Downtown

15th and H Street, NW

Whoa the new Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab coming to the corner of 15th and H St, NW is going to be gigantic. A recent liquor license application says:

“Restaurant serving American food. Sidewalk Café Seats #44, total Occupancy Load #735.”

Would that make it the biggest restaurant in DC? Who do you think is the current biggest restaurant in DC?

You can read the history of Joe’s Stone Crab here and see their Chicago menus here.

Joe’s will be located right across the street from Woodward Table:

1730 Pennsylvania Ave, NW

On Monday we noted GCDC grilled cheese bar would be opening in early 2014. Turns out it will be February – lots more details from a press release:

“Just one block from the White House, GCDC will soon open its doors to hungry downtown diners with gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, homemade soups, tots and more. Catering to both busy lunchers as well as the after-work happy hour crowd, GCDC will also boast an artisanal cheese bar helmed by NYC rising star cheesemonger Sophie Slesinger, and will offer a selection of local beers, wines and specialty cocktails. Opening from local father-and-son duo Bruce and Steven Klores, GCDC is scheduled to open in early February 2014 at 1730 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.

The first restaurant from Bruce Klores and his son Steven, GCDC will be a fast casual-meets-wine bar concept, boasting the most comprehensive grilled cheese selection in the city. The hip new spot will serve the downtown community with a variety of truly unique and creative grilled cheese sandwiches using local ingredients, fresh salads, housemade soups, “topped” tots and other savory treats. Also catering to the happy hour crowd, GCDC will pair local wines and beers and seasonal cocktails with artisanal cheese and charcuterie boards, making it a hip after-work hangout for downtown workers.

The cornerstone of the concept is the extensive and always-rotating menu of specialty grilled cheese sandwiches – concocted by Steven in his own grilled cheese “lab.” Unique sandwiches may range from the soup-in-a-sandwich French Onion Soup, with Gruyere, caramelized onions and sherry on sourdough, or the indulgent Lobster GC with fresh lobster, l’amuse gouda and chives on sourdough. Fans of the classics can enjoy the Country Ham with provolone and cornichon mustard on rosemary bread or the Turkey Pesto with homemade pesto, fresh mozzarella, turkey, and tomato on multigrain. (more…)

1518 K Street, NW

I stopped in Catch 15 over the weekend and the buildout is nearly completely finished. The folks inside told me the grand opening will be the week of Christmas though it’s possible a soft opening could happen before then. While the inside wasn’t photo ready when I stopped by – you can tell it’s gonna be pretty nice. There is a huge bar and lots of table and booth seating too. The menu is not yet live on their website but as we previously learned:

“Sit at our ice bar, in the window or inside for fresh oysters & clams, try an amazing variety of small plates, sandwiches and entrees inspired by the international vibe of all that DC has to offer–intriguing and indulgent casually-sophisticated dining in the heart of DC’s K Street corridor. Indulge in seductive flavors, relive classics and savor sophisticated pairings with signature creations. Enjoy dining al fresco or relaxing indoors for Brunch, Lunch, Happy Hour, Dinner or Late Night socializing–simply irresistible!”

1155 21 Street, NW

“Dear PoPville,

What Happened to Port of Piraeus on 21st Street NW? Late last month they seem to have just disappeared. Their Facebook page is very vague about why they closed. Any ideas?”

On their facebook page they responded to a query about the closing:

“Thank you Delores, we miss you too! Please visit us at our other location at 13 and I streets, or on the web at www.portofp.com for catering.”

Anyone hear why they closed?

1018 Vermont Ave, NW

King of Kabob opened up in the former Bao restaurant space on Vermont Ave just north of K Street back in July 2011. They opened up around the same time as a Grill Kabob restaurant across the street. I wondered if two kabob spots could open up so close to each other.

July 2011

1730 Pennsylvania Ave, NW

Back in August we learned a new grilled cheese restaurant was coming to 17th and Pennsylvania Ave, NW. In October we learned the restaurant would be called GCDC a:

“new fast-casual meets wine bar concept with the goal of bringing the perfect grilled cheese sandwich to the DC. gcdc will offer an exciting menu of perfectly cooked gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, homemade soups, “tater tots,” and an array of different and healthy beverages.”

Now we have an opening date – early 2014:

GCDC will be located just to the west of 17th Street on Pennsylvania Ave:

17th and K Street, NW

In addition to the first DC location in Penn Quarter Protein Bar currently has a location a couple blocks away at 19th and K Street, NW too. This location across from Farragut Square was formerly home to an Orioles team store back in the day.

1129 20th Street, NW

From a press release:

“Newton’s Noodles CEO & Executive Chef Dennis Friedman has been using his noodle: Starting December 2, 2013, his new fast-casual eatery will become DC’s one-stop-shop for the most important meal of the day. Between 7am – 10am, Monday through Friday, Friedman’s new concept will feature a breakfast menu, combining a signature dish and build-your-own options. It’s the only place in town where breakfast is made fresh-to-order right in front of the guest.

The breakfast menu stays true to the restaurant’s informal dining atmosphere through personalized bites. The build-your-own omelette or scramble ($2.99) allows breakfast-goers to customize their meal with a pick of three fresh vegetables, including bell peppers, bean sprouts and asparagus. Bacon, sausage, and cheese are add-ons that round out the food groups. For a more hearty option, the bespoke breakfast can be put on a bagel or croissant for an additional $1.50. Potatoes, bacon and sausage are available as sides. Guests can also opt for Friedman’s signature Loco Moco ($4.75): white or brown rice, an option of bacon, sausage, or turkey sausage and topped with a sunny-side-up egg. Pair coffee with the signature Pattycake, created by Friedman’s wife Patty, for a sweeter take on breakfast.”