Capitol Hill

Dysfunction Junction Vol. 10: I-395, Exit Six

By Prince Of Petworth

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Dysfunction Junction chronicles the most forlorn, baffling, and wonderful crossroads of our fair city. The column is written by Ben Ball, a transportation nerd in his spare time. He lives in LeDroit Park. Ben previously wrote about Florida/U St and 7th St/Georgia Ave.

This stretch of highway is proof positive that the inner loop was a terrible idea.  Not only does it slice poor old Southeast in two, but the signage when you come in from Virginia is atrociously misleading.  If you’ve made it to exit six, you’ve already had to make several rapid fire decisions with little or no warning.  (Left exit to 14th St!  Right exit to 12th St!)  Then the fun begins.

At exit six, you have a hugely complex and counterintuitive decision to make.  Option one is C Street SW/The House/US Capitol.  C Street SW and the House of Representatives are of course on opposite sides of the Capitol building.  It might make sense if that was the only option.  But then there’s option two – 395 North/D Street NW/US Senate.  D Street NW and the Senate are also on opposite sides of the Capitol building.  Shouldn’t C Street SW and the Senate be on the same exit?  And shouldn’t D Street NW and the House be on the other exit?  It just doesn’t make sense.  Before my head explodes, let me also point out that the House, Senate, and Capitol all refer to the same building. (more…)

Former White Tiger Indian Restaurant to become Romeo & Juliet American Restaurant on Capitol Hill

By Prince Of Petworth

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301 Massachusetts Avenue, NE

About a year ago White Tiger closed and it looked like Pete’s aPizza would be opening up a location in the space. Obviously that didn’t work out but now a liquor license application lists a new restaurant, Romea & Juliet, will go into the space:

“New restaurant serving American food. No entertainment. Seating for 90 patrons, Total occupancy load is 90. Sidewalk Café with seating for 170 patrons.”

More info when it becomes available.

Farewell White Tiger sign – you were a sweet one:

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Wed. Afternoon Rental Option – Capitol Hill

By Prince Of Petworth

718 5th Street Southeast

This rental is located at 718 5th Street, Southeast:

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The listing says:

“Sunny, totally renovated unit on 2nd & 3rd floor of 2-unit townhouse within blocks of Eastern Market, Barracks Row, Yards Park! French doors lead to Juliet balcony & large upper level terrace w/treetop view, bringing the outside in to this master bedroom loft with en-suite bath & walk-in closet. Large 2nd BR on main floor with kitchen, deck, living room. Backyard shared with 1st floor tenant.”

You can see more photos here.

This 2 bed/2 bath is going for $2,690/Mo.

Props to the Cops and a Brave Citizen – Robbery Arrest

By Prince Of Petworth

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From MPD:

“Wednesday at approximately 2:20 PM, officers from the First District received a report of a Robbery that occurred in the 1200 Block of D Street, Northeast. The complainant was approached by two suspects who robbed the complainant of his property. A citizen in the area observed suspicious activity, followed the suspects, and reported their observations to responding officers. Following an on scene investigation by First District Detectives and the Officers, two Juvenile suspects were placed under arrest for the Robbery. The complainant’s property was recovered and returned to him.

The victim and citizen did an outstanding job of assisting the police, and the officers were right where they needed to be at the right time to bring this to a good conclusion.”

18th Amendment Closing July 27th on Capitol Hill

By Prince Of Petworth

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Photo via 18th Amendment

Thanks to a reader for sending word. From 18th Amendment’s facebook page:

To all our loyal customers and friends:

After 7+ rewarding years and a lot of reflection we have decided the 18th Amendment’s last night will be Saturday, July 27th. As we move on to pursue other exciting opportunities please accept our deepest gratitude for all of your support and loyalty over the years. We hope that you can swing by over the next 10 days to help us create a few more memories and toast the good times to come! After a bit of a summer break we’ll be in touch with future plans. Hope to see you soon!

-Vicky — at 18th Amendment LLC.

