84 T Street, NW (1st and T St just off Rhode Island Ave) previously home to Tyber Creek and of course the LEGEND Rustik

Thanks to a reader for passing on the sad news from Etabli:

“This December will mark 13 years since we signed our very first lease — a small restaurant space at 1421 H Street NE. It’s still hard to believe we took that leap without ever having worked in a restaurant or cooked professionally. We just believed in the idea, in each other, and in the neighborhood.

In those early years at The Pursuit, it was just the two of us — doing everything, every day. Small, intentional, wine-forward, and rooted in genuine connection with our guests. That simplicity was the heart of what we were building, and we never forgot it.

When we opened établi, we were in many ways returning to that original spirit. The name itself had been waiting — we had almost called The Pursuit “établi” back in 2014, but held onto it. By the time we were ready to open this chapter, we had grown into it. établi — the workbench — felt right for who we had become: more seasoned, more ourselves, and more committed than ever to the craft of hospitality.

We’ve been through quite the journey since then — moving to 1025 H Street in 2019, and then navigating the upheaval of 2020, when COVID hit and a challenging business partnership came to an end. We were lucky that 84 T Street and the Bloomingdale neighborhood were ready to welcome us, and we were so grateful that our H Street family continued to make the trip.

It is not lost on us how much all of you have carried us — through the hard times and the truly joyful ones.

Which is why we want you to hear this from us directly: this December, our lease at 84 T Street comes to an end — and with it, établi as we know it. We will pour our final glass of wine there, (more…)


Thanks to K. for sending around 7am: ‘There was a pretty bad fire this morning in Bloomingdale on First St. It started in the yellow and then moved over to the blue.”

DC Fire and EMS Department reported at 6:39am: “Box Alarm 1700 block 1st St NW. Fire rear porches 2 story rows extending to exposures.”

“2 Alarm Fire 1700 block 1st St NW. Fire involving rear porches that extended inside to 2 row houses . 20 units & 100 personnel operating.”

“Update 2 Alarm Fire 1700 block 1st St NW. Interior attack in progress on both 2 story dwellings. Fire rear porches knocked down and rear porch of fire building collapsed. Bulk of fire knocked down” (more…)



1625 First Street, NW at Florida Ave

“Dear PoPville,

A new Indian restaurant, Najjaarra, opened in Bloomingdale! At 1625 1st St NW (didn’t there used to be another Indian restaurant there?) But it’s really great food! Family run (I believe same owners as the liquor store next door.)”

Ed. Note: Yes, this used to be home to Glassey which closed in 2023(!?!)

“Najjaarra is a vibrant Indian restaurant located in Washington DC, dedicated to bringing the rich and diverse flavors of Indian cuisine to your table. (more…)


“Dear PoPville,

In Brookland this has been our view for the past week now, it’s getting absurd. Car owner leaves for hours on end with this spot saver in place. And spot saver has only grown over time, more items have been added over time. Started off with just one red block.”

and

“Dear PoPville,

The parking wars have gotten out of hand! Last night I saw a woman essentially reburying a car in the snow (in Bloomingdale.) And this wasn’t just simply kicking some snow under the tires then driving away. She used a shovel. And when she was done with the shovel, she started moving large blocks of ice with her hands and wedging them under the car. I don’t need to tell anyone here how disgusting the snow and ice is these days to be picking up with your hands. And this was no quick act. This went on for almost half an hour! All the while her car sitting in the street with its hazard lights on. (more…)



108 Rhode Island Ave, NW near Boundary Stone

Back in January we shared word that Sounds Like El Camino Closed, again, in Bloomingdale. Reopening Again in a few weeks? And reopened they did!

Huzzah. Thanks to Marsha for sending the good news.

For those who have stopped by, has the menu pretty much stayed the same?

Some history on the space: (more…)



108 Rhode Island Ave, NW near Boundary Stone

Update from BloomingdaleResident:

“Someone told me over the phone yesterday that they’re under new management and reopening in 1-2 weeks with the same staff and menu.”

Note: El Camino’s original owners opened up here back in October 2014.  El Camino closed back in September 2018. The new owners reopened El Camino here back in 2019.

Thanks to Bloomingdale resident, Ryan, for sharing the latest sad news about El Camino closing:

“Our family is truly heartbroken. My daughters are crushed. Marvin and the team always made us feel like family, we’re gonna miss them so very much. 😪. I hope whoever comes in after just does exactly what they were doing!”

Happier days: (more…)


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