963 Palmer Alley, NW

Big news from the Post’s Tom Sietsema’s food chat:

“Chef Amy Brandwein is expanding her reach. The chef of Centrolina has acquired the RareSweets quarters across from her Italian restaurant in CityCenter, where she plans to open a fast-casual, all-day establishment named Piccolina next summer, possibly July.”

Ed. Note: RareSweets closed back in April. Updates as Piccolina gets closer to opening.



724 9th Street, NW via google maps

Ed. Note: This puts us well past 90 for closures this year.

Thanks to Peter for the heads up. Ruth’s Chris website says:

“724 9th Street, NW, Washington D.C., DC 20001

Location Closed Ruth’s Chris Steak House on 9th Street near the Convention Center is now closed. Our Dupont Circle location, and all other Virginia and Maryland steak houses remain open to serve you. Additionally, we will be opening a new Washington, D.C. location on L Street in 2019.

Updates when we learn who takes over the 9th Street spot and when the L Street location gets closer to opening.



Photos by Rey Lopez

Oh my God. I think it’s no secret that I was once the topped ranked amateur ping ponger on the south shore of Strong Island back in ’88. Anyway, maybe my brother could still beat me every time but suffice it to say I was pretty damn good. Which is one helluva a preface for this press release:

“This winter, the ultimate ping pong social experience will arrive in Washington, D.C. SPIN, the beloved ping pong social club founded in New York City with locations across North America, is set to deliver an unparalleled ping pong experience to the residents of the D.C Metro area. SPIN DC is slated to open its doors officially in January but will give D.C. a preview starting December 18th at 1332 F St. NW, bringing its eclectic mix of high-energy social play and love of the sport to our nation’s capital. Washington: welcome to your new offline social network. (more…)



1120 G Street, NW

“Dear PoPville,

I wanted to make sure that you had seen the GoFundMe campaign set up by Jessica Escobar, who owns Sip of Seattle in Northwest DC.

As bigger coffee shops have moved into the area and rents continue to rise, Jessica is being forced to leave behind the shop that many have loved for over 22 years.

You can learn more about the fundraiser here and below: (more…)



1120 G Street, NW

Thanks to Mark for sending from WUSA9:

“Sip of Seattle will be closing their doors for good on Friday, December 14th. The coffee shop has been in business for more than two decades.”

Oof. Just last September we spoke about some urgently needed love for some of “the nicest people ever.”

Sip of Seattle’s Facebook says:

“Sip of Seattle is a family run Coffee Stop that will service all your Java needs. Whether its a small cup of drip or an iced grande half soy caramel mocha latte, we pride ourselves on being able to provide our customers with a drink they can truly enjoy. Since 1996, the Escobar family has been serving its customers the best coffee in DC.”



1101 Connecticut Ave, NW photo by Anna Meyer Photo

From a press release:

“Since landing in D.C. last fall, Gregorys Coffee has quickly become a local favorite, and will expand on December 5 to its fourth Washington location at 1101 Connecticut Avenue, NW.

To celebrate the latest 1,200-square foot outpost and to thank D.C.’s growing army of “Gregulars,” guests will enjoy a free 12-ounce drink (including drip coffee, cold brew, espresso, cortados, cappuccinos and lattes) on December 5 followed freebies and treats for the rest of the week. (more…)


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