Last week I wrote about a new Vietnamese restaurant, Pho Viet, Coming to 14th Street in Columbia Heights. In the comments we heard it was going to be near Parkwood. This past weekend I was lucky enough to walk by and catch one of the owners, (sadly/stupidly I didn’t catch her name). At any rate, it will be located at 3515 14th Street, NW (pictured above) just south of Parkwood and next to the Cavalier liquor store. As you can tell it is not a huge space but the owner was super enthusiastic. She said the restaurant hopes to open at the end of September or early October. Can’t wait to check it out!


“Dear PoP,

Thought folks might be interested in seeing a top-down view of the streetscape/fountain construction going on in Columbia Heights. They definitely re-claimed some of the eastern part of 14th Street for the sidewalk project, especially out in front of the new Chipotle location. The fountain seems close to completion and in the mosaic style you seem to be fond of. Looking forward to seeing a finished product and the community reaction.”

So far I think this is going to look awesome. What do you guys think?


Well, I thought for sure it was going to rain like crazy on Columbia Heights Day. Thankfully, someone worked some mojo and while it was a bit cloudy in the morning the afternoon turned into a beautiful day. Like last year the photos really give the best description. Though like last year my favorite part was the cupcake eating contest. But beyond the cupcakes the best part is really just seeing folks from all over the neighborhood listen to music and have a good time.

Lots more photos after the jump. (more…)


I’m getting lots of emails about a shooting last night on 14th Street. I’ve inquired with MPD but haven’t heard any details yet. Anyone know what happened? I’ll update with more info as it becomes available later in the day.

UPDATE FROM MPD:

“Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department


I’m told that Tynan Coffee & Tea located on Irving Street just west of 14th St., NW is about “half way done”. You can also see that they’ve applied for a liquor license.

Chipotle coming to 3113 14th Street, NW begins its build out Monday!


I along with many others (based on the emails I’ve received) have eagerly been anticipating the opening of Columbia Heights’ newest restaurant. I’m happy to announce that Social will open this Saturday! The bar opens at 4pm and dinner service begins at 6pm. I showed a sneak preview of the spot here. I was lucky enough to attend a mock service on Thursday evening. I gotta say, the food was amazing and the vibe was phenomenal. My overall feeling was that this is going to be a great date spot. Since so many new restaurants have recently opened up what is hard to articulate is what makes one really great. All I can say is that the vibe is what makes a new spot great. It’s what makes the recently opened wine bar Room 11 great and it’s what makes the nearby Red Derby great. Vibe is essential and thankfully Social has it in spades. But you’ll have to judge for yourself. The idea of various sized plates to share worked perfectly. And the fact that the place looks great doesn’t hurt either. I’m psyched to hear what you guys think of the place.


It has changed an awful lot since I first posted. A reader mentioned that the rowhouse section (photographed above) looks particularly good. Hells yes. Now I enjoy and appreciate murals all over town but I think this is the absolute best one I’ve seen. So cool that it was done by students. If you haven’t checked it out yet, take a detour, it is well worth the trip.


This home is located at 824 Otis Place, NW:


View Larger Map

The flier says:

“CONVENIENT LOCATION 4+ BLOCKS FROM THE METRO * * NICE LOOKING NEIGHBORHOOD * * GOOD BONES BUT IN NEED OF REPAIR — SOLD STRICTLY “AS IS”–ALL CASH/CONVENTIONAL/FHA 203K ONLY!SELLER WANTS TO MAKE A DEAL SO BRING ALL OFFERS.”

More info but sadly no photos found here.

I know folks don’t like GDoN without photos but I was intrigued by the price on this one. It’s close to the metro and all the happenings on 11th Street, NW. So does $250,000 sound reasonable? Even if you need to put in some money seems like it could be a good deal. What do you guys think?


“Dear PoP,

The 11th St Corridor has had more foot traffic in recent times, thanks to some great new businesses. I’m specifically concerned about the 11th and Park Rd intersection, which is the location of Red Rocks, the new dog park, Columbia Heights Coffee, and the upcoming Meridian Pint. Given that I (along with many others) travel to these establishments on foot, I think this intersection would be more pedestrian-friendly if it was a 4-way stop instead of a traffic light. I would feel safer crossing the street if cars were forced to yield to pedestrians (and our 4-legged companions), rather than speeding through green or yellow lights. This will become even more relevant as foot traffic increases with future business openings. I’m wondering if (1) others agree, and (2) if so, how do we raise this issue with the DC Council?”

To be honest, I think it’s probably safer as stop light. People often run/glide past stop signs. Park is a busy enough street that a stop light seems necessary. What do you guys think?

Incidentally I’ve been asked to post this survey about Columbia Heights businesses. We’ve discussed this issue often but if you’d like there is a survey on the topic:

“Do you live, work or shop in Columbia Heights? Are you interested in improving business services to you? Then please complete this 5-minute survey. Click here to go to the survey!
The Development Corporation of Columbia Heights wants to learn what additional businesses and services you desire in the neighborhood and what you think about existing businesses in the neighborhood.”


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