“Dear PoP,

A couple of weeks ago I walked by as they were painting a new mural on 8th St SE, i.e. Barracks Row. It is on lower Barracks Row towards the highway. I’m not sure what the building is, something to do with a band I think, there is not really good signage. The finished mural is pretty cool. I attached a pic. Thought you might like it.”

Awesome! Looking forward to checking it out. (Thanks to all who sent emails about this.)


Bistro Cacao opened up back in Jan. ’10 at 320 Mass Ave., NE. Their Web site says:

“Bistro Cacao is the third restaurant venture in DC for the Bolukbasi Brothers. Their first concept was Mezè in Adams Morgan which has given Washington, DC a taste of authentic Turkish cuisine and Istanbul nightlife for more than a decade. Their second venture is Ezmè in Dupont Circle which offers select wines and fine small plates.

In Bistro Cacao’s historic location we now invite you to enjoy our new concept of modern bistro-style French cuisine in a romantically charming and comfortable setting blending old France with modern creative touches.”

You can see their menus here.

Any fans of the brunch? In general?


This rental is located at 1126 K St, SE:


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The Craigslist ad says:

“This fully-renovated house features two bedrooms (not huge, but functional with lots of closet space), lots of great natural light, and one and one/half bathrooms. The kitchen boasts modern stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops, not to mention a FABULOUS back splash. Hardwood floors grace all levels.

This BEAUTIFUL, newly-renovated, two-bedroom, one and one/half bathroom rowhouse is available for rent. The Potomac Avenue metro stop (Orange/Blue line) , Harris Teeter, and the shopping & dining of Barracks Row are all just two easy blocks away! Check the location on the map and don’t be fooled by other places that claim they’re in Capitol Hill, but are really miles away.

Other amenities include central heat & air (perfect for the sweltering summer weather), in-unit washer and dryer, a beautiful back patio/yard with plenty of room to grill/entertain. This home is a commuter’s dream, whether you’re planning on jumping on the Metro just two blocks away, heading to the Navy Yard or Nationals Stadium, or going further afield by jumping on 295/Southeast-Southwest Freeway.”

You can see a mouse on house tour here.

$2299 per month (utilities not included) sound right for this 2 bedroom?


This rental is located at 15th and Potomac Ave, SE:


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The Craigslist ad says:

“Don’t miss out on this unique space! Two levels of living – spacious living room and kitchen downstairs, and huge master bedroom with a full bath, walk-in closet and washer/dryer upstairs. Unit gets a ton of light because it’s the entire front of the house!

The apartment is located on a quiet street 1 block from Safeway, and 3 blocks from the Metro, Harris Teeter, and restaurants. It’s a quick walk to Eastern Market/Barracks Row and Lincoln Park, too. You’ll love this apartment, so come by and take a look! Available starting September 1.

Water is included in rent.”

The owner writes:

“We are raising the rent a bit, and I’d be interested if the commentariat thought it was too much. I feel like there aren’t a lot of 2 story 1 BR in the city, and it’s definitely rare among the english basements on the Hill.”

What do you guys think – $1600 sound right?


This home is located at 715 E. Capitol St, SE:


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The flier says:

“EXQUISITELY RESTORED ITALIANATE VILLA combines elegance & charm on Cap Hill’s most prestigious boulevard! Designed to entertain greaciously! Live comfortably! & Enjoy! Gorgeous 11′ ceilings; ornate medallions & mouldings; 9′ handrubbed doors; French country gourmet kitchen w custom designed cabinetry; expansive proportions throughout; one-of-a-kind; beautiful pool & patio”

You can find more info here and a virtual tour here.

Sorry for the back to back house porn posts but I couldn’t resist. This 4 bed/3.5 bath is yours for $2,100,000.


This home is located at 1220 C St, SE:


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The flier says:

“BEST DEAL ON THE HILL! FANTASTIC LOCATION close to, but private from Lincoln Park, Eastern Market, Barracks Row & METRO! Open Main Flooor Plan, w/ HWD Flrs, Fplc in LR/DR, Pwdr Rm, Two Garden Entrances. Upstairs Two BR’s, (1 w/ exposed Brick) Luxurious Bath w/ Sep Shwr, Lndry, Up Deck overlooking Deep Back Yard, w Privacy Fence, Water Feature, Stonework, Landscaping. Poss OSP, but not needed!”

You can find more info here and photos here.

$599,999 sound right for this 2 bed/1.5 bath?


This carriage house is located at 424 11th St, NE:


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The flier says:

“Rare opportunity! Incredibly unique Capitol Hill carriage house in impeccable condition! Very open, spacious two bedroom home. Dramatic LR ceiling, beautiful refinished hardwood floors throughout, countless windows providing exceptional light, CAC, FP, large shared patio. This home has everything! Easy pkg. Great chance to invest by hot H St. corridor!”

You can find more info here and photos here.

I think the “countless windows” claim is perhaps a bit dramatic but otherwise seems very cool. $549,000 sound right for this 2 bed/1 bath?


The Playseum is located at 545 8th St, SE. Their Web site says:

“The Be with Me Playseum is a great place for the whole family whatever the age. The admission is $6.00 per person. If your second or third child is under 10 months they are free.

We are a children’s used bookstore in the design of a city with hands-on fun bringing family and community together under one roof. This is place where parent and child come in feeling good and leave feeling great!

Our vision: To help kids create and parents relate
Our mission: To come in and play and help children far away

The Playseum currently supports 40 children who have been taken off the streets in Northern India and placed in loving adoptive native homes. and now are DC location is a partner with GTLS a non profit Organization bringing health and clean water to the Hammar Village in Ethiopia.

There is never a dull moment here!
We offer story times Monday-Friday at 11am, Saturdays at 11am, 2pm and 4pm and on Sundays at 2pm & 4pm. Want more? Stay for our childrens singer, John Henry on Monday’s in Bethesda and Wednesdays in DC after story time!

Besides buying your favorite children’s book or the latest kid’s cookbook; purchase playseum money to do some of our “above and beyonds” and enjoy more interactive fun with your child! You can: create something new, paint a ceramic, make your own chapstick, have your nails painted, make homemade pasta (DC location only), toothpaste (Bethesda location only) a strawberry smoothie or decorate a cupcake with all the fixings.
The Playseum is now open Monday – Saturday 9:00 am – 5:30 pm in Washington DC!”

Looks like this could be a good option for activities to do with a 3 and a half year old.


This rental is located at 500 9th Street SE:


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The Craigslist ad says:

“Barracks Row-Eastern Market, 2BR-1Bath 2nd Floor Fully Furnished Apartment. 500 9th Street historic building, across from new Hill Center. Short term month-to-month, or long-term. One block to Barracks Row, One block to Eastern Market Metro. Stainless steel kitchen appliances with dishwasher, microwave, recently renovated. Cookware, china, silverware, CATV, 42″ Plasma TV. and Wi-Fi provided at no charge. Towels & linen provided–just move-in with suitcase.Washer/dryer in building. Available beginning August 13th. $2,800 + utilities. NO PETS and NO SMOKING.”

I’ve often wondered about this building. $2,800 + utilities a good roommate option for this 2 bed/1 bath?


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