U Street

Teaism Looking to Open a Fourth Store on U Street, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

On Friday for the FQotD I asked what retail you thought U Street was missing and in the comments a reader mentioned that they had heard that Teaism would be opening up a shop in the Moderno at 12th and U St, NW:


The Moderno located at 1939 12th Street NW (at U Street, NW)

I checked in with the folks at Teaism and they confirmed that they are indeed very interested in the U Street neighborhood. However at this moment no lease has been signed. I’m told, if things go well, we could hear some good news in about 3 months.

Specifically I was told by one of the co-owners:

“We love the neighborhood and we’re working diligently to secure a location.”

I did however, notice that the for lease sign had come down from the Moderno retail space…

Stay tuned for more info when it becomes available.

Friday Question of the Day – What Retail is U Street Missing?

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

The Georgetown valet signs are up at 13th and U St, NW (below Boundless Yoga). It is sad to see such a beautiful and prime retail location go to a dry cleaners. The cleaners is huge and spans the entire building along u st. It even has a nice cafe area – but totally lost on a dry cleaner. Sigh. Had such high hopes for this spot.”

It is a great building that we judged back in March ’11. So let’s make this a two part question – for this specific prime location (13th and U St, NW) what do you think U Street would have most benefited by? What do you think U Street is missing in general?

I would love to see a beer garden like H St, NE’s Biergarten. Though I’m pretty excited that some skiball will be coming shortly to U Street, NW.

What would you like to see?

“Happy Hour” Neighborhood Bar Coming to 1201 U Street NW

By Prince Of Petworth

Happy Hour will be located above the Islander restaurant at 1201 U St, NW. A recent alcohol application says:

“Neighborhood bar with light food, games including Skiball, Wii Stations, and other electronic video games. Entertainment includes live bands.”

Skiball – sweet! Sound fun?

Mova “Upscale Martini Lounge” Coming to Old Bicycle Space Location at

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to an eagle eyed reader for sending word about this development. 2204 14th St, NW used to be the home of Bicycle Stations which closed back in Feb. and moved to Alexandria. Now the space will become Mova, and “Upscale Martini Lounge”. The reader writes,

“This went up today in the old Bikestations spot at 14 and W. More small plates on 14th St; shockkkkking!”

The alcohol application says:

“Upscale Martini Lounge (Tavern) serving tapas style menu with seating capacity for 50 and a total load of 199. Request a summer garden with 50 seats and entertainment endorsement with occasional DJ or live singers or small band.”

Sound good?

Horse’s Ass Award Nominee Now For Sale Near U St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

I emailed you about two months ago asking for information about this borderline-abandoned building, and it looks like there’s finally something going on. All of the graffiti has been painted over, and a “For Sale” sign has been nailed to a window. I can’t find a listing anywhere, but I’m hoping it goes fast and something fantastic comes in its place.”

Let’s hope the asking price is realistic!

Woman Found Unconcious at 13th and W St, NW (Later Pronounced Deceased) Early Friday Morning

By Prince Of Petworth


View Larger Map

“Dear PoP,

Lots of police activity on the 1300 block between V and W around 3:30am Friday morning. Helicopters circled for over a half hour with spotlights in the alleys around Union Row. There were still cars and police tape around the alleys this morning. Any idea what’s going on?”

I’ve received many inquiries about the incident above. MPD writes:

“Early this morning an adult female was found unconscious in the 1300 block of W Street NW and was later pronounced deceased.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Metropolitan Police Department on 2027279099 or 888919CRIME
or text at 50411.”

I asked specifically if it was going to be a homicide investigation and they said not a homicide.

Taco Bell Likely Closing at 14th and U St, NW Early Next Week!!!

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Flickr user marichica88

It gives me no pleasure (but there is a huge silver lining) to share the following very reliable tip – the Taco Bell at 1934 14th St, NW (just south of U St) will be closing early next week.

Sadly/Happily we all knew this day was coming. It is likely an indication of upcoming construction on this corner. The southwest corner of 14th and U St, NW is becoming the Utopia project featuring 220 residential rental units and over 20,000 square feet of retail. So that’s good news. The project’s architect is Eric Colbert & Associates.

But for now – allow me this time to mourn. Taco Bell, you’ve served me well. You may have even saved my life.

Lots more updates on the Utopia project when construction begins.

More Info and Renderings of Art Gallery Coming to 1830 14th St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

Bill Smith an architect with StudioSmith, LLC was kind enough to share some info and renderings for the new art gallery moving into the old L and N Thrift Store Space at 1830 14th St, NW (just south of T St.) He writes:

The new space will consist of an art gallery in the front half, with shows that feature local artists. The rear half of the space will feature a gallery/studio space for the painter Regina Miele (Raven Arts currently located above Bar Pilar) and her framing business as well. The original storefront is being restored and the interior will consist of modular translucent panels that will be on tracks, allowing for the flexibility of the space to be used for art events, possibly drawing/painting classes and work spaces.

Following renderings from StudioSmith, LLC:

U Street Music Hall Launching New Menu Saturday

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo of Pork Belly Donut by Sean O’Grady via tittsworth

U Street Music Hall is located at 1115 U St NW.

From an email:

This Saturday the U Street Music Hall in Washington, DC, is revamping
its menu in celebration of the new Tittsworth + Alvin Risk EP – “Two
Strokes Raw”

Chef Erik-Bruner Yang of Toki Underground has worked tirelessly to
re-envision U Street Music Hall’s menu in time for this release party.
While existing favorites such as the grilled cheese, and the flagship
staple, the Pho Dog will still be on hand to sate party going palates,
several new centerpieces will be rolling out this Saturday:

Curry Chicken Ramen Brat– A spicy Bratwurst stuffed with Japanese
curry chicken and topped with curry lemon kewpie mayo, fried shallots
and cilantro served on a toasted bun

Sloppy Cho– A Chasu pork sloppy joe served on a toasted bun with Toki
made barbeque sauce and topped with cilantro

Pork Belly Donut– house cured thick bacon served between two grilled
glazed donuts

There is a full post with more in depth information plus tantalizing
photos on Tittsworth’s website here.

Month long Uncapped Live Art/Music/Bar/Lounge Space at 14th and Florida Ave, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

Introducing Uncapped Live from Jeff Martin on Vimeo.

“Dear PoP,

I saw the George’s Carryout at 14th and Florida (next to the old Latino Auto Sale) is gone and some guy was painting a pretty cool sign/mural in the little alcove entrance. Any idea what is going in this spot?”

I’ve been getting tons of emails asking what’s going on at the corner of 14th and Florida Ave, NW in the old DDOT space next to George’s Carryout.

Normally I reserve the type of excitement I’m about to exhibit for the annoucement of a new Dunkin Donuts, IHOP or a Chipotle but since the event is sponsored by vitaminwater I don’t think I’ll lose my pro-chain street cred…

I was lucky enough to get a tour of the space yesterday and it is freaking amazing. It wasn’t even 100% completed but it blew my mind. It kinda reminded me of a combination of artomatic and the old party space at 14th and T St, NW that is now the Room and Board. The space is huge and there is super cool art everywhere. (Lots more photos after the jump.)

Here’s a bit of a description from an email:

we are taking over a 20,000+ square feet plus space on 14th street and opening the doors for a month of music, fashion, art, film, comedy and action sports events. the idea behind vitaminwater® uncapped LIVE is to provide the D.C community (and fans of the vitaminwater® brand) with a place to engage with emerging bands, artists, athletes and friends to showcase all of the amazing lifestyle and culture that is emerging in our nation’s capital. we have partnered with Brightest Young Things and Art Whino to program an unbelievable music, entertainment and arts calendar and we are really looking forward to having all of you join us throughout the month for one or multiple events.

And here’s the schedule so far:

uncappedLIVESchedule

The space will be open from May 19th – June 17th, 2011 (6 days a week closed on Mondays.) If you just want to see the G40 art exhibit the hours are:

Open Hours: Tuesday & Thursdays: 5 – 10pm,
Fridays & Saturdays: 12pm – 11pm
Sundays: 12pm – 6pm
Mondays: Closed

The first event kicks off Friday May 20th: “Fatback DJs bring 3 of their parties into one space: FATBACK classic/ TENDERLOIN (slow jams in the lounge) / QUE SERA (garage rock in the garage). 10pm. FREE”

If you don’t go for an official event (they’ll still have bars and music and more – check the schedule above) you gotta just stop by to check it out. It is one of the most unique spaces I’ve ever seen with over 220 amazing artists displayed.

A taste of the artists after the jump. (more…)

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