“Dear PoPville,

Just wanted to let you know that the Ben & Jerry’s at Dupont Circle (1333 19th St NW) is closed. All the furniture and fixtures are gone. I just checked the Ben & Jerry’s website: the Dupont location is not listed. And the old Olsson’s space is still for lease! What is going on with Dupont Circle? Is it the economy? Is the neighborhood *that* unfashionable?”

I also wondered what was going on with 19th St, NW in Dupont back in Jan. ’11. But since that time – it has been announced that a new Irish Bar and Tapas restaurant will be coming to the strip. Also a bit further south a new sushi spot opened up at 1899 L St, NW. I’m not sure why it is so hard to fill former Olsson spaces but who knows maybe a Wagamama will announce that it is interested in the space…



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The Craigslist ad says:

“Beautiful Art Deco Building with a fenced in lawn. Small, but quaint studio in the heart of Dupont. Walking distance to both Dupont and U street metros (10 mins each)

Studio includes an installed murphy bed, plantation shutters over two picturesque windows, a separate small eat in kitchen with stainless appliances and a full bathroom. Some furniture is provided, including a couch, a dresser, a pantry and a table and chairs from Crate and Barrell that seats 4. Coin laundry onsite in basement. Parking and utilities are not included.

First months rent and a $1350 security deposit will be due on signing of lease. Will be having an open house this Saturday. Email me by Friday and I will send out the information to all interested in viewing.

Need someone who keeps a clean home, respectful and pays rent on time. Be prepared for reference check and confirmation of employment. No smokers. No pets.”

Unfortunately there are no photos listed but this seems like it could be a good deal. $1350 sound right for this 450ft² studio?


“Dear PoPville,

In case you weren’t aware of it, 1800 Cafe, a hole-in-the-wall take-out place near Dupont Circle, has closed. According to the cafe’s Facebook page, it closed on September 30.

I would go here occasionally to get a sandwich. It was cheaper than most of the other lunch places in the area, and I liked that fact that it was family-run. It seemed to have steady business (at least when I would go there), so I was a bit surprised that it closed so suddenly. I’m also sad that we’re losing another local business.”

1800 Cafe menu (PDF)

1800 N Street, NW just off Connecticut Ave

Were there any other fans?


Apparently the store closed July 30th at 1828 18th St, NW. But for fans – it looks like you can still order on line. Ansonia Wines opened up back in Nov. ’09. It’s a pretty tough location since the entrance is not very obvious downstairs in the basement.

I’m not sure how I missed the closing of the store but in other news – apparently the Green Bay Packers won the Super Bowl.


Restaurant Nora is located at 2132 Florida Ave, NW. It’s Web site says:

“Originally constructed in the 19th century as a grocery store, the main dining room has been artistically transformed and decorated with a collection of museum quality antique Mennonite and Amish crib quilts. Here or in our Wine Library with its unique Wine Cellar, the Garden Room, Gallery or Parlor you can enjoy elegant dining in a relaxed intimate setting. The eclectic menu, which changes daily, serves organic new-American cuisine in Nora’s own creative style.

In April 1999, Restaurant Nora became America’s first certified organic restaurant. This means that 95% or more of everything that you eat at the restaurant has been produced by certified organic growers and farmers all who share in Nora’s commitment to sustainable agriculture. Nora always offers seasonal, fresh organic food, prepared in a healthy, balanced way and enjoys a “big following” of environmentalists and politicians, who can eat here with a clear conscience, knowing that what’s on their plate hasn’t polluted the environment, is healthy for them, and tastes good too.”

You can see their menus here. Any fans?


This condo is located at 1618 S St, NW:


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The flier says:

“You can expect A fabulous fully updated light filled 1bd/1ba unit in a small building. Granite Counters, Stainless Appliances, Hardwood Floors, High Ceilings, Pet Friendly and LARGE PRIVATE DECK. Upon request furniture can convey with the unit. Located in the heart of Dupont Circle close to 17th Street and Metro Red Line. Tenant is Month to Month. Deck recently redone. .. . GORGEOUS!!!!”

You can find more info here and photos here.

I think the location is fantastic so I’m curious why you guys think it’s been on the market for 154 days. This 1 bed/1 bath is going for $364,000 ($305 monthly condo fee), down from $379,000. What do you think it’ll actually go for?



Photo by PoPville flickr user mosley.brian

This rental is located at 1615 Q Street, NW:


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The Craigslist ad says:

“Now Available! Move in ready! 1 bedroom/1 bath on the 9th floor in the Cairo with spectacular views! Renovated kitchen with ceramic tile, stainless steel appliances which include a microwave and dishwasher. Exposed brick in both the living and bedroom. Tons of windows with excessive sunlight. Renovated bath, great closet space and central HVAC. 24 hour front desk and a roof deck with the best views of Washington D.C. Washer/Dryer located on the premises. Blocks from Whole Foods, Safeway, Vida Gym, Restaurants and much more! Street parking only. There is NO parking in this building. No pets are permitted. 2100.00 plus electric. Rentals go as a first come first serve. There is a 60.00 application fee per applicant and a security deposit equivalent to one months rent.”

I believe when we looked at the great photo above a reader was curious about getting a look inside. You can see a look inside unit 901 here.

This 1 bedroom is going for $2100 plus electric.


“Dear PoP,

I was wondering if you might have heard anything about why Marrakesh Palace has been closed since the weekend before the earthquake. For a while, trying to place online reservations kept pushing you off a week because they were “closed due to hurricane Irene.” I have seen quite a few people showing up and discovering the place locked and dark…so apparently whatever the deal is, no one seem to know. A number of folks have asked me what’s the story, but I have nothing.”

I stopped by yesterday and the place was still locked. Phone calls go unanswered. Anyone know what’s up?

Marrakesh Palace is located at 2147 P Street NW. We judged them back in Sept. ’09.


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