July 1994. It was a hit from day one and has been going strong ever since.
Now remember it appears I was wrong about a Panera moving into the Adams Mill Bar and Grill space (though we did learn that Panera would be coming to DC USA in Columbia Heights) so take the following with a grain of salt: I hear that the owner of nearby Ventnor Sports Cafe and a partner, possibly from the also nearby Black Squirrel have purchased the bar. Ed. Note: The new basement bar of Black Squirrel is looking really good and seems to be nearly completed.
Emails go un-returned to the two establishments. I was able to briefly reach the owner, Scott, of Ventnor Cafe by telephone but he would not confirm nor deny the news before ending the call and unfortunately did not call back. So not exactly sure what that means…
UPDATE 11:29am, Sale is confirmed:
“It’s true. We are selling the Lounge. In fact, today is the day we go to settlement — as I write this, in fact. Thanks to everyone for their kind comments and fantastic support over the years. My sister Mary and I opened the Toledo Lounge 17 years ago — in July of 1994. It’s been a fantastic run, but it’s time to turn the old girl over to some new blood. Jon (my partner and the Lounge’s GM for the past 8 years) and I are confident that the new owners — Tom, Scott and Amy — will keep the Lounge spirit alive, and we wish them well. Long live the Lounge!”
Again, this is only scuttlebutt and I haven’t heard any concrete plans so I’ll be sure to update when/if more info becomes available.
This rental is located at 2109 19th St, NW:
The Craigslist ad says:
“1 BDR + 1 BATH Basement Apartment in 4 level Victorian Home. Conveniently located in Adams Morgan/Kaloram/Dupont Area. Between California Ave NW and Wyoming Ave NW. Kitchen. Access to Patio/Deck. Storage/Utility Room for extra storage. Off-street parking. Washer/Dryer. Utilities not included”
I’m intrigued by the stove… Does $1450 sound reasonable for this 1 bedroom basement apartment?
|
Adams Mill Bar and Grill was located at 1813 Adams Mill Rd NW (just north of 18th and Columbia Rd, NW). Thanks to all who sent emails about this. It is my understanding that when negotiating a new lease the rent was simply too high.
Love ’em or hate ’em they def. had one of the best patios in Adams Morgan. At the very least, in that regard it will be a big loss. Anyone happen to have a farewell drink there this weekend?
A while ago there was some speculation that the BB&T bank next door would be expanding. I don’t know if this is better or worse but it is my understanding that a Panera will be moving in. I’ll update when/if that development takes place. Do you think a Panera will be a good replacement for this space?
UPDATE 4:37 PM: TBD now reporting that Panera is coming to DC USA in Columbia Heights but not to Adams Morgan. Wild.
Stay tuned for more info on who moves into Adams Mill space when it becomes available.
This rental is located at 2300 18th St NW:
The Craigslist ad says:
“This studio has it all: Great layout with bay windows, tons of light, great closet space, open kitchen, washer dryer in unit, great boutique building with AMAZING roof deck AND extra storage! Location can’t be beat. 2300 18th St. NW is centrally located within the Adams Morgan, Kalorama and Dupont neighborhoods. Walk to two metros, shopping, dining, entertainment and the best of city living!”
$1295 sound reasonable for this studio?
“Dear PoP,
I’m not sure if this is good news, but it is still news. The space next to the new CVS on Columbia Rd is being renovated to become a 7-11. Attached are a close up of the permit, where you can see the details, and some pictures of the building. I think this is still fairly new, I walk past this space every day – yesterday I noticed construction and permits. Today I stopped to investigate. I’m not sure how much we need a 7-11 there, when there is a CVS and Safeway right next door…. but soon I’ll be able to pick up a Slurpee on my way to work.”
7-11 is on a roll, last Friday we spoke about a new location that opened up in Van Ness.
But for this one – do you think it is redundant since there is a CVS nearby?
A friend of my spotted the above letter in his apartment building in Adams Morgan. He sums it up nicely:
“With the threat of one neighbor cutting another into pieces over a Christmas tree improperly disposed of, this letter marks the official end of the post-Tuscon era of civility in Washington.”
I know you guys spoke about this sign when I was away on vacation but I thought this was a classic Adams Morgan scene.
|
Yesterday we learned the great news that it looked like Mellow Mushroom pizza was coming to Adams Morgan. I’m happy to report that the speculation has now been confirmed by Mellow Mushroom. In an email they tell me that Mellow Mushroom will be opening up in July 2011 (not May) and they are currently renovating the old 18th and Red space at 2436 18th St, NW.
Another reader writes that a roof deck will likely be included though I haven’t confirmed that info yet.
But for those who were excited about the prospect of a Mellow Mushroom Pizzeria coming to DC – it is now confirmed for July 2011 coming to 2436 18th St, NW. From yesterday’s discussion it sounds like a big score for Adams Morgan.
On Friday we talked about Boston’s Upper Crust Pizzeria which will be opening a DC location downtown at 1747 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. At the time a reader asked if Mellow Mushroom Pizza was still coming to Adams Morgan in DC. I hadn’t heard of Mellow Mushroom but their Web site says:
“Mellow Mushroom opened in 1974 when three college students founded a business that reflected their eccentric philosophies. They saw pizza baking as an art form, and wanted to bring joy to others by exercising their art. The first store was created out of an old liquor store on Spring Street near Georgia Tech. To accommodate the long lines and gaining popularity, more Mellow Mushrooms sprung up around Atlanta.”
And indeed when you go to their future franchises page (screen shot above) you see Washington DC (with a photo of 18th St, NW in Adams Morgan) opening in May ’11.
Think they’ll be able to break the jumbo slice monopoly in Adams Morgan?
Stay tuned for more info as it becomes available.