Columbia Heights

Dear PoP – What Will Become of Social?

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

I live right around the corner from the empty restaurant/bar Social on 14th and Meridian Pl., NW in Columbia Heights. It’s been months since it closed and I haven’t seen any changes or updates! (Aside from the smashed ceramic pots in the sidewalk patio.) There are even the same bags of trash right inside the door of the bar area that have been there since the day it closed. Have you heard anything as to whether or not it will reopen or a new business will move in it’s place? How can the owners afford to pay rent on the property and just let it sit there?”

Another reader writes:

“Social apparently owes a large number of unpaid taxes to the DC government. There’s now a lien on the liquor license, so anyone looking to open a restaurant there would have to pay the back taxes.”

When we first heard Social had abruptly closed back in Nov. ’10 I had hope that the close might only be temporary. Well clearly things are not looking good. I also have noticed that all the pots out front have been smashed in addition to garbage beginning to collect out front. I’m really saddened by the situation because I thought the owners were really nice folks who had taken a rundown building and made a pretty cool restaurant/bar out of it. I now fear that the building is going to sit vacant for a while if what the second reader writes is accurate. It’s really a shame because this corner had transformed from a rundown hole into a cool space seemingly overnight. Let’s hope it doesn’t turn back into a rundown hole before new owners can take over.

The New York Times Loves DC’s Strips

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by flickr user DG Jones

I figured most had seen these articles about these two features from the New York Times but since I keep getting emails (thanks to all who sent them) here they are in case you missed them. It’s cool to see others recognizing the great gains in our neighborhoods. I thought it was especially good timing on the Columbia Heights one…

In Washington, D.C., Columbia Heights’ Hip Strip

and Barracks Row represents as well:

In Washington, a Historic Retail Strip Is Revived

Red Derby – Pool Table Out, Big Buck Hunter & Golden Tee In

By Prince Of Petworth

This past weekend, I was introduced to a few more changes at the Red Derby, located at 3718 14th St, NW (at Quincy). In the backroom the pool table has been removed and Big Buck Hunter and Golden Tee video games have been added along with more lounge like seating. Do you prefer the video games and more seating or the pool table? The dart board remains!

A couple more shots after the jump including an artistic series titled “life cycle of a mimosa” (more…)

3 Shot, 1 Killed around 7pm Sat. Night on 3000 Block of Sherman Ave, NW

By Prince Of Petworth


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“Dear PoP,

This happened last night less than one block from my house. My friend was knocking on my door when we heard three gunshots. Cops responded quickly (about 10-15 units in 2-5 minutes). A short while later we left my home, and saw the crime scene. There was one body on the ground near the intersection of Sherman and Columbia, and two large groups of bystanders.

Terrible scene. My heart goes out to the family of the young woman who was killed.”

Council Member Jim Graham writes:

MPD tells me that about 7 PM someone walked up to a house on the 3000 block of Sherman and shot three people, two adult males and a juvenile female. MPD states that the juvenile died from the shooting. The two males—conscious and breathing–are in the hospital, wounded.

Gang/crew connections under investigation.

Our thoughts and prayers go to all those who are impacted by this tragedy.

Hopefully the two adult males will come clean on what they know about the shooter. Hopefully.

From MPD:

On Saturday, February 19, 2011, at approximately 7 p.m., units from the Third District were dispatched to Sherman Avenue and Columbia Road NW, to investigate the sounds of gunshots. Upon their arrival, three gunshot victims were located. A female victim was located in front of a residence in the 3000 block of Sherman Avenue, NW. Two adult male victims were located in the 700 block of Harvard Street, NW. Personnel from the DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services transported all three victims to local hospitals.

The female victim succumbed to her injuries and was later pronounced dead. Her remains have been transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner pending an autopsy. The decedent has been identified as 18-year-old Lucki Nancy Pannell of the 3000 block of Sherman Avenue, NW.

Preliminary investigation has revealed that all three victims were shot in the 3000 block of Sherman Avenue, NW. The two male surviving victims ran from the scene to the 700 block of Harvard Street, NW.

