Capitol Hill - PoPville

“Carla Hall Returns to the D.C. Dining Scene with bumblebirds, a Southern Fried Chicken & Cocktail Bar” Grand Opening Saturday, Regular Hours Start Monday

Published March 10, 2026 at 3:30PM

Carla Hall, photo by Jonathan Pushnik

Last week we broke the news that bumblebirds would be replacing the Good Stuff Eatery on Capitol Hill.

From a press release:

“bumblebirds, a fast-casual pop-in celebrating Southern fried chicken sandwiches, spirited cocktails, and heartfelt hospitality, will open Monday, March 16, 2026 at 303 Pennsylvania Ave. SE in the historic Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, D.C. A grand opening celebration will take place on Saturday, March 14, 2026 11:00 am – 1:00 pm.

Celebrity chef, bestselling author, and beloved television personality Carla Hall is partnering with Washington, D.C.-based Sunnyside Restaurant Group, the family-run restaurant company led by The Mendelsohns—Cathy, Harvey, Micheline, and Spike—to share a concept that’s equal parts flavor, fun, and personal history.

A longtime DMV resident, (more…)

“Why are Capitol Hill gas prices so high?”

By Prince Of Petworth

Published March 10, 2026 at 1:30PM

“Dear PoPville,

Has anyone done a backstory on the gas station between Union Station and the Capitol with the crazy gas prices? What is the deal and why do federal vehicles use it? What’s the deal?”

We’ve talked about crazy gas station prices from time to time: September 26, 2017: Does Exxon’s Gas Come with a side of Bacon or something?

and more recently (more…)

“Question about Height Limit Act” How High CAN One Go?

By Prince Of Petworth

Published March 3, 2026 at 1:25PM

“Dear PoPville,

I’m watching construction at the Marine Barracks Annex at 7th & L Street SE and when I look up some of the documents, they state there will be a 105 foot entry tower. BUT, the documents reference the Height Limit Act, (more…)

About that new concept coming to Good Stuff Eatery on the Hill – Looks Like Bumble Birds Chicken Shack!!

By Prince Of Petworth

Published March 3, 2026 at 9:55AM

Yesterday afternoon we shared a Good Stuff Eatery Update (303 Pennsylvania Ave, SE): Next Concept opening March 16th!! A tipster has filled in the gaps. When Good Stuff first announced their new plans that they’ll “hatch something brand-new in the space.” So this tracks!!

Sunny Side Restaurant Group’s website says:

“BUMBLE BIRDS

Some folks say it’s in our secret recipe, others claim it’s the quality of our birds. We say that what makes Bumble Birds chicken extraordinary — in fact, something worth squawking about — is more than just chicken. Don’t get us wrong: (more…)

Good Stuff Eatery Update: Next Concept opening March 16th!!

By Prince Of Petworth

Published March 2, 2026 at 3:30PM

303 Pennsylvania Ave, SE

On February 10th we learned that Good Stuff Eatery closed on Capitol Hill, will “hatch something brand-new in the space.”

Not a ton of info but Good Stuff Eatery shares a tease about what’s coming in its place on Capitol Hill: (more…)

Tonight – “TRAFFIC ADVISORY: 2026 State of the Union Address”

By Prince Of Petworth

Published February 24, 2026 at 10:35AM

From a press release:

“On Tuesday, February 24, at 9:00 p.m., the President of the United States will deliver the State of the Union Address before a Joint Session of Congress. The State of the Union Address is a designated National Special Security Event (NSSE) and will bring significant activity and heightened security to Downtown DC. (more…)

#PSA

Big Tree Down Before the Storm

By Prince Of Petworth

Published February 21, 2026 at 2:59PM

Thanks to Steve for sending from Tree blocking 11 Street, SE between H and I:

“Quick snap of it; bizarrely perfect felling across the street.”

Do you believe in even more miracles?!? Acqua al 2 has reopened in its former Hill location

By Prince Of Petworth

Published February 19, 2026 at 11:15AM

212 7th Street, SE

Ed. Note: Acqua al 2 closed here back in 2020. Harvest Tide had taken over the space but closed back in March 2024.

In January 2026 a reader wrote in wondering: “I wanted to check in if you’ve heard any updates on the return of Acqua al 2?”

Thanks to Anne for sending the latest: “Acqua al 2 reopening in its former Hill location.” (more…)

“Chef Carlos Delgado (Causa | Amazonia) opens DC’s 1st nikkei handroll counter” this Friday!

By Prince Of Petworth

Published February 18, 2026 at 10:30AM

photo by Rey Lopez

“Chefs Carlos Delgado & Simon Lam welcome you to Maru San the Handroll bar. Fresh rice in constant rotation. Fish worth building the roll around. Nori wrapped at the last second. Walk in for the counter, or book The Experience.”

From an email:

“About Maru San (325 7th Street, SE):

Maru San is the first solo venture from award-winning MICHELIN & James Beard award-winning chef, Carlos Delgado (MICHELIN-starred Causa, Amazonia), located in DC’s Eastern Market neighborhood. Maru San gets its name from the “Sakura Maru” boat which brought the first Japanese immigrants to Peru in 1899, fighting the common misconception that Nikkei is simply a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine instead of its own unique culinary category. Delgado, who is often credited as one of the modern leaders of nikkei-style cooking in the US, is excited to open DC’s first and only nikkei-style handroll concept in early 2026. The 25-seat counter space-only concept focuses on thoughtful, quick service offerings for guests to enjoy including nikkei-style handrolls, a la carte dishes, and a selection of beers and sake for lunch and dinner, seven days a week. Delgado, alongside Chef Simon Lam, will additionally offer a fine-dining, pre-booked tasting “Maru Experience” for four guests every night. (more…)

Check out the awesomeness that is Little Engine, “Revved up rotisserie & wings” – OPENING TODAY!!

By Prince Of Petworth

Published February 17, 2026 at 10:25AM

250 7th Street SE photos courtesy Little Engine. This space was previously the Eat Brgz space

“Little Engine
Revved up rotisserie & wings from Chef Rob Sonderman (previously of Federalist Pig)

11am-9pm everyday”

Rob writes:

“I grew up down the block, so this is a full circle, homecoming moment for me. We love chicken, and are excited to bring some great food to the hood! Buckle up, folks!”

Check our the menu here and see photos of some of the deliciousness below: (more…)