NoMa (Near Northeast)

Barnes and Noble Closing in Union Station

By Prince Of Petworth


50 Massachusetts Avenue, NE

Thanks to Rebecca for sending word that Barnes and Noble is closing in Union Station. A call to the store confirms that their last day is Dec. 31st. Barnes and Noble still has a store near Metro Center at 12th and E St, NW.

The former Barnes and Noble in Georgetown recently opened as a Nike Store. And earlier this week we learned the former Borders at 18th and L St, NW is becoming a Nordstrom Rack.

It’ll be interesting to see who takes over this large retail space in Union Station.

Scuttlebutt: Old Dominion Brewery Looking to Open a Rooftop Beer Garden in Union Market?

By Prince Of Petworth


1219 9th Street, NW

Not sure the likelihood of this one but thought it was pretty interesting – I hear that Old Dominion Brewery could be looking to open another brew house location in the renovated Union Market at 1309 5th St, NE. And what could be even more interesting is that I heard there could be a rooftop beer garden involved. It wasn’t clear to me if would be like the one by the convention center or more like the one in Hyattsville. Purely scuttlebutt at the moment but I’ll be sure to update if this turns out to be true.

New Building at 3rd and L Street, NE Nearing Completion

By Prince Of Petworth

This building will is set to become a rental building called Aria on L Street:

“Two blocks from the Noma/Gallaudet Metro Station, a new voice is emerging.

Aria on L promises to be a new style of living. Clean, simple, elegant apartment homes composed with features that make living easy. Unexpected amenities engineered to bring harmony to everyday life, complimented by social features to keep you engaged. We want ‘welcome home’ to be music to your ears.”

You can see the floor plans here.

And here’s a rendering from their Website:

TaKorean at Union Market Opening This Saturday

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo courtesy of TaKorean

From a press release:

Just a little over two years after the TaKorean food truck took the DC lunch scene by storm, TaKorean will open a new, permanent outpost at the new Union Market. TaKorean started its operation out of a 1985 Ford Step-Van in August of 2010 and has remained one of the most popular DC food trucks through the explosion of mobile vending in the District. Union Market, located at 1309 5th St, NE, is a newly opened artisanal food market dedicated to offering the DC metro area a culinary experience that is unmatched. TaKorean Owner/Operator, Mike Lenard says, “TaKorean is thrilled to be involved in Union Market along with several other industry leaders and top artisanal vendors.“

TaKorean’s recipes continue to be made from scratch using the freshest ingredients available. In addition to delicious Korean style meats, TaKorean serves vegetarian and vegan options, along with occasional specials. TaKorean will be open from 11AM-8PM Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to start. In mid-November, the market is expected to expand hours to Tuesday through Sunday and will remain open year-round as a permanent establishment. The TaKorean food truck will continue to operate daily for lunch service downtown and additionally for events and catering requests.

Owner Mike Lenard has created a variety of Asian inspired taco combinations and menu items to “consistently provide customers with fresh, interesting, healthy, and delicious tasting food that gives them something to smile about.” A native of Washington D.C., Lenard is determined to provide healthy, well-balanced meals at a reasonable price ($3.50-$9 for food) to his fellow Washingtonians while also giving back to the community and local environmental causes. TaKorean is continuing to pledge 1% of gross sales from both locations to local environmental and youth based non-profit organizations.

At TaKorean in Union Market, one can enjoy a choice of Korean-style Bulgogi beef, tangy chicken, or caramelized tofu tacos topped with fresh spicy or mild slaw, cool lime crèma, Sriracha chili sauce, fresh cilantro and sesame seeds on top of warm corn tortillas.


Photo courtesy of TaKorean

Embers Grill Opens Today at 80 F Street, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

Embers Grill opens today near Georgetown Law School and Irish Times at 80 F St, NW. The menu was still being finalized when I stopped by but there will be lots of grill items, naturally, plus falafel and other interesting lunch options. They’ll be open Mon. – Sat. 7am to 5pm.

Crepe Lena Coming to Union Station

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to a reader for spotting this new crepe option coming to Union Station. Crepe Lena is located in the lower level food court on the same side where the Burger King is coming.

Thaaja Indian Food Bar Coming to the Courtyard Marriott in NoMa

By Prince Of Petworth


1335 2nd Street, NE

A new Indian restaurant is coming to 1335 2nd Street, NE in the Courtyard Marriott by the NoMa metro. According to the liquor license posted out front Thaaja Indian Food Bar will be a:

“New Restaurant with Entertainment. Sidewalk Café with 10 Seats. Total Occupancy load of 62, with 32 seats.”

Their website says:

Thaaja was created for one simple reason: to show how versatile,
delicious, and healthy Indian food can be.

A modern take on traditional Indian food, Thaaja lets you easily design your own meals. Simply pick your favorite flavors and build something fresh, creative and healthy. Start by choosing a base – a wrap, rice bowl, or salad, then add an assortment of proteins and toppings. Finish it off with one (or two!) of our mouth-watering, signature homemade sauces and dine with us or quickly take it to go wherever life takes you!

You can see their menu here.

New Starbucks Opens in NoMa at 1st and M St, NE and in Union Station

By Prince Of Petworth


1160 1st St, NE

The Starbucks coming to 1st and M St, NE has opened over the weekend.

@TonyTGoodman tweeted:

“New NoMa Starbucks at 1st/M NE has already expanded their hours: now 5:30-8 M-F, 7-8 Sa, 8-7 Sun”

And thanks to all who wrote in about a second Starbucks opening in Union Station. This new one is located next to the Roti on the west side of the first floor:

Friday Question of the Day – Why Do You Think the Neighborhood Name NoMa has Stuck while Capitol Riverfront Hasn’t?

By Prince Of Petworth

I’ve been curious about this week’s question for a while. It has me stumped. While I know that not everyone likes the name NoMa, I think it’s fair to say that it has been adopted by most folks. I know some still pine for Swampoodle but I think NoMa is staying for good. In contrast not one person I know calls Navy Yard – the Capitol Riverfront. Some people I know now call it the ball park but most have stuck with Navy Yard. Both neighborhoods have BIDs and banners. Both neighborhoods have had and continue to have major developments. So why do you think NoMa has stuck while Capitol Riverfront hasn’t?

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