
Did anyone catch the great music at the beer garden of Wonderland? Very cool set up.

Did anyone catch the great music at the beer garden of Wonderland? Very cool set up.

I learned that they are doing an environmentally friendly deconstruction. I’m told that they “are currently “deconstructing” the building as opposed to demolishing it, with the intent to recycle, reuse, or otherwise divert the debris from the landfill.” Pretty cool. It also means we are one step closer to John Andrade’s new bar – Meridian Pint. Sweet.
Thanks to a reader for sending the news that they spotted “The Childrens’ Place” in one of the DC USA storefronts yesterday. Is this just like a clothing store for kids or are there also toys? Who knows the story here?

I’ve just been notified that the 5 Guys in Columbia Heights will be opening up this week. It will be located right above the metro on the western side of Irving (next to Pete’s Apizza). I peeked in the window and they look good to go. So what do you guys think about this? Psyched or Saddened? I guess it beckons the question: Who do you think offers the best burger in the city?
There was a little confusion last week as to whether Pete’s was having a happy hour or not. One of the owners, Mike Wilkinson, has cleared up the confusion in the following note:
“After a little bit of back and forth, Pete’s has decided to offer an “unadvertised special,” referenced a couple weeks ago on PoP, but not actually implemented in-store. My fault — I made the announcement prematurely to PoP, not realizing that the management team was still mulling it over.
Come on in between 4 and 6PM, through the month of July, for a pint of Peroni or Blue Moon and a slice of cheese or pepperoni pizza, for $5 plus tax. As the seasons change, we may mix it up. For now, we’re offering cold, wet summer brews on special. (We also have Anchor Steam and Dogfish Head 60-minute IPA on tap, and Magic Hat #9, Miller Light, Wolaver’s, Sam Adams Light, Woodchuck Amber Cider in the bottle, subject to availability).
You have to ask to get the special pricing. Consider it our little PoP secret, but don’t hesitate to tell your pals or come in with a big group to take advantage of it…
Sorry for the confusion over the past week or so.
We welcome your comments and feedback: [email protected]
Mike Wilkinson”

Smash, originally uploaded by squidpants.
Thanks to Andrew from the New Columbia Heights blog for sending me an email about this insane pile up on the 13th Street. Andrew wrote: “I hope nobody here parked on the southbound side of 13th between Fairmont and Clifton – you may be in for a crummy morning. Somebody (drunk, I assume?) crashed their car tonight on almost every car on the southbound side of 13th Street.” Does anyone know if this accident, Monday evening,was the result of a drunk driver? Was he driving an 18 wheeler?

I know Meridian Hill Park is still under major construction but there is a good portion of it that is as incredible as ever. I think this fountain is by far the greatest in all DC and probably Maryland as well. If you’re ever bored on a Sunday I recommend you grab the paper or a book and head straight to this fountain. Another angle and different fountain after the jump. (more…)

Thanks to a curious reader for sending the update. I still can’t remember what’s going in but it’s good to know it’ll being coming down soon. I look forward to learning what stores will be going in after construction is complete.

I am delighted to present the return of Julian’s snap-shots series. As you can see the questions have been changed. Future questions are still being tweaked so if you have any suggestions for some questions you’d like asked be sure to leave your suggestions in the comment section.
Name: Jihad
Age: 25
Cross-streets: 14th and Georgia
1.How old were you when you came to DC, and from where?
I’ve lived in this neighborhood for seven years. I always lived in uptown DC, even before that. This is a great neighborhood and I welcome the changes its receiving.
2.What was the original reason you came here?
I came here because of student loans. I went broke, and had to come home to mom.
3.Is Columbia Heights a good place to raise a family? Why, or why not?
I think so – I believe it’s a strong community, and a great place to raise a family. It has a great core of people who really believe in it. If you don’t like change, then I wouldn’t recommend raising your family here. I mean, I remember this area before Target or any of these condos were here. You could walk up six blocks and see straight down.
4.In your opinion, how does DC rate amongst other cities?
Well, DC isn’t too fast, and it isn’t too slow. It’s a hybrid city. Other cities have their nook and cranny neighborhoods that change, but DC moves in pieces, in phases. I’ve seen this city be patriotic and political, and its all good.
5. With an increasing number of newcomers and a declining number of locals, what would it take to unite the neighborhood?
It would take something financial, like what they’ve done so far, but in different places. They’ve invested so much in financially bringing the neighborhood up and haven’t really contributed anything to the spirit of the community. Things should be defined by the people, not the institutions.
Snap-shots continue after the jump. (more…)

One of the owners, Mike Wilkinson, tells me that Pete’s “is introducing a Happy Hour from 3:30 to 6:30, seven days a week. Slice of cheese or pepperoni pizza and a pint of beer for $5.” Holy cow that is awesome. Although it seems like people are just trying to torture me knowing that I work until 6pm. Ah, but it’s seven days a week, so you now know where you can catch me on Sundays. For those who haven’t been there yet Pete’s is located right above the Columbia Heights metro on the western exit.