675 I Street, NW
From a press release:
“Today, chef Matt Baker announces that his Baker’s Daughter café and market will expand with a second location to open in Washington, D.C.’s Chinatown neighborhood later this winter. The all-day storefront offering prepared foods, coffee, pastries, and weekly meal kits will open at 675 I Street NW. Though primarily focused on carryout and delivery, the 600-square-foot space will offer a handful of patio seats in warm weather months. (more…)
737 7th Street, NW via Urban Outfitters
Thanks to ‘things’ for the heads up: “wtfff why is everything in Chinatown closing?”
A call to Urban Outfitters confirms that the Chinatown closing is indeed permanent. They do note that the one in Georgetown (3111 M Street, NW) remains open.
650 F Street, NW
“Dear PoPville,
I was wondering if you or anyone in the community knows what happened to BYNDfit that was supposed to open in Chinatown in March but obviously was delayed due to COVID. Their social media is dark but was curious if they are still in business or ever planning to open. They have a prime location and it was supposed to be super cool.”
Ed. Note: Given the current phase two status they very well could just be waiting until things improve.
Update from BYNDfit:
“The BYNDfit team delayed our launch indefinitely in March when the pandemic began its first surge in the region, while also remaining watchful to all COVID-related updates from the Mayor’s office. We’ve always been hopeful that the scientific community would be able to create a vaccine at a record pace, and it turns out our faith was well placed in these heroes. With light at the end of the tunnel, we would be foolish to jeopardize anybody’s health (either that of our members or staff) in an effort to rush our grand opening.
We’ve always prioritized health and safety above all else and will continue to have this be our guiding ethos during this time.
We can’t give an exact date of when we will open our doors, but our plans are steadfast to launch BYNDfit sometime in 2021 and we hope (like the rest of the world is hoping) the future will be brighter for everyone with regards to COVID.
All the best,
The BYNDfit Team”
614 H Street, NW
Back in September we learned that Kura revolving sushi was coming to Chinatown. Check out their menu here.
“All Sushi plates $2.95 Each”
Behold the revolution*: (more…)
As many long time readers are aware, every weekend I take a pretty big walkabout around town to take photos, follow up on tips and what not. Since March it has been, mostly, a very depressing endeavor for obvious reasons. Recently, there is one place that is regularly packed in front of Capital One Arena. Not sure if you can tell from the photo above but that entire space below the Cap Arena sign is a huge line of people. Why? (more…)
lower level 501 G Street, NW
From Free State:
“With heavy hearts we will be closing for the winter 11/7. Please help us and our staff by ordering online and visiting the patio in the next 2 weeks.”
Thanks to Ammie for sending: “Just voted at capital one arena. No wait time. They are giving out masks in addition to the I voted sticker.”
505 H Street, NW
Momiji reopened for take out May 12th, check out and order from their menu here.
Momiji shares with us on their IG yesterday:
“Today has started like many mornings this past year, woke up with anxiety, and the lack of desire to leave my bed. As I continually scroll in my bed, I kept seeing the date October 15th and I couldn’t help the feeling that I was missing something. After many moments, I realize what it was. This shared gut wrenching year has yet again made me lose complete sense of time yet again. I have always been obsessed with dates, 12 years ago today was one the most impactful days of my life. It allowed me to meet the majority of you reading this, it was on this day Momiji opened. At 23 year old I never knew what this place would bring. So many friends and loved ones have passed through this place. This restaurant has afforded me & my family, so many laughs, smiles, tears, moments solace and happiness.
This year has been a different and humbling year. (more…)
614 H Street, NW
The liquor license placard for Kura says:
“The Establishment will be a Sushi restaurant serving authentic Japanese food. Seating Capacity of 66 inside and a Total Occupancy Load of 75.”
Check out their menu here and STAY TUNED.
Ed. Note: RIP Sushi Go Round, clearly way ahead of its time, which closed nearby back in August 2016.
415 7th Street, NW
Thanks to J. for sending:
“They haven’t responded to any outreach yet, but it looks like Merzi in Chinatown/Penn Quarter may be closed for good. Their social media stopped a few months ago. Their Merzi Cares site (which organized a lot of good help for medical professionals in the middle of a pandemic) now 404s. Most tellingly, all their furniture and the usual “fast casual” serving line has all been removed from the floor. (more…)