In Defense of Columbia Heights, the Real Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth


Room 11 wine bar, 11th and Lamont St, NW

Lately some Twitter users and especially Washington City Paper contributor @jasoncherkis have been kicking around Columbia Heights. Cherkis tweets:

“Columbia Heights has got to be the ugliest gentrified neighborhood in D.C.”

“What’s the difference between Columbia Heights and Silver Spring? Silver Spring has two movie theaters. CH just has the chain stores.”

“w/ Panera, IHOP, and Panda Express, Columbia Heights is turning into a food court or an airport.”

While I don’t even live in Columbia Heights I will not deny the fact that I love it – warts and all. I found the above tweets emblematic of how some people misjudge Columbia Heights.

At the risk of being oversensitive and since it’s Friday, please indulge me and allow me to address a few of the above claims.

Number 1: Columbia Heights is not DC USA. It is commonly accepted that Columbia Heights’ boundaries are 16th Street to the west; Spring Road to the north; Georgia Avenue to the east; and Florida Avenue to the south. DC USA is the mall that is located on 14th St, NW between Irving and Park Rd. And the fact that a mall has chain stores – I know is shocking and appalling to some – but it is a freaking mall. Stunning, stunning revelation.

Number 2: Mr. Cherkis – if you actually walk around Columbia Heights you will find some beautiful architecture, sculptures, parks and even independent shops, bars and restaurants (particularly on 11th St, NW). Looks are of course in the eye of the beholder but to call the neighborhood ugly, well as Bob Marley sang – “in the abundance of water the fool is thirsty.”

Number 3: Columbia Heights is not filled with only chain stores and the chain stores it does have are not evil. Oh all you super cool guys and girls who scoff at IHOP and Chipotle… You who purport to be advocates of the disenfranchised, well, the fact that you can’t see how a Chipotle and IHOP serve the residents of Columbia Heights is obnoxious and condescending to say the least. I dare you to walk by either space and not see the most diverse of clienteles representing the entire neighborhood.


IHOP on 1400 block of Irving St, NW in photo from left to right – white, hispanic and black patrons

Number 4: In the last 10-15 years Columbia Heights (like many of DC’s neighborhoods) has become a more beautiful and perhaps more importantly a much safer place to live and visit.

Number 5: I like Silver Spring.

Number 6: DC USA and its shops have made Columbia Heights a more convenient and livable neighborhood.

Number 7: Of course many who live in and visit Columbia Heights would like an independent bookstore and movie theater. But since those stores are failing all over the city, unless a philanthropic angel who doesn’t care about profit – comes to Columbia Heights it ain’t gonna happen.

Number 8: Columbia Heights is still defining itself and getting better and better. Like all neighborhoods it will continue to evolve over the coming years. I already alluded to the many great businesses of 11th St, NW. Well many many more are en route. For just one example – the new endeavor from the folks behind Tryst and the Diner chose Columbia Heights for a reason – because they were looking for a real community. And it didn’t take them long to realize that had found just that in Columbia Heights.

So my friends – for the Friday Question of the Day – Do you think Columbia Heights is defined entirely by DC USA and 14th St, NW between Irving and Park Rd – or is there more to the neighborhood?


Greater First Baptist Church, 2701 13th Street, NW

Dear PoP – What’s Coming to the Old Mayorga/Nori Sushi Space in the Tivoli? And How Can We Fix up the old Ticket Booth out front?

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

Walked by the Tivoli theater yesterday to see guys inside jackhammering up the floor. The permits in the window weren’t really clear to me and none of the workmen spoke much English, but one guy said (I think) it was going to be a new restaurant called “Zebra Girl.” Do you know any more?

Also, perhaps a question for the crowd – I think everyone agrees it was great that the original Tivoli was saved, but the old ticket-booth is now not only an impediment blocking what could be a great restaurant/bar space, but a truly disgusting open-air toilet.

