I can’t believe we haven’t judged Cork yet. Cork is located at 1720 14th Street, NW just south of the U Street Corridor between the Streets R and S. You can see their menu here.
Back when they first opened in early 2008 the place was regularly mobbed. So what’s the word in mid-2011?
There were some doubters back in early May…
“Dear PoP,
Italiano cafe at 12th & V is open- pretty standard menu of pizza, pasta, panini etc. Open until 12 weekdays and 2am weekends – hope they make it in this off the beaten path location, and that their customers are considerate of the neighbors! I got a small pizza, it was pretty good…”
Also they deliver to a 2 mile radius (202-986-4646). You can see their menu here.
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.
“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 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?
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?
“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!
“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.
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.
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:
