Logan Circle

Dear PoPville – Playbill Cafe Closing at the end of the Month in Logan

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

I heard from a friend of mine who’s a regular there that Playbill Cafe on 14th St, which has been around as long as I can remember, is closing at the end of this month! It’s never super busy, but it had a good vibe and that was one of the things that I liked about it. I know they also sometimes hosted live touring shows in the back. He said he thought they were looking to re-locate.

I wanted to let you know that I got confirmation from one of the bartenders Friday night that Playbill IS closing at the end of the month. He said that they are looking for a new location but haven’t found one yet.”

1409 Playbill Cafe is located at 1409 14th St NW (near 14th and P St, NW.) The Post had an article late last week:

While an opening date and location have yet to be determined, Manour assures that the re-opening of the restaurant will be before the end of the year. They are looking at locations around U Street or possibly Arena Stage. They have “three options” as to where they will move the new restaurant, but “haven’t decided yet” on a new location, and will make a decision “very shortly,” Mansour states. “I hope the place we will get will be the same handsome place like we have now.”

They say to check in on their Facebook page to hear where/when the new place will open.

For those who are fans – do you think they’ll be able to keep the same vibe in the new location?

New Brunch Options Open on U Street this Weekend

By Prince Of Petworth


Lost Society – located at 14th and U St, NW

From a press release:

“Boutique steakhouse Lost Society opens for Brunch this Sunday featuring mouth-watering platters like Banana French Toast, Roasted Pork with Fried Eggs and Hanger Steak with Hash Browns. Dive in to Executive Chef Joseph Evans’ favorite menu items, such as the delicious Southern Chicken Fried Steak, a tender 4-ounce filet served with peppered crème gravy or the Chicken & Waffles platter. Seafood lovers will achieve culinary bliss with the Oyster Po Boy sandwich made with local Virginia oysters. Carb-conscious patrons can order the medium-sized Rappahanock River oysters, served crisp with a light briny edge.

Lost Society elevates American food to high-brow gourmet cuisine and the new brunch menu will follow that trend. The signature filet mignon will carry through the brunch menu, however Sunday’s filet will feature a side of hash browns. The dish is garnished with compound butter and served with a side of hash.

Located in the heart of the historic U Street corridor, the restaurant is a cornerstone for glitterati and Capitalites. This summer both Sean Penn and Tara Reid were spotted at the boutique steakhouse just months after the opening, giving the restaurant the celebrity stamp of approval. Lost Society hosts many Washingtonian shakers and movers.”

See brunch menu here: Lost Society Brunch Menu


El Centro located at 1819 14th St, NW

From an email:

“Bottomless Brunch & Year Round Rooftop at El Centro

$35 | ALL YOU CAN EAT & DRINK

SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS | 11AM-3PM

Enjoy Unlimited Brunch Tacos &
Mexican Small Plates

Washed down with and endless selection of
Michilada, Bloody Marias and Seasonal
Agua Frescas Cocktail”

Mid City Caffe Closing Oct. 1st in Logan Circle

By Prince Of Petworth

First Sparky’s Cafe closes then Cafe 14U and now this…

Yesterday at 5pm I got the following sad press release:

“Logan Circle’s Mid City Caffe has announced that it will be closing for business. The final day of normal operation will be September 30, 2011 with limited hours of operation on October 1. The café was opened in 2009 by a pair of entrepreneurs who turned the interior of the former auto-body shop into a comfortable environment for the neighborhood’s residents to work, relax and socialize.

Unfortunately, the second-story location outside the downtown core proved underperforming. Limited accessibility restricted morning commuter and daytime foot-traffic, and while the café was blessed with a coterie of dedicated regulars, ultimately the volume simply was not there.

Known particularly as a gathering place for the neighborhood’s freelancers and creative professionals, Mid City Caffe proudly served coffee from Counter Culture Coffee and Caffe Pronto prepared by an expertly trained staff. The café’s closing will leave a gap in the expanding, but nightlife-focused, Fourteenth Street corridor.

It has been a pleasure to serve the Logan Circle neighborhood and to be apart of the city’s burgeoning specialty coffee scene. While the ownership and staff are excited to move on to other opportunities, they will miss their devoted customers.”

Mid City Caffe, located above Miss Pixie’s (also likely moving in 2012) at 1626 14th Street, NW, opened up back in Aug. ’09.

