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7th and Q St, NW

Ed. Note: Another cool detail I’m told is that “We have hired a historian to report on what the front of the China Express building looked like. We plan bringing the building closer to its original appearance.”

Also they are still working on leasing the Mt. Vernon Squangle location at 5th and K St, NW but they are still in negotiations.

From a press release:

“Dacha Beer Garden is pleased to announce signing of the lease for the adjoining China Express building at 1602 7th Street, NW

Owners llya Alter and Dmitri Chekaldin are planning to gut the Chinese restaurant building and integrate it with the existing popular Shaw beer garden.

Instead of a planned small, controversial building in the original beer garden, Dacha owners are gearing up to expand and build out the China Express structure thereby not only improving Dacha’s operations, but also complying with the neighborhood agreement that specifically calls for a permanent structure.

The planned building will feature three bars, a grand beer hall, state of the art bathrooms and private lockers for regulars to keep their steins on premises. Dacha’s beer menu will expand; however, Weihenstephaner Brewery products will continue to be the core of the draft lineup. The third floor bar will feature rare, hard to find beers, meads and ciders. A full kitchen will allow Dacha to expand its food offerings.

Owners are hoping to receive the new construction permit by the end of January 2015 and immediately start construction. If all goes as planned, the new addition will open in the summer of 2015. The garden, however, will open in its current format in early spring of 2015 and will operate while the China Express building is being renovated. Additionally, owners are planning to keep the garden on standby during winter months and opening the popular spot weather permitting.

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Dacha Beer Garden is a pleasant, green neighborhood epicenter that has been warmly received and endorsed by the community. Dacha serves a carefully curated selection of world-class German, Belgian and American beers, a variety of meads, ciders and wines – all accompanied by German-inspired menu. The open-air format, comfortable seating, and convenient location make Dacha an easy choice, while affordable prices offer a great dinner/lunch alternative to a restaurant or a take out.

We change the world, one beer at a time.”


@DCPoliceDept tweeted around 12:30am:

“3D SHOOTING/7TH ST & N ST NW/LOF GOLD 4DOOR VEHICLE OCCUPIED BY 2 SUSPECTS”

Other shootings reported by @DCPoliceDept last night include:

“7D Shooting_2305 hrs_MLK Jr Ave at Malcolm X Ave, SE_No Lookout”

“6D Shooting, 2141 hours, 1000 48th Place NE, LOF Black Nissan Maxima with tinted windows.”

“6d shooting, 0112 hours, 3300 block Croffut Place SE.”

UPDATE: Statement Muriel Bowser:

“Today Democratic Nominee for Mayor, Councilmember Muriel Bowser, released a statement regarding the recent shootings that have occurred over the past week in the District of Columbia:

“I have been briefed by Chief Lanier on several shootings that have occurred over the past week in the District. I am saddened for the victims and their families, yet also outraged that the acts of a few individuals now threaten to erode our ability to feel safe in the District.

“Ensuring the public safety of Washingtonians is our top priority. After speaking with Chief Lanier, I know our police department is doing everything possible to keep our residents safe and deter additional shootings. But they can’t do it alone. If residents see something, say something. You can provide an anonymous tip anytime to 202-727-9099 or text to 50411. We are our brothers and sisters’ keepers, so we must work together to ensure a safer District for everyone. And, we must stay vigilant in condemning acts of violence and continuing to act on the values that make the District of Columbia the greatest city in the nation.”


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606 Florida Ave, NW

More good restaurant news for Shaw/Ledroit Park – thanks to a reader for sending:

“Saw some good progress on the brick and mortar Rito Loco on 6th and Florida today. After a delayed opening (they had initially mentioned a Cinco de Mayo opening), it looks like things are moving!”

For those not familiar you can check out their menu here.

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247 Florida Ave, NW

And in other almost open news – Meats & Foods – from their website:

“13th St Meats is proud to announce the arrival of our new retail shop and restaurant at 247 Florida NW in Washington, DC.

Opening soon, Meats & Foods will feature a variety of styles of handmade sausages as well as chili, soups, and sides.”

And on August 6th they wrote:

“Thanks @kellytowles for the amazing piece on our wall. Just got our C of O, health inspection next week!

And from their facebook page:

“Sneak peek at a sample menu…Health inspection tomorrow morning!”

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2020 9th Street, NW (just north of U Street) across from 9:30 Club

“Dear Popville,

Any chance we can get an update on the new restaurant from the owner of Thai X-ing that you wrote about in September? I absolutely can’t wait to try it!”

I sent another email to the folks at Thai X-ing to try to get a firm date but haven’t heard back yet. But walking past this weekend I did notice that they have a live plant out front so it’s gotta be soon! Also a peek in the windows reveals it’s gotta be very very soon:

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1824 8th Street Northwest

This rental is located at 1824 8th Street, Northwest. The listing says:

“RENOVATED 2 LEVEL TH FEATURING 3 BEDROOMS, 1.5 BATHS AND PRIVATE PARKING. CLOSE TO 14TH STREET CORRIDOR AND HOWARD U. 3 BLOCKS FROM THE METRO *** 600+ credit score, Two roomates or single family only***”

You can see more photos here.

This 3 bed/1.5 bath is going for $3,000/Mo.


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One of my favorites from Florida Ave was tagged with graffiti but I’m happy to see it’s back in beautiful form.


from6thstreet
6th and P St, NW

“Dear PoPville,

I live on the eastern side of Shaw, where there are a dearth of grassy parks that my 7-month-old baby can crawl around on. I noticed a potentially nice space near the playground at Kennedy Rec Center at 7th and P NW with tall trees, winding paths and lots of grass. Yesterday, we tried it out. The only other group was a triad, sitting by the fence, chatting, surveying the park and giving me a suspicious look.

I set the blanket out, kicking away bottle caps, bandaids and pieces of glass. When we looked over to the other group, we noticed a man stumble up, hand over some cash, and take a little baggie from them. Lots of weary side eye was directed our way.

Needless to say, we felt a little unwelcome. My husband later pointed out that the glass may have been intentionally thrown around to deter the likes of me.

So, what to do? Should we forget about the park, leaving the space for the group to conduct business? Should I keep coming back, but mind my own business? Should I round up my parent friends and have a ‘baby sit-in’? What’s the protocol here? What do other neighbors think of that space?”

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