West End

Dear PoPville – Does Anyone Live Here?

By Prince Of Petworth

Dear PoPville,

Just walking by this building today and again wondered what the hell is it? It’s at the intersection of 21st and New Hampshire with Ward Place off to the side, next to the Grillfish restaurant. It looks like an apt building, but on closer inspection, the front doors are practically boarded up, with no door knobs. There is no name or address on the building, yet all the windows have matching curtains and there were lights on in what appeared to be a stairwell. Is this another of DC’s “mystery” buildings?

Judging Movie Theaters – West End Cinema

By Prince Of Petworth

West End Cinema opened up back in Oct. ’10. They are located at 2301 M Street NW. You can see what movies are showing here. Since we often pine for new movie theaters – now that they’ve been around exactly a year – what do you think of West End Cinema? Do you like the films they show? Do you like the fact that you can also buy a beer or glass of wine there? I have to admit – it often falls off my radar – how does it compare to E Street Cinema?

Anyone Know What’s Up With this Vacant Building at 22nd and O St, NW?

By Prince Of Petworth


2230 O Street, NW Abandoned Apartment Bldg

“Dear PoP,

I was wondering if you or any of your readers could give me any information about this abandoned building on the corners of 22nd and O Streets, NW. It has looked this for about a year. One year ago a Public Notice sign went up, but other than replacing the bricks on the outside of the building about 10 months ago, nothing has changed. In fact, the front has recently been painted white. Have you any information about this eyesore?”

Any rumors or scuttlebutt of what’s going on here?

West End Cinema Opens Tomorrow (Oct. 29th)

By Prince Of Petworth

We first heard about the West End Cinema in August. Thanks to a reader for sending the heads up that they open tomorrow. They are located at 2301 M Street NW. Their Web site says:

We. Love. Movies. We love them. From summer blockbusters to offbeat indie dramas, we want to see them all. But here in Washington, we realize that all those art house, off-the-beaten-path kinds of films can be hard to find. The reason for this is simple: there just aren’t enough art house, off-the-beaten path kinds of theaters to show them. That’s where we come in. We rallied a team of dedicated film buffs around us, found a deserted theater just begging for a makeover, and brought West End Cinema to life. We show independent, foreign, and documentary films, especially ones that we feel offer new intellectual and cultural perspectives to our audience.

The films themselves are obviously the point, here, but as we all know, great amenities can really be the cherry on top of your Sunday night at the cinema… or better yet, the olive in your martini. West End Cinema offers a full bar and a wide range of concessions, from popcorn to baklava to gourmet sandwiches. And yes, yes, we also have candy.

The first film being shown is Howl with James Franco. If anyone checks them out be sure to send me an email and let me know what you thought. The place sounds very very promising.

West End Cinema Coming to 2301 M St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

I tweeted about this on Friday (you can follow me on twitter @PoPville here) because I was so psyched but it deserves proper Monday morning discussion. The description from the alcohol application says:

“NATURE OF OPERATION
Movie Theater with concession stands serving food & beverage service.

HOURS OF OPERATION AND SALE/SERVICE & CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES FOR INSIDE PREMISE
Sunday through Thursday 10 am – 12 am and Friday & Saturday 10 am – 2 am”

So movies and food and beer. Sounds awesome! I wonder if it’ll be like the Arlington Cinema and Draft House? Though after the alcohol license came out the owner sought to reassure his neighbors:

Note that even though the address is 2301 M St, NW the location is actually on the 23rd St, NW side on the lower level. We’ve spent a lot of time pining for a new movie theater, it’s nice to finally share news of a new one. And it’ll serve alcohol!

Judging Restaurants – Marcel’s

By Prince Of Petworth

Marcel’s is located at 2401 Pennsylvania Ave, NW. Anyone ever do the seven course meal? Any must order dishes? For those who have eaten at both do you prefer Marcel’s or their other restaurant, Basserie Beck (1101 K St, NW)?

Judging Buildings – Glass and Stone

By Prince Of Petworth

I thought this one was pretty interesting because I can’t remember seeing glass and stone ever being combined like this before. It’s located near 24th and L Streets, NW. Do you think the combination works? Overall – thumbs up or down?

Judging Buildings – Best Gas Station Ever?

By Prince Of Petworth

I was blown away by the green roof on the gas station but the whole building is pretty sweet. It’s located around New Hampshire Avenue and M Street, NW. It’s looks a bit familiar but I can’t remember if we’ve judged it before. I never thought I’d speak highly of a gas station… But what do you think about the whole building as well, thumbs up or down?

A few more pictures after the jump including different angles and a potential best spot for a morning cup of coffee or mojito. (more…)

History Everywhere

By Prince Of Petworth

One of the fun things about wondering around DC is just randomly bumping into historical sites. 2425 L Street, NW is where the Rush-Bagot agreement was signed. “The treaty provided for the demilitarization of the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain. A plaque also stands at the former site of the British Legation in Washington, D.C.”

And when I googled the address it turns out there’s a condo for sale here…

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