Coffee fans will now have to head to Peregrine which opened up down the block at 1718 14th St, NW in May ’11.

Do you guys think that the neighborhood couldn’t support both Peregrine and Mid City or do you think “the second-story location outside the downtown core” was Mid City’s downfall?

Judging Hotel Restaurants – Avenue Cafe

By Prince Of Petworth

Avenue Cafe is located at 1501 Rhode Island Avenue NW and is part of the Holiday Inn. I can’t imagine this would be too many people’s first choice for the Logan area but I’m just curious if anyone has stopped by to try out the BBQ menu?

This one actually first caught my attention because I thought it was advertising a happy hour at the breakfast buffet starting at 6:30am. Reading comprehension has never been my greatest strength…

Wed. Afternoon Rental Option – Logan Circle

By Prince Of Petworth

This rental is located at 1441 Q Street NW:


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The Craigslist ad says:

“•4,000 s.f. Italianate, three story home in prime location in Logan Circle Community.
•Many interesting and unique historic and original features throughout the house including plaster crown moldings, chandeliers, 5 fireplaces, heart pine floors, exposed brick, wood paneling.
•4 large bedrooms including large master bedroom, all with ample closets and storage.
•2 full / 1 half bath. Master Bath features double shower, double sinks, soaking tub, washer/dyer, exposed brick. Full baths recently renovated with all new appliances and plumbing.
•Study / library on 2nd floor with built in bookcases and antique paneling.
•Large eat-in kitchen (14′ X19′) with exposed brick, all stainless appliances, granite countertops, custom cabinetry, fireplace, plantation shutters.
•Large living room with fireplace, custom built bookshelves, w/pocket doors into dining room.
•Formal Dining room with fireplace and antique plaster fresco.
•Parking space in rear.
•Large brick patio in front with gardens. Small brick kitchen side patio.
•Upgraded electric panels.
•Central air conditioning and hot water radiator heat. Custom radiator cabinetry”

It’s been a while since we had some rental porn – this 4 bed Italiante 3-level home is yours for $8000.

Good Deal or Not? “WowSPACE” edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This home is located at 1424 Rhode Island Ave, NW:


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The flier says:

“WowSPACE – This Condo Town Home Has It All – Parking, Patio, Sep. Rental Apt. & in the heart of Logan!! 2BRs, 2.5BAS in main unit; Remodeled studio with 1BA, cork floors, sep gated entrance. Updated baths, SS appls. wall of windows, skylights, 2-level LR/DR with FP, wood flrs, and loft overlooking main level, tons of storage. 1 of a kind Unique-Truly Cool Space – Must see to believe!”

You can find more info here and a mouse on house tour here.

We looked at another unit on this block back in April ’10 that was going for $869,555. This unit is going for $791,424. What do you think of the house itself? Price sound right?

Whoa, Pearl Dive Oyster Palace Looks Freaking Amazing in Logan

By Prince Of Petworth

And these photos are just from the street. Pearl Dive Oyster Palace located at 1612 14th St NW in the old 100% Mexico space – has achieved an amazing transformation. I was walking by last night and could hardly believe my eyes.


100% Mexico closed their doors in 2007

This has rocketed to the top of the list of places I can’t wait to try.

And mad props for the sweet signage as well:

LoopNet lists ACKC DC Location for Lease at 1529 14th Street NW

By Prince Of Petworth

I was super surprised to stumble across this listing for 1529 14th Street NW which is the current location of ACKC:

“Existing restaurant within moratorium market. Turnkey space. Beer & wine license available. Newer construction.”

The listing shares three photos of ACKC and says the space is 2,183 square feet and the rental rate is negotiable.

More info when it becomes available.

Tues. Afternoon Rental Option –

By Prince Of Petworth

This rental is located at 13th and Riggs St, NW:


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The Craigslist ad says:

“Perfectly located on a quiet street steps away from the vibrant 14th Street Corridor. Unfurnished. Close walk to Whole Foods, Metro, Restaurants, Shopping, Theatre. W/D, AC, DW, Refrigerator, Built-in Microwave. Back yard patio space.

*Utilities included are water, gas, and electricity. 1 year lease
Non-Smoking / No pets . Thank you.”

$1600 sound right?

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