Neighborhoods

Developing: Hana Japanese Market To Stay Open after Building Sells as New Lease Signed!?!

By Prince Of Petworth


17th and U Street, NW

UPDATE: Owner tells me via email that they have signed a leaseback after the building has sold and have not plans to close. Trying to get more details and will share as soon as I do. Great news!!

Ed. Note: I’ve really been holding off on this hoping it wasn’t really going to happen. But I’ve received so many tips, like the one below, that I can’t hold off any longer after having chatted with an employee as well. I stopped in to get my rice ball fix and was hesitantly told that after this summer they will likely be closing their doors. If it happens then that gives about a good five, six months or so. If you, like me, are a huge fan – I’d start going regularly while we still can.

“Dear PoPville,

Just heard that our beloved Hana Market is in fact closing soon. I saw your post from July 2024 about the package sale of the buildings. The update from today is that (more…)

“Lobby Bar Set to Open its Doors on Capitol Hill This Spring”

By Prince Of Petworth


224 7th Street, SE previously home to Boxcar Tavern

From a press release:

“Nested in the heart of Capitol Hill, Lobby Bar (224 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003) is set to debut this spring (April), offering a refined yet playful take on classic American fare and expertly crafted cocktails. The 2000 sq-ft restaurant is designed with the mindset of being a gathering place for all—whether unwinding after work, celebrating milestones, or simply enjoying a great meal—Lobby Bar will blend sophistication with a welcoming, lively atmosphere. (more…)

“Juneberry Garage awakes from slumber” kicking off today with “Summer Shuck Shack featuring local oysters and smash burgers!”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

We are excited to announce the return of Juneberry Garage‘s lovely patio bar on the old Walter Reed campus on Thursday, March 27th. While our interior space is still under construction, that’s not going to stop us from soaking in some sun and enjoying some cold drinks in the meantime. We’ll also be hosting some great food vendors with a different cuisine every day (pizza, Mexican, BBQ, Burgers and more). (more…)

“Rue Cafe’s trellis is almost complete”

By Prince Of Petworth


3906(ish) 14th Street, NW

“Coffee has become a commodity. On every corner is yet another coffee shop, selling yet another sugary flavored something. We want to bring you an authentic experience of how coffee should be enjoyed. At the Rue Cafe on 14th Street, enjoy the elements of the traditional Ethiopian coffee experience. Whether you need a place to grab a quick breakfast or lunch, study or work with free wi-fi, or hang out with friends, the Rue welcomes you!”

Update:

Thanks to Steve for sending the latest from Rue Cafe:

“It looks like a week or two until it’s completely finished!” (more…)

Terrible News: Brookland’s Finest announces it will be closing for good in mid April.

By Prince Of Petworth


12th and Jackson Street, NE opened here back in June 2014

Brookland’s Finest truly lived up to their name. This is a very tough loss.

Brookland’s Finest owner Tony T writes:

“Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we are going to have to close the doors at Brookland’s Finest. A word I grew to hate during the lockdown was pivot. Unfortunately, we could not pivot at BF. There were many factors. (more…)

“MPD Searching for Suspects in Navy Yard Armed Carjacking”

By Prince Of Petworth


via google maps

From MPD:

“The Metropolitan Police Department is asking for the community’s assistance in identifying suspects in an armed carjacking that occurred in the Navy Yard area.

On Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at approximately 3:29 p.m., the suspects approached the first victim, who was exiting their vehicle in the 400 block of K Street, Southeast. As the suspects demanded the victim’s car keys, the victim attempted to flag down a passing car and the suspects fled without obtaining property.

The suspects approached a second victim, who was standing at their vehicle at the intersection of 3rd Street and K Street, Southeast. One of the suspects demanded the victim’s car keys and showed a handgun in their waistband. The victim complied and the suspects fled the scene in the victim’s vehicle.

Both suspects were captured by a nearby surveillance camera and can be seen in the photos below: (more…)

Holy Moly, “Embassy of India?” or Indian Cultural Center actually coming to U Street!?!

By Prince Of Petworth


1438 U Street, NW

Hoogily Moogily, over TEN YEARS AGO, we wondered if the Indian Cultural Center still coming to U Street.

Thanks to Michael for sending the latest: “I was walking along U street today and was looking at a permit at this building on the 1400 Block of U st. Is it possible to finally doing something with this space? Is the Embassy moving or are they opening up a separate cultural institute space?” (more…)

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