Dupont Circle

“After 25 years + 6 months, as these strange days take their toll on us all, the time has come for us to say goodbye to our Dupont Circle location”

By Prince Of Petworth


1350 Connecticut Ave, NW. Photo by Flickr user Dan Zink

From an email (thanks to all who forwarded) from Proper Topper:

“After 25 years + 6 months, as these strange days take their toll on us all, the time has come for us to say goodbye to our Dupont Circle location, the sweet little shop we’ve thrived in and loved for so long. Too small to safely distance, too few shoppers downtown, too hard to hang on any longer … too familiar, right? My heart goes out to everyone suffering loss right now.

We look forward to welcoming you into our Cathedral Commons shop (3322 Wisconsin Ave, NW), just a couple of miles north and large enough to navigate more safely. And we always welcome you online, where our virtual shop is lush with new offerings to brighten your day and lighten your way. When have you ever needed our whimsical, comforting treats more?

But right now, I would like to take a moment to honor our long run in the spot and the neighborhood we loved so well. (more…)

DOLCEZZA confirms permanently closing Logan Circle Location. Will also permanently close City Center, Wharf, Dupont Circle, and Bethesda

By Prince Of Petworth


14th and P Street, NW

On Friday we broke the sad news that Dolcezza’s logan location was closing. Four more are unfortunately closing too. From DOLCEZZA:

“For the past few weeks, we have been thinking a lot about what the last 16 years has meant to us as a family and the impact this business has had on our lives.

In 2004, we opened a small kitchen in Georgetown with the goal of bringing the amazing gelato from the parlors of Buenos Aires to our home here in Washington, DC.

Since then, our lives have centered around our family business. We have grown so tremendously over these past 16 years with Dolcezza.

We learned the importance of local farming and being guided by the seasons. We became parents of three beautiful little girls. We had family members married from chance encounters in our shops. We hosted dinners at our factory with our chef friends. We officiated weddings and threw concerts. Our little girl’s first job was selling pints with her grandmother at the Dupont Circle farmer’s market.

None of this is unique to Dolcezza — we are all crafting indelible stories in the many ways we interact with each other every day. But that takes nothing away from the overwhelming honor and appreciation we have for everyone who has been a part of our simple Dolcezza dream: our amazing employees, customers, farmers, chefs, makers, neighbors and city. You have made this an unforgettable ride and we only hope we have affected you in the same incredible way you have affected us.

So it is with these beautiful thoughts in mind and the sobering effect that COVID-19 has had on our industry that we are announcing the closing of five of our store locations: Logan Circle, City Center, Wharf, Dupont Circle, and Bethesda. These shops will be closing during the month of October. (more…)

Butter Chicken Company coming soon to space near Union Station. AND Dupont (and Bethesda too)

By Prince Of Petworth


601 2nd Street, NE

Thanks to Patrick for sending:

“Looks like another location is set to open, super close to the Butter Chicken Company 2 location on H Street, at the old Duet location (601 2nd St NE) rather than Masala Art as previously thought. Also now appears on their website along with coming soon 4 (Dupont) and 5 (Bethesda) coming soon!”

STAY TUNED for opening dates and peep their menu here.

Opened in 1985, The Otello Italian Restaurant Space is now For Lease

By Prince Of Petworth

Update from Otello:

“Dear loyal friends & patrons:

After over 30 years in Dupont Circle, Otello restaurant has permanently closed its doors. As with many other restaurants, the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic has made it impossible for us to stay in business. Some other restaurants were able to pivot to pick up and delivery services, but it was determined that this was not a viable option for our little restaurant.

We hope you keep Otello in your memories as a place for good food, good times and cheer. On behalf of the entire team at Otello, we thank you for your years of patronage and we will miss you all!
– Otello Restaurant”

Sadly their phone number has been disconnected as well so it appears to be another end of an era. The Washington Post reviewed them in 1985:

“The newest red-sauce and red-check Italian restaurant is Otello, just south of Dupont Circle. (more…)

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