Thanks to Halle for the heads up about this great new mural on W Street between 11th and 12th Sts, NW.
U Street
We’ve been tracking the progress of the Room & Board located at the corner of 14th and T St, NW for many months. Well, they’re done. And it’s pretty freaking impressive. I had the good fortune of being invited to an opening party last night and I was pretty blown away. I’m not even talking about the furniture but actually about the building itself. Alright the furniture is pretty cool as well but it’s a bit too expensive for a neighborhood blogger. Nevertheless the space is amazing so it’s fun to just walk around and appreciate it. Last night, I kinda felt like I was visiting a friend’s apartment, and that friend had really good taste and a super huge apartment. It has four floors and a killer roof deck. They soft open to the public in the next couple of days. Even if you don’t buy anything it’s worth checking out – as always photos do a better job than my words:
Lots more photos after the jump. (more…)
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Back in February we learned that Polly’s had closed its doors at 1342 U St, NW. Well as I was walking by last night I noticed some major scrubbing going on inside. It looked like some new furniture might be going in as well. I briefly chatted with one of the folks inside and he said that the space would be reopening in approximately 3-4 weeks. The bar will have a new name (he couldn’t tell me) and there will be food as well (burgers etc.). I’ll be sure to update as more info becomes available but it looks like the space will be very similar though a lot cleaner!
Update: A commenter notes:
“Owner of Angelico’s pizza has the space at 1342 U St now. Plans are to open a burger focused place called Port Orleans.”
I’ll try to confirm that info.
I’m not sure if this project at 1909 12th St, NW is still happening because their web site is no longer active. But if it does, here’s the rendering:
And the pop up we’ve been monitoring nearby at 1923 12th St, NW is progressing nicely:
My friend, Sean, shared some scuttlebutt with me that is so sweet that I had to make it the Friday Question of the Day. First the scuttlebutt: he writes, “I was at Trader Joes and I asked the manager when they would open up another DC location and she said they were actively seeking a space near 14th and U (Streets, NW).”
Holy cow.
So for the Friday Question of the Day, at the risk of shattering my dream, what are the odds of this happening? Do you think there is an appropriate space/lot near 14th and U that could host a Trader Joes?
If one did open at 14th and U (for those that live relatively nearby) would you ever shop at Giant or Safeway again? How much parking do you think would be necessary for a Trader Joes? If they were able to open up at 14th and U – from how far away would this attract people. I know living up in Petworth I’d definitely patronize the store.
Whether you’re a fan of the store itself or not, I think the building renovation looks really good.
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Peking Express is located at 1338 U St, NW. Here’s a spot I often passed but have never eaten at. You can see their menus here. Plus you can get bubble tea drinks. And they deliver in NW .
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“Dear PoP,
I walked past 24/7 this morning on my way to work. The paper has been removed from the windows, and they appear to be open for business. It looks like they renovated it. I would have stopped in, but I already had breakfast.”
Thanks to everyone who wrote in about the re-opening.
Back in mid-April a a few readers sent in word that 24/seven had closed at 1408 U Street, NW. It wasn’t clear if this was permanent or just for renovations. I’m happy to report that it was only for renovations and they are back and open for business.
I had a quick chat with owner, Mohamed, and he said they’ve been open since 1999 and don’t plan on closing anytime soon! The place looks great. They’re now open Mon. – Thurs from 9:30am -12:30am; Fri. – Sat. 9:30am – 4:30am; and Sun. 10am – 11pm.
Full disclosure: Mohamed insisted that I try some baklava which was delicious.
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In the begining of May we learned that the old Seafood & Crab space located at 1936 14th Street, NW (just south of U St.) was becoming a Chidogo’s and many folks were psyched. So I thought I’d quickly update that a coming soon sign has gone up announcing an opening this summer.
In other U Street news, I noticed that the recently closed Polly’s, 1342 U Street, NW, looks like it has had some movement with a bit of painting. More details on this space as they become available.
Here’s what the fence used to look like:
I did a double take when I saw this sign. While it’s not too far from the 9:30 club it’s def. a bit off the beaten track. Though with Darnell’s (formerly Mocha Lounge) at nearby 944 Florida Ave, NW this spot could be picking up a bit. The alcohol application says:
“Small neighborhood gathering place with entertainment to include dancing, DJ’s and occasional
3-piece combo band. Total occupancy load is 143 with 44 seats included for Summer Garden.”
It kinda feels like it’s in a bit of an industrial area so it seems like a good spot for a small “neighborhood gathering place”. And I gotta admit, I love Summer Gardens… Stay tuned for more details as they develop.
