Penn Quarter - PoPville

Boqueria opens second D.C. Location in Penn Quarter

Published March 5, 2019 at 10:22PM

777 9th Street, NW

Ed. Note: This is the former OYA (briefly BOE) space. Boqueria opened their first D.C. location in Dupont Circle back in 2012.

From a press release:

“Restaurateur Yann de Rochefort and Executive Chef Marc Vidal are thrilled to announce the opening of their vibrant Spanish tapas bar and restaurant, Boqueria, in Penn Quarter at 777 9th Street NW. This marks the second Boqueria location in the DC area.

courtesy Boqueria

The menu, crafted by Chef Marc Vidal with support from Chef de Cuisine George Rodrigues, features the restaurant’s signature shareable Spanish tapas, made from carefully sourced ingredients. (more…)

Punjab Grill opening in Penn Quarter on March 11

By Prince Of Petworth

Published March 5, 2019 at 4:00PM

View this post on Instagram

Burata – Punjabi style #comingsoon

A post shared by Punjab Grill DC (@punjabgrilldc) on Feb 25, 2019 at 5:59pm PST

The former Elisir Italian Restaurant closed here in January 2014. We learned Punjab Grill was coming here almost exactly a year ago. And now the good word from Food & Wine:

“Over the last year, an American restaurant was built in India. Using methods that were passed down over generations, artisans hand carved a 40-foot, 12,000-pound swath of pink sandstone to adorn one wall. (more…)

#Indian

“Spanish food with an East Asian influence” coming to Penn Quarter

By Prince Of Petworth

Published March 3, 2019 at 10:22PM

750 9th Street, NW at H Street

Color me curious. The liquor license placard for the to be named restaurant says:

“A restaurant that will serve Spanish food with an East Asian influence. Interior seating for 200, with a Total Occupancy Load of 230.”

Stay tuned.

Well, Grand Trunk Definitely Closed in Penn Quarter

By Prince Of Petworth

Published February 28, 2019 at 11:45AM

641 Indiana Avenue, NW

Earlier in the week we wondered if the, once super hot, Grand Trunk had closed. We need wonder no more – the windows have been papered and the front papered over. Updates when we learn what becomes of the space.

Grand Trunk Gone?

By Prince Of Petworth

Published February 25, 2019 at 3:30PM

641 Indiana Avenue, NW

Looks like it.

“Grand Trunk is a premier South Asian – Modern American restaurant located in the heart of Washington D.C. We serve gourmet food fast in a luxury setting.”

All their social media stops in November and a call to the restaurant just rings and rings. Thanks to Andrew for reporting: “Grand Trunk (RIP) I think it took longer to get open than it stayed open. Looked like some construction/work was going on inside. Signage is down too.”

Grand Trunk opened with great fanfare back in January 2015. The first posted coming soon signage was back in November 2011. Will they be missed? Updates when more is known.

#youre welcome eater

“Matchbox restaurant taking some pride in replacing recently demised Hen Quarter”

By Prince Of Petworth

Published February 25, 2019 at 11:45AM

750 E Street, NW

Thanks to JAG for sending on the Matchbox coming to Penn Quarter. Hen Quarter closed Dec. 31st (RIP Austin Grill foreva). As has been noted in previous discussions, Matchbox’s first location, which opened back in 2003, remains open nearby at 713 H Street, NW.

Check Out SPIN DC, Ping Pong Social Club’s new Happy Hour Menu

By Prince Of Petworth

Published February 19, 2019 at 10:22PM

Inside SPIN DC at 1332 F Street, NW. Photo by Rey Lopez

From an email:

“SPIN DC now has happy hour available available Monday through Friday from 4pm-7pm, with specials like $6 Vietnamese lettuce wraps, $7 hop pop (hoppy beer brined) crispy chicken, and $8 grass fed beef sliders. Drink specials include $2 off all draft beers, $4 Dos Equis drafts, $7 red or white wine, select $8 cocktails, and $6 winter sangria.”

Full menu after the jump. (more…)

#happy hour

We’re Entering Quiznos Territory as yet another Starbucks announces Closure

By Prince Of Petworth

Published February 13, 2019 at 10:10AM

Last week the rumor that the Starbucks at 21st and P is closing. This follows the closure of another Starbucks in Dupont at 1301 Connecticut Avenue, NW as well as the coming closure of one in Glover Park next month and the one on 77 H Street, NW.

And now Robin reports:

“Just saw a Starbucks location is closing (near Chinatown). Curious if you’ve heard any rumblings as to why or what’s going in its place? It’s always crowded when I’m there…”

Though there is a reprieve – FREE family supper for furloughed workers & their families at DC’s Carmine’s – Sunday; Free Sweetgreen This Weekend

By Prince Of Petworth

Published January 25, 2019 at 4:00PM

425 7th Street, NW

From The Hill: “The Senate is expected to take up a three-week stopgap bill to end the partial government shutdown later Friday after President Trump agreed to end the shutdown.”

But these went out earlier so:

“Carmine’s Family Style Italian Restaurant will offer a complementary family supper for furloughed Federal Government workers and their families at its DC Penn Quarter location on Sunday, January 27. There will be two seatings at 1 and 1:30 pm served family-style. (menu below)

Seating will be limited and reservations are required.

Reservations may be made by calling 202-737-7770 or in person with the host staff.

Online reservations and walk-ins will not be accepted.

Proof of federal employment is required for at least one family member.

Statement by Carmine’s: (more…)

Oof, Proof is Closing

By Prince Of Petworth

Published January 24, 2019 at 9:45AM

775 G Street, NW via Proof

Thanks to all who messaged. Washingtonian reported:

“Wine-centric modern American restaurant Proof will close on February 2 after a dozen years in Penn Quarter. In a statement, owner Jason Kuller says they were “unable to reach a viable agreement with our landlord to continue Proof in its current location.”

Updates when we learn what becomes of the space and if some form of Proof finds a new space.

#end of an era