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1216 18th Street, NW at the corner of Jefferson just off Connecticut Ave

Finally an opening date for the former Guitar Shop space located right about Dupont’s Shake Shack.

We previously learned it would be an:

“Upscale tavern serving European sausages, hotdogs, pretzels and popcorns featuring DJ and background music. No designated dance floor – no dancing. Summer Garden with 210 seats. Seating capacity is 60. Total occupancy load is 330.”

Now we have a name – Sauf Haus – coming this summer:

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Some guy is very, very lucky…

“Dear PoPville,

I am writing because I found what looks to be a man’s gold wedding band at the corning of Q St. and 16th St. NW this morning. Can you post with the hopes of finding its owner. There is an engraving on the ring. If the owner can tell me what it says, I will be happy to return it to him. [rlivingston33(at)gmail.com] I also will report it to the police.”


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1250 Connecticut Avenue, NW

Last month we learned things appeared back on track for STK steakhouse coming to the former Casa Nonna space (and California Pizza Kitchen before that) in south Dupont Circle. Stay tuned for a Spring opening – from a press release:

“The ONE Group (OTB: STKS), a leading lifestyle hospitality company, announces the expansion of STK, its high-energy steakhouse into the nation’s capital. Slated for a spring 2014 opening, “STK DC” will be located at 1250 Connecticut Avenue, NW, marking the restaurant’s eighth outpost of the modern reinvention of the traditional American steakhouse. In the heart of the city’s Dupont Circle neighborhood, STK’s vibe-driven scene will be based around a bustling bar, while banquettes and bistro seating will offer diners a menu with an extensive selection of delicious steakhouse classics with a twist. STK also breaks the mold of a conventional steakhouse with its sexy, social atmosphere and vibrant bar scene featuring DJs spinning. STK DC will launch with nightly dinner and happy hour menus, adding a lunch program shortly thereafter.

STK artfully blends two concepts into one—the modern steakhouse and a chic lounge—offering a vibe-driven dining experience with the superior quality of a traditional steakhouse. Naturally steak is the main attraction at STK where a variety of cuts are available in “small,” “medium” and “large” sizes to appeal to every appetite. Options range from a 6 oz. Filet Mignon, to the 16 oz. Sirloin and even a 34 oz. Cowboy Rib Steak, among others. Yet the menu also features hearty salads, fresh seafood and savory sides with signature dishes including Shrimp Rice Krispies, Lil’BRGs, Foie Gras French Toast, Parmesan Truffle Fries; Sweet Corn Pudding; and Jump Lump Crab Salad.

A central bar and DJ booth take the focus of the space with crowd-pleasing mixes playing of 70s, 80s and 90s tunes, beginning the night as background music and increasing with the vibe as the night progresses. The wine and cocktail program certainly lends to this as well where signature drinks include Not Your Daddy’s Manhattan (Bulleit bourbon, Zinfandel Port, sweet and dry vermouth); Cucumber Stiletto (Ketel One Citroen, St. Germain, muddled cucumber); District Darlin’ (Apple pie moonshine, aperol, lemon, thyme honey); Green Intensity (Absolut Elyx, fresh lime, jalapeño, basil); and Strawberry Cobbler (Belvedere vodka, fresh muddled strawberry, graham cracker crust).

There are currently seven STK restaurants in major metropolitan cities, including Atlanta, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York (2), London and Miami, which is in the process of being re-located in South Beach. The ONE Group will open the reservation line for STK DC on March 15 (202.296.1880) for future bookings with an anticipated late spring opening of the Dupont Circle location.”


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1836 18th Street, NW across the street from Lauriol Plaza and Bar Charley

The owner writes:

“I saw your post about Mum Mum being back from the dead after announcing they were closing in January. Just wanted to let you know that it is now officially closed and the location is under new ownership.

We will be opening Rebellion in early April after renovations. Rebellion will be a classic American Tavern, but with a modern, new-age feel. It will be your “everyday public house,” your new neighborhood bar. With American tavern decor and Southern-inspired comfort food, Rebellion has both a street front and a rooftop patio for sipping drinks in warmer weather.”

Rebellion’s Facebook page says:

“REBELLION IS COMING!

In 1791, Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton proposed an excise tax on domestically produced distilled spirits. The tax was a part of Hamilton’s plan to centralize government and reduce the country’s increasing war debt. Farmers living west of the Appalachian Mountains in the states of Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, North and South Carolina, and Virginia were veterans and they distilled their excess grain and corn into whiskey and used it as a medium of exchange. For them (like us in DC today), the tax not only seemed too similar to the American Revolution, [taxation without (local) representation], but it was also a personal affront on their ability to make a living. They thought that Hamilton designed the tax, the equivalent to an income tax, to keep them poor and benefit the larger, wealthier distillers who lived east of the Appalachians and didn’t have to pay the tax. As tax officials set out to collect the tax in these areas, the farmers began to voice their defiance of the law and rioted. They rebelled. This Rebellion, which lasted until 1794, is widely regarded as one of the reasons for the birth of American Bourbon in this region.

