Dupont Circle

1140 19th Street, NW

From a press release:

“GRK Fresh Greek is excited introduce DC to a fresh take on classic Greek food this summer. Dupont Circle (1140 19th Street, NW) will be the first DC metro area to experience what Nation’s Restaurant News calls a “Breakout Brand of 2014.”

Among its select classic quick serve menu selections is GRK’s signature Yeero, as well as fresh, authentic Greek yogurt. Spelled phonetically to differentiate this signature classic Greek dish from the traditional gyro, GRK’s Yeero features meat seasoned and marinated in yogurt, and slow roasted by artisans in a rotisserie grill. The straightforward menu offers choice of lamb & beef, chicken, pork or vegetables served on a classic pita baked in wood stove oven or served on a plate. To top it off, GRK offers three distinct, yogurt-based tzatzikis: classic and zesty GRK, spicy kaftero, or basil infused prassino. Entrée salads or side choices like the Aegean slaw with red and green cabbage, carrots, onions and fresh herbs dressed in lemon vinaigrette are also offered. Everything on the menu uses the best local as well as international ingredients the market has to offer.

Fresh yogurt offers a protein rich treat that is unlike any other found in the U.S. It is frozen or fresh with unique sweet and savory toppings imported from Greece, including black cherry, rose petal or fig preserves. Corfu, one of two yogurt specialties on the menu suggests basil, apples, figs, lentils, sea salt and extra virgin olive oil for toppings.

Lunch, dinner and late night dining is offered on the outdoor patio or inside at the counter facing the open kitchen or on the more intimate lower level. Beverages include beer and wine as well as a variety of Greek sodas and Illy coffee drinks.

Food ingredients aren’t the only authentic Greek part of GRK; principal Alex Alevras, moved to DC from Athens to build the concept as did his partner and founder, seasoned restaurateur, George Nikas and fellow partner Peter Psaromatis. The sleek, contemporary European architecture was designed by Alex Konopisopoulos with support from local architect Augeris Vakalopoulos.

After working to perfect the first location in New York City more than two years ago, GRK has chosen to expand the concept to DC with hopes to open 8-10 more stores in the region within the next few years.

GRK will be open Monday through Thursday 11am to 10pm, Friday 11am to 3am; Saturday 12 noon to 3am; and Sunday 12 noon to 10pm.”

1301 Connecticut Avenue, NW

“Dear PoPville,

Amidst the fusillade of new bars/restaurants we’re still here and serving huge portions of quality comfy food at very reasonable prices…

Luna Grill & Diner is locally owned and has been serving quality comfort food at an affordable price in the beating heart of Dupont Circle since 1996.

Every Sunday and Monday night from 5pm to close = *half-price pasta*
Large portions of penne, linguini, or spinach linguini with your choice of marinara, pesto, parmesan cream, or olive oil/garlic, as well as a host of toppings to choose from (Sun-dried tomatoes, meatballs, fresh mozzarella, spinach, jumbo shrimp, asparagus, Italian sausage, and more)…and as much fresh-baked toast toscano bread you can handle…

$5 Sangria (white or red) and pints of DC Brau Public all night long.

Luna is open 7 days a week at 8am and serves breakfast all day long every day, as well as time-tested “comfort food” items such as meatloaf w/ mashed potatoes and sauteed spinach, veggie pesto lasagna, country-fried steak, Jambalaya pasta, shrimp & grits, burgers, lump crab cakes, pan-fried catfish, meat chili, and more….Or try our classic grilled cheese/cream of tomato soup combo.”

2011 S Street, NW

Thanks to a reader for sending word about Thaiphoon’s sign:

“Appears to have been a small fire in the sign outside…a couple of the letters are gone with small scorch stain..nothing serious.”

Not clear if the damage this time was a result of lightning but Thaiphoon just might have the worst luck when it comes to their sign. Back in August 2010 their sign was hit by lightning and they lost one of their Os. You can see a photo of that damage here.

Update from 2010 photographer Captain Easychord – not a lightning strike:

“FYI: I’m the one who took the 2010 picture (got another one this morning too… going for the complete set!)… I checked in with the folks at Thaiphoon after the “o” fire of 2010 and that one wasn’t caused by a lightning strike. The lights on the sign are illuminated 24/7 (you can see this if you look closely mid-day). During heavy rains on the morning of the first fire, water got into one of these lights and caused it to short out and catch fire. Lightning didn’t really make sense if you looked at the taller buildings all around Thaiphoon. The only reason I speculated about it back then was because of the super close lightning strikes we did have that morning. I suspect today’s fire was also related to water in the lights…”

1513 17th Street, NW

From an email:

“​In response to customer feedback, ​Duke’s Grocery is expanding kitchen service hours with a​ new Late Night ​Supper ​Menu.​ It includes some tasty new dishes (Buku Banh Mi Burger, Vietnamese Fried Rice) alongside some of our most popular items (Proper Burger, Lomito ‘Completo’).
​
​The menu is attached and it will run Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, from 10:​3​0pm – 1:00am.

In addition, there will be drink specials from 10:00pm to close on select beer​, ​wine and cocktails​.”

Late Supper Menu – Duke’s Grocery (PDF)

1511 Connecticut Ave, NW

From a press release:

“Inspired by hearty fishermen and fishing villages of Maine, Willie T’s Lobster Shack brings a unique selection of seafood offerings to Dupont Circle with doors opening 11 AM, Wednesday, April 30th. Located just steps from Dupont Circle at 1511 Connecticut Ave, the restaurant will feature freshly prepared seafood, cooked to order and served conveniently with call ahead and carry out options.

The debut of Willie T’s Lobster Shack features:
Freshly prepared Lobster, Crab and Shrimp Rolls
Maine Lobster sourced directly from New England fisheries three times a week
Maryland Crabs and Shrimp sourced and farmed for year round access
Rustic design featuring Maine seaport and fishing memorabilia
Interior design elements constructed using reclaimed wood from Maine and the surrounding New England area
Custom baked bread prepared to specifications of traditional Maine Lobster Rolls
Hospitable Service style catering to needs of guest be it convenient call ahead orders or quick carry out occasions
Maine favorite ‘Wicked Whoopie Pies’ Dessert or Snack Treats

“We are excited to bring our unique combination of premium seafood items, Maine inspired atmosphere and convenient service format to Dupont Circle,” said Michael Eisenberg, Concept Developer. “Dupont Circle offers a great community for the first Willie T’s Lobster Shack. We see ourselves as a quick escape to Maine just steps from home, school or work. Given the broad and exciting mix of business, residential and retail activity, Dupont Circle is sure to appreciate our unique mix of quality seafood, hospitable attitude and convenience for any occasion.”

Hours: 11 AM to 9 PM Daily

Willie T’s Lobster Shack is part of the Thompson Hospitality collection of restaurant brands which includes American Tap Room, Austin Grill and Tequila Bar and Be Right Burger.”