
781 7th Street, NW previously home to Tom’s Watch Bar, briefly and Circa and Zengo
Back in September we learned of the, what shall henceforth forever be known as, the Miracle on 7th Street. (more…)

781 7th Street, NW previously home to Tom’s Watch Bar, briefly and Circa and Zengo
Back in September we learned of the, what shall henceforth forever be known as, the Miracle on 7th Street. (more…)

720 7th St, NW previously home to La Tasca
Thanks to Mark for sharing from the ANC2C Meeting agenda: “720-7th Street NW, Raising Cane’s Chinatown. Installation of New Signage. Chinatown Design Review Process.” (more…)

Friends, Washingtontonians, countrymen, lend me your ears – irony is not dead.
I come to bury Taffer’s, not to praise it.
The evil that reality tv proclaimed experts do lives after them;
The good is oft interred with their draft menus;
So let it be with Taffer’s. The noble Commentariat
Hath told you Taffer’s was ambitious…
But here I am to speak what I do know.
You all did mock them once, not without cause:
What cause withholds you then, to mourn for him?
O judgment! thou art fled to nearby fast casual cantinas
My heart is in the coffin there at this prime retail/restaurant space,
And I must pause till someone new takes it over.
Thanks to MML for sending to us yesterday, now that I’ve had time to digest the news, without further ado:
“Learned yesterday that Taffer’s is closing. We had reservations for after the Caps game Saturday and received this email yesterday.” (more…)

From the Mayor’s Office:
“Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser and Chief Executive Officer of Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) Ted Leonsis advanced the public-private partnership to transform the Capital One Arena and revitalize Gallery Place-Chinatown in Downtown DC. Mayor Bowser submitted legislation to Chairman Phil Mendelson and the Council of the District of Columbia to effectuate the District’s $515 million investment that was unanimously approved by the Council.
“We’re keeping Washington’s teams where they belong – here in the Sports Capital, and we’re doubling down on having a world-class destination and entertainment district in the center of DC,” said Mayor Bowser. “We know that when our Downtown does well, our city does well. This catalytic investment is an investment in our residents and businesses in all eight wards.”
In March 2024, Mayor Bowser and MSE, with the support of Chairman Mendelson and the DC Council, signed a term sheet that set forth the parameters of the agreement that was transmitted. On April 2, 2024, the Council voted unanimously through emergency legislation to move the partnership forward and, on June 12, 2024, voted to approve the Fiscal Year 2025 budget that appropriated the $515 million investment over three years.
“This arena transformation marks the next significant investment Monumental Sports is making in the revitalization of Downtown DC, and we will build a best-in-class experience for fans, a world-class destination facility for athletes and continue to serve as a downtown anchor for economic vitality,” said Ted Leonsis. “Our vision for a wholly re-imagined sports and entertainment destination will be ambitious, reflective of our community, and designed to ‘wow’ our most ardent supporters as well as casual fans. We want to capture the magic that comes from providing the most entertaining experience – which every guest deserves.”
The introduced legislation serves as the final step in the process whereby the Council will vote on the Lease, Development and Funding Agreement, and Purchase and Sale of Real Property between MSE and the District. If the legislation passes before the end of the calendar year, MSE will begin design this winter and construction in early summer 2025.
“I’m happy we got the bill done. The Council is going to move expeditiously to make sure that this bill has a public hearing, that the public gets to fully see the transaction, and that we will get this done by the end of this year,” said Chairman Mendelson.
Under the agreement, the District will purchase Capital One from MSE for $87.5 million. (more…)

From a press release:
“Today, Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) unveiled a new strategic partnership with KPMG LLP, U.S. audit, tax, and advisory firm, as the organization’s Official Consulting & Advisory Partner, an expanded role from the existing partnership between the two companies. Under the new relationship, KPMG will employ their organization’s capabilities for driving value from innovation to help MSE redefine the future of sports by designing a leading-edge fan experience, tech-enabled venue operations, and community revitalization. The multi-year collaboration will be across the entire Monumental enterprise. (more…)

Thanks to Mike for sending.
Asian Night Market Pop-Up featuring Dine All Night Kick-Off:
“Thursday, September 19 · 3 – 10pm
Chinatown & Lotus Plaza
I Street NW Washington, DC
The Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs (MOAPIA) and the DC Department of Small & Local Business Development (DSLBD) have partnered to present the Asian Night Market Pop-Up, an event to kick-off this year’s Dine All Night celebration! This vibrant event will take place on Thursday, September 19, from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM in the heart of downtown DC at Lotus Plaza and Chinatown Park, located on I Street NW between 5th and 6th Streets. (more…)

808 7th Street, NW
Coverage began February 2, 2023 at 10:35am. I tip my Twisted Blue Raspberry Freeze to all who’ve followed along on this magnificent journey.
Thanks to Alex for sending: “Chinatown Taco Bell cantina is open and signage says open 24 hours”
Standby for Cantina U Street updates.

6th and G Street, NW
Quite a change from: (more…)

746 6th Street, NW
I almost had a heart attack when I saw they were closed the other day but thank God it’s just for renovations. And those are some serious renovations. The place has been completely gutted, which as I told my Patreon supporters, is both a happy and sad sight. I will miss the old school for sure but am super happy this legend be sticking around for years to come. (more…)

777 6th Street, NW previously home to Flight wine bar
“Delicious Mexican food and drinks in the heart of Chinatown” (more…)