U Street

Tasty Scuttlebutt: New Richard Sandoval Peruvian Restaurant Coming to 715 Florida Ave, NW?

By Prince Of Petworth

I told you I had a lot of scuttlebutt this week… Back in March 2010 a liquor license application was posted for a new spot called The Independent which was slated to be:

“Coffee House, bar lounge, 199 seats and total occupancy of 235 on first floor and storage on first and basement. Summer Garden with 75 seats and a total occupancy of 90.”

I now hear that Richard Sandoval is looking to take it over and make it a Peruvian restaurant. Sandoval is the Chef behind El Centro, Masa 14 and many others.

This would be huge news for this section of Florida Ave, NW. I think this would fit in nicely with the recent additions of Howard Theatre, Shaw’s Tavern and Bistro Bohem. Hard to imagine it would happen just a few years ago. Now it seems like a natural fit.

Of course, this is just scuttlebutt so I have no official confirmation at this point. I’d give this one a 78% accuracy rating.

Former Italiano Cafe to Become a Taqueria?

By Prince Of Petworth

There is so much scuttlebutt to share this week. Yesterday when we spoke about the closing of Italiano Cafe at 1113 V St, NW a reader says that word on the street is that a taqueria will be taking over the Italiano Cafe space. He also shares that Izakaya Seki coming next door should be open in late May or early June.

So, do you like the idea of taqueria at this location?

Wed. Afternoon Rental Option – U Street

By Prince Of Petworth

This rental is located at 2112 New Hampshire Ave NW:


View Larger Map

The listing says:

“Beautiful Studio available for immediate occupancy. This apartment includes a large seperate kitchen and dressing area, dishwasher, garbage disposal, gas range and frost free refrigerator. All utilities are included.

This is a really fun building with a roof top sun deck overlooking the city, a 24 hour fitness center, 24 hour front desk. This is a fun area of town close to shopping, pubs, and all the conveniences you need.”

This studio is going for $1525/Mo.

Italiano Cafe Appears Closed at 1113 V St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to a reader for sending the heads up. When I stopped by yesterday afternoon it looked like the inside was all cleaned out. Italiano Cafe opened back in May 2011 at 1113 V St, NW. This location was briefly home to V Street Cafe and Gori Cafe prior to that. Do you think this block of V Street can get enough foot traffic to support a restaurant/cafe? Izakaya Seki will be coming right next door at 1117 V St, NW.

JBG Now Planning Residential Building for 13th and U St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

Last night JBG had a meeting with neighbors about their plans for 13th and U St, NW (currently home to Rite Aid). At one point they had hoped to build a hotel. A reader who attended the meeting sends his summary:

JBG announced that they are now proposing a residential building at the corner of 13th and U instead of a hotel like they had originally planned. JBG and the Architect said that the hotel required a certain amount of density and height – which in the past had been the major concerns of neighboring residents. The proposed building has less height and density. Here is the breakdown:

-138 residential units – whether it will be condos or apartments is TBD by what the market dictates when the project is built
-15,000 square feet of retail
-90 in height is proposed plus the height of the penthouse
-The Alley will be wider than it exists today and the loading docks for the commercial units will be enclosed
-Architecture is similar to the original proposed hotel
-72 parking spaces are proposed which according to JBG is 10 more than what is required for this use/density
-There will be a private roof deck for the residents of the building
-The project will need to go through the PUD Process
-There will be a Community Benefit Package (requirement) but what will be in the package has not been determined
-Delivery will be in 3-4 years

JBG plans on setting up a website for correspondence with neighbors and concerned citizens.

24 Seven Mediterranean Restaurant Looking To Move Into Former Love Cafe Space at 15th and U St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth


1408 U St NW

On Monday we learned of the temporary closures of Utopia, and soon, DC Noodles on the 1400 block of U St, NW due to construction at 14th and U St, NW. Thanks to a reader for sending a tip about the great Mediterranean restaurant, 24 Seven located at 1408 U St, NW.

I spoke with the owner yesterday who confirmed that he is looking to move into the former Love Cafe space which closed at the end of Jan. 2012 at the corner of 15th and U St, NW.

View More Stories