DCanter Wine Boutique Soft Opens Today on Barracks Row

By Prince Of Petworth

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545 8th Street, SE

Hard to believe this space was a former costume shop. DCanter’s website says:

Hi there! We are Michael and Michelle Warner, owners of DCanter.

DCanter isn’t your typical wine or beer shop. We offer products and services that encourage our customers to experience and discover what’s unique about different wine and beer styles in a welcoming and unintimidating environment. Our hand-selected offerings of artisan wines and craft beers from around the world caters to the palate of connoisseurs, as well as to those interested in learning more or simply trying new styles.

We host frequent tastings and educational opportunities for those who are curious and looking for fun ways to learn more about the wine or beer world. DCanter has a dedicated tasting room and educational space where guests can enjoy events around a 16-foot communal table made from reclaimed wood, centered by a breathtaking glass-blown purple chandelier. We are also excited to bring the passion of winemakers and brewers directly into the store through in-person or virtual visits. To further our customers’ wine and craft beer experience, we offer books covering various related topics and accessories like glassware, decanters (of course!), corkscrews and beer openers.

Store Hours
Tuesday-Saturday: 11am-9pm
Sunday: 12pm-6pm
Closed on Monday

They soft open today and will have a grand opening July 23rd.

The renovated space looks amazing:

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Lots more photos after the jump. (more…)

Biking Around Town – Skate Park Under the Bridge

By Prince Of Petworth

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Biking around Town is written by Josh Nadas (@dcliterate), a daily bike commuter & avid rider who lives in Mount Pleasant. Josh previously wrote about the National Arboretum.

Did you know that there is a really cool skate park underneath highway 695? If you have not been there yet, it’s definitely worth checking out. There are some talented riders and skaters, so if you go when the weather is good you might get to see some fancy tricks. I rode out here with my road bike, but I am definitely coming back with my mountain bike so I can be one of the cool kids and ride around under the bridge. There are lots of ramps, jumps, and cool things to check out, if you are into that sort of thing. Don’t go out there trying to be Danny McCaskill, ride smart and be safe at the skate park.

I started the route from Lincoln Park. You’ll start out by heading west on East Capitol street, until you reach 8th street, where you will make a left turn. Follow 8th street, and make a right onto North Carolina Ave, where you will make a left onto 3rd street. Heading south on 3rd street, you’ll make a right onto South Carolina Avenue, and continue for a block where you can make a left into the park. Follow the path all the way down, and you should be able to see the skate park at that point.

This ride is a short, one mile ride from where I started the route. It’s also relatively flat, and most of the roads are easy to ride on. The skate park very well decorated with graffiti, and is worth checking out even if you are just passing by on your way to a Nats game or something. I think that you’ll be able to ride from start to finish in about fifteen minutes. Sometimes the best rides are short – enjoy this one.

Create Maps or search from 80 million at MapMyRide

Mon. Afternoon Rental Option – Capitol Hill

By Prince Of Petworth

9 Gessford Court Southeast

This rental is located at 9 Gessford Court Southeast:

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The listing says:

“Incredibly charming 2 bedroom, 2 bath unit on historic Gessford Court. Living room, eating area and kitchen with gas cooking on 1st floor. 2 bedrooms, full bath on 2nd floor. Wood floors throughout. Large stone patio in rear. House to be painted and some upgrades to the kitchen planned. Street parking. Available August 1st.”

You can see more photos here.

This 2 bed/1 bath is going for $2,000/Mo.

Missing – Chris Duffy Ledbetter

By Prince Of Petworth

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“Dear PoPville,

A friend, Chris Duffy Ledbetter, has gone missing. He was last seen at his Eastern Market apartment on June 6th. Since then he has had no contact with friends or family. He was last seen in sweats, flip flops, and carrying a Jansport backpack. He left his phone, id, wallet, and computer at his apartment. A missing persons report has been made but we are hoping to spread the word even further. If anyone has seen him or has any information that might be helpful in finding him please call MPD Detective Willie Randolph at 202-576-6768.”

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