931 H Street, NW

From Seven Reasons:

“The most notable culinary offering from the new Seven Reasons will be their wait-list only tasting experience, aptly called “SURPRISE,” which takes inspiration from escape rooms. Chef Limardo promises a tasting experience like nothing guests have ever experienced and his most ambitious yet in one of Seven Reasons’s two new private dining rooms – diners might eat their dishes blindfolded or have to solve a puzzle before unlocking their utensils, for example. Reservations for this experience will be released on unannounced dates about a week in advance, and reservations are limited to the first fourteen guests that secure the spots. Read More

425 12th Street, NW

From a press release:

“Assets from the Washington, DC landmark eatery Ollie’s Trolley, a downtown lunchtime hotspot at the base of the historic Hotel Harrington since 1989, are now up for auction at CapitalOnlineAuctions.com.

Fans of Ollie’s Trolley can bid on more than 100 lots from the restaurant, which will close Dec. 12 as part of the Hotel Harrington sale. Available to the highest bidder are the iconic “Ollie Fries” and “Ollie Burgers” neon signs; additional Ollie’s Trolley indoor and outdoor signage; vintage and vintage-inspired décor items; trolley imagery and décor; the eatery’s signature red booth seating and padded chairs; high-end commercial kitchen equipment, and much more.

“There are many pieces of nostalgia that will strike a chord with fans looking for an item to remember Ollie’s Trolley by,” said Mitch Rotker, owner of Capital Online Auctions, which is hosting the online auction. “We also hope that the commercial kitchen equipment and classic dining fixtures can go back into the local business community to be used in area businesses and restaurants.”

Bidding on the Ollie’s Trolley auction begins closing on Dec. 14 at 11:00 am EST.

R. also reported: “Harry’s Bar’s last day is Sunday, December 3. I’m there on Friday night December 1 and it is packed.” Read More

501 7th Street, NW

Thanks to Tim for sending: “New signs for Gordon Ramsey long awaited pizza joint in Penn Quarter” Read More

From a press release:

“Operated by the DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID) and Diverse Markets Management, the 19th Annual Downtown Holiday Market, Washington D.C.’s outdoor shopping village, kicks off the holiday season this Friday, November 17. Read More

F Street NW, from 7th to 9th Streets, NW courtesy DowntownDC BID

From a press release:

“This year’s Downtown Holiday Market, presented by DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID and Diverse Markets Management, returns for its 19th year starting Friday, November 17th through Saturday, December 23rd. Once again, the market will be taking two entire blocks of F Street NW between 7th and 9th Streets NW. The entrance will be located on the sidewalk outside the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. This year, visitors can enjoy a new line up of entertainment, over 70 exhibitors, food vendors and festive decor and lights throughout the season.

Admission to the Downtown Holiday Market is free and open to the public with daily hours from 12:00PM to 8:00PM. Read More

501 7th Street, NW

Thanks to Dave for sending the update on Street Pizza (formerly home to Red Velvet Cupcakery and Tangy Sweet, Bakers & Baristas and most recently Vivi):

“Gordon Ramsay North America has 4 new posts now to hire for top positions at Street Pizza in Washington DC (General Manager, Manager, Kitchen Manager, and Sous Chef).

it says near the top: Read More

photo by Eric P.

Ed. Note: The PR firm would not confirm to the exact location but the Washington Business Journal reported that they’ll be coming to the former Pi Pizzeria space which abruptly closed last month.

From a press release:

“Managing Partner Jack McGarry and The Dead Rabbit team announce 2024 plans for the third location of the world’s most awarded pub in Washington D.C. Situated in Penn Quarter–within blocks of the National Portrait Gallery and Capital One Sports Arena–the 6,200 square-foot two-level space will feature the exceptional Irish beverage, food, and entertainment programming for which The Dead Rabbit is known. McGarry has tapped Crown Creative, the pub’s Belfast-based creative partner, to bring the vision of tradition meets tomorrow to life in the historic D.C. building in the center of the entertainment district. Read More

664 11th Street, NW

Thanks to Graham for sending: “Looks like it just is moving across the street. This is on 11th in what used to be a Gap.” (Closed back in August 2021) Read More

910 F Street, NW

“…due to the economic climate and remote work changes in DC and beyond, it was unsustainable. We did our best.”

Thanks to Danny (and Doug) for sharing the news about Pi Pizzeria closing in Penn Quarter: Read More

822 E Street, NW

This was also the former home of the well loved Cedar, hopefully someone good snaps it up: Read More