Columbia Heights

New Restaurant Coming to Girard and Sherman Ave, NW to be Called The Hilltop Restaurant and Bar, Opening Late Spring/Early Summer

By Prince Of Petworth


Girard and Sherman Avenue, NW

A few weeks ago I shared some news that a new restaurant was coming to the long vacant building at the corner of Girard and Sherman Ave, NW. Thanks to a reader I was able to speak with one of the owners – Sam Jahanbeen. Sam was kind enough to share his plans for the space. First of all Sam is the nephew of the owner of Saloon on U Street. And that’s not the only Saloon connection – Sam’s business partner is Kaleabe Getaneh the former bar manager of Saloon.

And like Saloon, The Hilltop Restaurant and Bar will focus on German beer and other imports. But in addition to the focus on beer the duo also plan to offer a solid dining option. Nothing fancy but comfortable “American fare”. The key to Sam is comfort. Unlike the Saloon, The Hilltop Restaurant and Bar will not enforce (love it or hate it) no standing rules. They hope to keep the atmosphere relaxed and a real neighborhood spot.

The restaurant and bar will take over the whole first floor. And in the warmer months there will be an outdoor seating area as well as a window that opens up like El Chucho on 11th Street and Pearl Dive on 14th Street. Lots of updates as construction progresses. Can’t wait for late Spring/early Summer!

Julia’s Empanadas Abruptly Closed in Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth


Julia’s Empanadas with the yellow awning pre-plaza days in July 2008

Super sad news for Julia’s fans. Tuesday was their last day in Columbia Heights. They opened up in the now Columbia Heights plaza at 14th and Park Rd, NW back in 2007. A couple of readers sent emails saying that Nelson the counter attendant relayed the news that the Columbia Heights location was closing. I called Nelson who confirmed that Tuesday was sadly their last day. He did not know the reason for the closure but guided fans to their Adams Morgan location at 2452 18th Street, NW. I’m aware not everyone is a fan of Julia’s but I freaking loved them. Thanks again to all who sent word.

Stabbing on the 3500 Block of 14th St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth


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Some may have noticed the road closures/diversions on 14th Street, NW.

From MPD:

Around 3am today, units were flagged down in the 3500 blk of 14th St NW for an injured female. It was determined the female was suffering from apparent stab wounds and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. There is no suspect lookout at this time. Detectives are investigating this matter and we ask that anyone with information please call 202-727-9099.

Reader Reports Violent Mugging Friday Night

By Prince Of Petworth


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Dear PoPville,

I was walking from work Friday evening around 8pm down Irving St. past 11th St and came across a man face down on the sidewalk. He was bleeding from the mouth and ear. There were 2 people around him who witnessed the end of the assault. According to them, 3 black men in their 20s had assaulted the man from behind and took off running toward 14th laughing. The victim was dazed and when he stood up it was apparent that they had done a bit of damage to his face; he had difficulty speaking. He couldn’t recall whether they stole anything from him; he just remembered walking and then suddenly being on the ground in pain. The police responded immediately and took the eyewitnesses with them to drive around the neighborhood. It turns out they stole his wallet and phone. So sad that this happens on a pretty busy intersection.

Mi Cuba Cafe Opens in Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth


1424 Park Rd, NW

Late last week I mentioned that Mi Cuba Cafe was still coming to Columbia Heights in the former Paila Grill space on Park Road. Little did I know how soon it would be. On Saturday morning I passed by and was able to take some photos a few hours before they opened:

Their website is still under construction but I took some photos of their take out menu which you can see after the jump.

More photos after the jump. (more…)

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