Welcome to Rebellion…

At Rebellion, we value both American history and our fine cocktails. Given its place in history, we believe that great spirits deserve to be honored. Furthermore, DC’s culture, friendly nature and cocktail history implore us to enjoy great food and great libations. Here at Rebellion, that’s exactly what we intend to do.

While we love our bourbon whiskey, our name only tells half the story. Rebellion is unlike any other establishment in the Dupont Circle corridor. We believe in giving you an upscale dining experience without the price. Our goal is to be your ideal brunch, happy hour, and everyday public house. We have bar, dining room and open air roof top patio seating. Rebellion’s décor is warm, inviting, and comfortable and we embody all of the characteristics of the classic American Tavern, but with a modern, new-age feel.

We know that one of the secrets to success for any establishment lies in the food; it has to make you want to come back for more. Rebellion’s menu offers classic American comfort food with a Southern twist, but we won’t stop there. Every few months we’re going to change the menu to keep things fresh, but don’t worry we’ll keep your favorites.

Rebellion offers over 50 types of bourbon and whiskey selections. Not in the mood for whiskey, try a cocktail off of our signature drink list or try one of our homemade barrel-aged cocktails. We also offer an excellent selection of wine, hand selected by our personal wine consultant. If beer is more your speed, we have the best craft selection in the neighborhood.

We’re not just any new public house; we’re YOUR new neighborhood spot. We believe in family and want to be a part of yours. So come on, what are you waiting for? Come join the Rebellion.”


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Ed. Note: Immortal Beloved is now located in the former Muleh space at 1831 14th Street, NW.

Thanks to a reader for sending from Craigslist:

“One of a kind! Former Immortal Beloved Salon—- May be the most fascinating retail space in the 14th Street corridor and just 1/2 block from the recently named DC’s best corner of 14th and P Streets. Located within the densest population grid in the city and at the center of 5 metro stations.

Main floor at 2500 square feet +/- Loft space at 450 square feet +/-and basement of 225 square feet +/- with 16 foot 20 foot high formed concrete ceilings and multiple industrial skylights providing a sense of great open space and volume!!

Exposed brick walls with polished concrete floors and both a walk in front door and roll up windows facade for good weather —— all together provide a space with a sense of excitement and expanse unmatched anywhere else!

New HVAC and Gas added in 2006 with full to code building renovation, C3A zoned with many possible uses.

Base first year monthly rent at $15,700 NNN and current monthly pass through of $1935 real estate taxes and $110 building insurance.

New tenant needs to provide: 1)Demonstrated experience with a lucid business plan and cash flow projections, 2) Documentation of financial liquidity sufficient to start and maintain the business, 3)credit reports and scores all above 710 from all three repositories, Trans Union, Equifax, and Experian, and 4) Personal guarantees from principles and spouses.”

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Church Street looking east toward 14th Street


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From the famous 2010 fight

Washington DC Snowball Fight Association is calling for a big TITANic battle today:

“Winter storm TITAN is set to bring some serious snow to the DC area on Monday, March 3rd – an extraordinary event for this late in the season. So let’s celebrate with a Titan-ic snowball fight! (at 2:00pm)

A few things that we’d like to remind everyone who shows up for our traditional rumble in front of the Smithsonian Castle:

• Invite your friends!
• Please follow any instructions given by the Metropolitan Police Department or the U.S. National Park Police
• Please respect the media when they’re working, especially please don’t target camera operators
• It’s probably best to keep pets and small children out of the battle zone
• This is meant to be fun! So play fair, DON’T THROW ICE, and wear any protective gear you think you need!
• Pelting moving vehicles could cause accidents, SO DON’T DO IT!
• Anyone who behaves recklessly is responsible for the consequences. Safety is important to us!

See you in the Circle! LOCATION CHANGE: Due to ice buildup in Dupont Circle, we will meet on the National Mall, right north of the Smithsonian Castle, with easy access to the Smithsonian and Archives Metro stations.”


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“Dear PoPville,

I was walking on the 1700 block of Swann Street NW a few minutes ago and came across a car that someone had broken into. The pillow and sheet were pulled completely out of the car but the suitcase inside looked intact (hopefully it is). I’m hoping that the owner is a PoPville reader, or maybe someone out there knows whose car this is and they can come salvage what’s left. For anyone wondering, I didn’t call MPD as I once tried to to flag down a MPD officer in a similar situation and he said that I’d have to call 911 and wait there for a cruiser to respond. Unfortunately I can’t do that today.”


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