238 Massachusetts Ave, NE

Thanks to Kris for sending:

“I wanted to share that sadly it looks like Junction Capitol Hill has closed. Neighbors have said there was a rent dispute with Heritage Foundation which owns the building but I am not certain. A big loss for the stretch on Mass Ave – a beloved staff with great food/drink.(more…)



205 Pennsylvania Ave, SE

“Dear PoPville,

I just stopped by Burrito Brothers on Pennsylvania Ave and saw that they’re permanently closed. The local chain had been around for at least thirty five years and had locations all over the city, but the last outpost got booted by their landlord. Such a shame. The name on the storefront is definitely down. I spoke with the hair salon next door and apparently they closed Saturday.”

Google has them listed as temporarily closed but it seems more likely to be “temporarily” closed: (more…)



700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE Courtesy of EastBanc

From a press release:

“South Block, the Northern Virginia-born smoothie café, has signed a lease with EastBanc Inc. at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue SE in Eastern Market with plans to open in early 2027.

Founded in 2011, South Block has expanded throughout the region by pairing fresh food with its mission of making people feel awesome one block at a time. The Eastern Market location continues that mission, bringing the brand’s feel-good menu and community-focused experience to one of Washington, D.C.’s most iconic food markets. (more…)


Great news from DCPL:

“DC Public Library will soon celebrate the reopening of two neighborhood libraries that have been closed for renovation and modernization. The Petworth Library will reopen on Sunday, Aug. 23 and the Southeast Library will reopen on Thursday, Sept. 10.

Arthur Capper TechExpress will close on Friday, July 31 so equipment and technology can be moved into the renovated building ahead of its reopening. This transition ensures that the new Southeast Library will be fully equipped and ready to welcome customers on opening day.”

More info on both: (more…)


Unfortunately/fortunately I was out of town for the 4th but still want to share this for posterity:

“I wanted to flag that Patriot Front was marching down Penn Ave SE just a few minutes ago (July 4th) with police escort. People may want to know, they have a history of violence and provocation.” (more…)


“Dear PoPville,

The house across the street from the eastern market metro plaza, at the corner of 7th and D St SE, is for sale. It was listed a couple weeks ago and, as noted in the listing description, the property features a koi pond. When the house was put on the market, the pond was full of fish. I’ve noticed the water level in the pond receding a lot over the past week, but the fish have still been swimming around. Yesterday it seemed to be really really low, but then today as I was walking past I notice the water was back up! That said, all of the fish were dead and floating on top of the water!!!

I ended up emailing the listing agent but in hindsight I wish I’d thought to do that a few days ago when I first noticed the pond water level receding and all the algae and gunk!!”



photo by Anthony Kelleher, Assistant Fire Chief of Operations, DC Fire and EMS: “fire extended through multiple buildings along 8th Street, SE/Barracks Row. Aggressive tactics, coordinated suppression/search operations, and strong command stopped the fire from spreading further.”

Ed. Note: The Ugly Mug closed here, 723 8th Street, SE, in October 2025.

DC Fire and EMS first reported around 8:15pm: “Working Fire : 700 Block of 8th Street SE – Two story row house with smoke and fire showing from rooftop deck with exposure to adjacent structure.”

Later: (more…)



705 8th Street, SE from our archives

“Llamas’ Corner

Organic COFFEE. MADE FOR COMMUNITY.

Organic specialty coffee, handcrafted boba, and fresh bites served in the heart of Bolton Hill (Baltimore, MD) and now Barrack Rows (Washington, DC).

Coffee shop
Not a Fast food restaurant
Roasting Organic,Fair-traded,Single-Origin coffee

Barracks Row🦙MF 7am-8pm, SS 8am-6pm🦙” (more…)



713 8th Street, SE previously home to Finn McCool’s/Molly Malone’s and, of course, Crazy Aunt Helen’s

“A World of Flavors,
One Plate at a Time!
Coming This Fall”

Thanks to G. for sending.

“Taki Taki transcends mere dining; it is the embodiment of legendary Indian hospitality fused with unparalleled culinary artistry. Here, we craft an exhilarating journey for the senses, showcasing the vibrant, freshest flavors of India’s diverse cuisine. Inspired by the profound cultural heritage of the subcontinent, (more…)


View More Stories