What are the chances that- A. Some creative architect could design a way to remove or change it to open it up, maybe install something completely new and modern while still keeping the historical integrity – (think the pyramid at the Louvre) and B. – Whoever has the say-so would say yes?”

That would be a Z Burger that is moving into the space. Though Zebra girl could be a fun place as well!

And I think the question about the old ticket booth is a great one. What do you guys think can/should be done with that space and how can we get it done?

A Bit More Info on CommonWealth’s Replacement in Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth

Yesterday we learned that CommonWealth in Columbia Heights (1400 Irving St, NW) would be closing at the end of the month. At the time I said the space would be closed for 60 days for some renovations. And commenter Michael (from Pete’s next door) wrote:

“The gastropub is going to close for 60 days, and the operator of the Lou’s is going to take over the pub, put down hardwood floors, remove the “private dining room” that bisected the old CommonWealth, expand the bar, mainstream the menu (still pub food though).

As for Jamie Leeds, she’s done well at CommonWealth but is taking the resources from the sale of the business and investing into the building next door to Hank’s.”

On Wed. afternoon I spoke with Terry Cullen who in addition to running the nearby new sports bar Lou’s City Bar, will also be running the new venture that goes into the CommonWealth space. If all goes according to plan the space will reopen with a new name in early May. Cullen did confirm that Jaime Leeds will be concentrating on the Hank’s expansion in Dupont but will also consult a bit with Terry on the new space. As Michael noted yesterday the changes will not be drastic. Cullen said the pub will be a bit more Irish than English and will have an expanded bar area.

So in the end the space will be a warmer more open environment but won’t be terribly different from the CommonWealth gastropub feel.

Very Early PoP Preview and More Info on Lou’s City Bar Opening Soon in Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth

Wed. afternoon I had the opportunity to chat with Lou’s general manager, Terry Cullen, to talk about Columbia Height’s long anticipated sports bar. Lou’s City Bar will be located across from the Best Buy sign on the south side of the 1400 block of Irving St, NW. So let me start with some facts – the space is 4,000 square feet and looks even bigger than that because of the very cool architectural details done by GTM architects (photos after the jump, you can easily see wires where all the tvs will go.) What strikes you right away when you walk in is the high curved ceiling. Occupancy load will be 150 inside and in the warmer months there will be a patio section out front.

The beer mix will consist of seasonal local breweries and a few standards like Guinness. There will also be 24 beers available in bottles. Make no mistake this’ll be a sports bar with a bit of Irish flavor.

Though the menu can best be described as Americana – Angus burgers, steaks, prime rib, wings, specialty sandwiches including an unbelievably sounding BLT. Prices will range from less than $8 for appetizers, $9-$11 for sandwiches, $8 and up for burgers and $14-$18 for entrees. There will also be a three course option of salad, entree, and dessert for $25.

If all goes according to plan the soft opening will take place in early March. Stay tuned for more updates as opening date approaches. And stay tuned for an update on what will become of the CommonWealth space later Thurs. morning.

Update: Lou’s Web site is now live as well. It says:

“Welcome to DC’s newest neighborhood sports bar, opening THIS March at 1400 Irving Street NW, a half block west of 14th Street and the Columbia Heights Metro. Lou’s City Bar features a 45-foot bar with 24 taps, 14 high def TV’s and a heated outdoor patio (coming soon) on Irving Street.”

A few more photos of the inside after the jump. (more…)

Appreciating Columbia Heights Dunkin Donuts

By Prince Of Petworth

I’ve long gone on record that I’m a Dunkin Donuts fanatic. I know there is better coffee elsewhere but I’m addicted to theirs. Sometimes I just have to give props when props are do. In addition to the coffee which admittedly you can get anywhere – this Donkin Donuts located at 2750 14th St NW (by Girard St) have the nicest people in the world working for them. Seriously, every single person I have encountered there have been beyond nice. So I just wanted to publicly thank them. It’s not a glamorous job and I’m sure the pay is not super high – so again, thank you.

And on a side note: when I go it is normally always crowded – I think some more retail on that section of 14th St, NW would do very well…

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