1350 Connecticut Ave, NW

Ashleigh asked:

“Is Philz Coffee still planning to open a location in Dupont Circle?”

Philz with the good word:

“We sure are! We will be opening our doors in late Summer/early Fall.”

Back in October we learned that this Philz will be coming to the former Cosi that closed back in 2014. This will be a third location for Philz in D.C. after Adams Morgan and Navy Yard.



Photo by PoPville flickr user Phil

“Dear PoPville,

So I was just wondering if anyone has an answer for this- for about 2 months now, the Dupont Circle itself (where the fountain is) smells like straight up crap. Like, a STRONG smell of sewage. At first I thought it was from the mulch they laid down at the beginning of warm weather season (maybe the used some sort of manure?), but it hasn’t gone away…am I the only one who notices it? Every day I have to walk through the circle and its just a bombardment attack on my nasal passages!”



1921 Florida Ave, NW

“Dear PoPville,

Are you aware of what is going on at the temple heights post office in Dupont? They’re open, but they can’t do any transactions. They just say, “Our internet is down.” If you inquire more, they just repeat that and say “that’s all we know.” Clearly that is not it, but even if their own system was down, I can’t understand how it can be down for at least 3 weeks. It was also operating like this last year for several days.”


“Dear PoPville,

Any word on what’s going on at Mandu’s 18th street location? It’s been a while since the fire [last July] and I’m curious if they are still planning to reopen the location. I hope so!”

Unfortunately there is no concrete timeline available as various bureaucracies are navigated but I did confirm with the owners that they absolutely plan on “rebuilding and reopening”. STAY TUNED.


“Dear PoPville,

I was walking around Dupont the other day when I came across this eviction notice at the site of the proposed Wahlburgers at the old Ping Pong Dim Sum in Dupont Circle. It’s an interesting turn considering that since acquiring the lease to the property there’s barely been any work done to the space in the past few years.”

Eviction notice after the jump. (more…)



1636 R Street, NW

Thanks to Charles for sending:

“Thanks for the announcement about the opening of the new Nordic restaurant Mikko near R & 17th Sts, NW. Went there for lunch today & was it ever good. Had an open-faced roast beef sandwich there & got cardamon buns & cinnamon rolls for breakfast tomorrow, but had to sample them when I got home they smelled so good on the way. Staff is so friendly & welcoming. Can’t wait to go back!”

Check out the menu and another shot of the fine food after the jump. (more…)


“Dear PoPville,

For the past two nights, I’ve seen this light sculpture (?) atop some apartment or condo building on 16th St NW, north of The Chastleton and across the street-ish from the Scottish Rite Temple. The pictures don’t exactly do it justice; it’s a curved green neon rod with a red bit at the bottom. It sure wasn’t there Monday or Tuesday nights, at least that I know of. It seems to go on around 9:30 pm and goes off maybe about 11 pm. Could you help figure out what the deal is with it?”



1636 R Street, NW

Back in November we learned that “Nordic Fine Food” was coming to R Street just off 17th from the former Executive Chef to the Finnish Ambassador. Mikko’s website says:

“Rye, seafood, mushrooms, berries, and roots form the fundamentals of Nordic food. Each dish Chef Mikko prepares is an elegant combination of traditional and modern influence.

Nordic fare is unique in its simple, yet versatile, presentation. Using traditional cooking techniques such as curing, smoking and pickling, every plate delivers a distinct and refined taste.

By using ingredients sparingly, but with intention, Chef Mikko’s cuisine focuses on the depth of each individual flavor. Crafted with fresh berries, nutritious vegetables, wild roots and more, a wholesome, healthy palate is the foundation of Chef Mikko’s food.

Mikko’s café is a place to try an array of modern, healthy dishes while experiencing the intimate and comfortable environment Chef Mikko easily creates.

Chef Mikko cooks for others. His versatile cuisine is complemented by his innate ability to develop genuine relationships with whoever enjoys his meals.”

Check out their menus here and photos of the food here.

Outdoor seating coming too:



18th and Church St, NW before construction started

Ed. Note: CityPaper reported that the building’s ground floor footprint exceeds the 80% maximum lot occupancy and “The issue will now go back to the Board of Zoning Adjustment for further consideration.”

A reader passes on from St. Thomas’ Parish:

“Dear neighbors,

As you may have noticed the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) has issued a stop work order (SWO) for 1772 Church Street as a result of the decision from the DC Supreme Court, which sent the decision back to the zoning the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA). Our hope is to resolve this matter as quickly as possible and resume work. There is a great deal of construction fatigue in this area and I suspect we all would all want this project to resume and be completed as soon as possible. I don’t know anyone who wants a semi-built building in the neighborhood.

Vacated And Remanded decision from the DC Supreme Court (PDF)

In the mean time, you may notice workers on site performing certain tasks to ensure the site is safe, delivery of materials, and people performing administrative tasks. All of this is permissible under a SWO. DCRA officials have been on site this morning and clarified this issue. Below is an email from Garret Whitescarver (DCRA) which authorizes us to perform tasks to ensure the safety of the building and the public safety of this neighborhood. (more…)


View More Stories