U Street

Former Almaz Ethiopian Restaurant Undergoing Major Renovations on U St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

Almaz was located at 1212 U St, NW. A reader writes:

“So Almaz is closed for renovations. We just walked down U St and they were working on it on a Friday night, which I thought was strange. I asked one of the workers whether Almaz was reopening and he said no, it would be an American food place. I peeked in at the reno and it did look very nice.”

I also asked some of the workers what the new place would be and they echoed the same as above, it will focus on “American food”. They did not know what the new name would be but they said they expected to reopen in a few weeks.

Were there any fans of Almaz?

Mon. Afternoon Rental Option – Columbia Heights/U St

By Prince Of Petworth

This rental is located at Florida Ave. NW at 15th Street NW:


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The Craigslist ad says:

“3 Unit Townhouse. Top Two Units occupied by Quiet Mature Professional Men
Seeking Same for First Floor Private Studio.

Military & Law Enforcement Members Welcome

Studio: 420 SqFt w/Kitchen and Full Bathroom. One Full Wall of Exposed Brick
Ceramic Floor Throughout
Unfurnished
Available August 1 for One Occupant. 6-12 month Lease OK
Private Outside Exclusive Entrance for This Studio
Front Porch w/ Seating
Sunny Southern Exposure/ 4 Front Windows (see this Studio’s images below)
Pet OK [(canine or cat),($250 extra security deposit)]
Separate Electric Metering.
This studio has it’s own Heat & A/C unit
Rent includes Comcast WiFi
Credit Check is Required
7 min Walk to U Street Metro
CVS, YES Market & Meridian Park: 2 Blocks Away
Shared Basement Washer/Dryer

Email 2 sentence curriculum vitae and contact Info. Thx”

$1350 sound right for a studio here?

Thurs. Afternoon Rental Option – U St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

This rental is located at 11th and U St, NW:


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The Craigslist ad says:

“For rent: Sunny two-bedroom apartment in the heart of U Street neighborhood. $2300/month. Starting late August or September 1.

The apartment: It’s on the top floor and faces east, so it gets tons of natural light. Large living room, a nice kitchen with gas stove and dishwasher, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a balcony. There’s a washing machine and dryer in the unit, a front desk and a small fitness center in the building, and the building is very pet-friendly. (The brightly-colored walls in the pictures below could be returned to white before you move in.)

The neighborhood: The apartment is in the Lincoln building (11th & U), less than two blocks from the metro, a block from delicious Ethiopian food and much of U Street’s restaurants and nightlife. It’s lively, but safe. We (the current tenants) LOVE the apartment and the neighborhood, and are leaving it only because we’re moving out of town.”

$2300 sound right for this 2 bed?

Judging Restaurants – El Centro

By Prince Of Petworth

The highly anticipated El Centro opened up in early May at 1819 14th St, NW. Their Web site says:

“El Centro D.F.

Chef Richard Sandoval invites you to gather, dine and raise a glass at El Centro, D.F. Authentic Mexican comfort food and fine Tequilas are served in three vibrant spaces

Taqueria
A lively open kitchen is the backdrop for the casual taqueria. Eat-in or take your tacos to-go.

Tequileria
Dine or lounge in the underground Tequileria, where Mixologists craft Latin cocktails and pour from 200 Tequilas & Mezcals.

Rooftop
Salud! Raise a glass at the rooftop’s two open-air bars.”

You can see their menus here. Any fans? In addition to the food – is this a good place to grab a drink?

Movement at 2208 14th St, NW – Soon to be Piola Pizzeria

By Prince Of Petworth

Back in early April I shared some reader scuttlebutt that a Piola Pizzeria would be coming to the U Street neighborhood. You can see their Arlington menu here.

There had been little visible progress on the building during the intervening months but I’m happy to finally see some movement. They’ve applied for a liquor license and a Michiel Architecture sign have gone up. The liquor license application says:

“International Italian food chain serving genuine Italian food with a seating capacity of approximately 70 people on the 1st floor and 20 people on the 2nd floor. The total occupancy load is 150. A roof-deck (summer garden) with 40 seats and no entertainment.”

Awesome – another roof deck! More updates as construction progresses.

Jin Restaurant Applies for a Summer Garden

By Prince Of Petworth

Jin is located at 2017 14th Street, NW. You can see their menus here. A placard out front says that they:

“Request a summer garden with up to 50 seats.”

I love hearing about more outdoor dining/drinking options. We’ve never actually done a proper judging of Jin – any fans?

Matchbox Coming to 14th and T St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth


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From a press release:

The matchbox food Group is fired up to announce their latest expansion plans! Diners will soon be able to enjoy the group’s first and most successful concept to date, matchbox, at the corner of 14th Street and T Street NW. The group, whose history dictates its expertise in finding the next hottest neighborhoods in the district, has just signed a lease with real estate developer JBG. With the approval of all necessary licenses, this will mark the 3rd matchbox location in DC and the 5th nationwide.

“We are extremely excited to have the opportunity to expand into the growing 14th Street Corridor,” said Ty Neal, principal partner of the matchbox food Group. “Washington, DC has been our home since 2003 with our first location in Chinatown, then Capitol Hill, followed by Rockville. In 2012, our sights are set on the Logan Circle area and Merrifield, Virginia. We are so grateful for the people of greater Washington and how they have embraced us, our food, and our restaurants. ”

The group has plans to renovate the building that has had a rich history of former occupants. The turn of the century construct has housed a bowling alley, jazz club, and most recently has been home to Arena Stage’s rehearsal hall. Signature design features that diners will be sure to see in the restaurant will be multiple levels, rustic barn wood, architectural staircases and of course the “matchbox” a seating area that first appeared in the Capitol Hill location. This wooden box can seat 6-8 people and has become a highly requested table for those who want to see and be seen!

Good Deal or Not? “WIDE & DEEP HOUSE” edition

By Prince Of Petworth

This home is located at 1412 Florida Ave, NW:


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The fliers says:

“* * * WIDE & DEEP HOUSE * * * Totally renovated + wonderful 3-level home w/ entertainment-sized rooms, great light + modern finishes. Granite/SS b-bar Kit, 2 sunrooms, rear deck, LR w/ FP, large front porch, exposed brick, travertine/marble Baths, LL w/ rec room, full BA + BR and walk-out to gated PKG. Steps to everything on U St/14th, and close to Columbia Hts!”

You can find more info here and a virtual tour here.

$849,900 sound right for this 3 bed/3.5 bath?

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