This is an interesting little spot that opened up a few months ago. It is an Ethiopian style coffeehouse. It is a little dark, but overall rather pleasant in a very chill way. There is a little bar area and 8 or so tables. In addition to coffee you can order Ethiopian food as well. If you’re looking for a really quiet place to study with Wifi and you don’t mind an austere setting this spot is worth checking out. Even better if you like Ethiopian food…
When I first checked out Vinoteca , located at 1940 11th Street just south of U Street, right after it opened I was a little disappointed. But that was a year an a half ago. Sadly, I haven’t been back. When we discussed the best wine bars Vinoteca got some good reviews. But I think it’s worth judging it on it’s own as I’ve been hearing from a number of people that it’s become quite good. I even hear they belly dancing some nights? Is that right or am I imagining hearing that? Anyway, now that it’s been open for a while – what’s the word on the food, atmosphere (it looks like they have a pretty nice outdoor area now), wine and price?
Much better than Harley Davidsons idling…
Taken outside the Lincoln Theater on U Street.
I thought this was pretty odd. The Pinz N Needlez Tattoo shop moved one door over from 926 U Street to 924 U Street in the old At&t storefront. What’s the scenario to move one storefront like this? But what I’m most curious about is, will they repaint one of the best shop numbers in town?
This home is located at 1905 12th Street, NW:
The Web site says:
“Just Reduced, Please Bring All Offers. FLEXIBLE SELLER. MAKE YOUR BEST OFFER. Opportunity for A REAL BARGAIN. Beautiful upscale renovation. Home is MUCH larger than it appears from the street thanks to a two level rear bump out. Off street parking for two cars and still plenty of yard for grilling and gardening. This home is spacious with approximately 1250 square feet. It features a beautiful country kitchen with ample counter space (granite), hardwood floors on the main level, two master bedroom suites on the upper level, and upscale finishes through out. Move in condition.”
The home has a Web site with more info, photos and some hilarious background music – check it out, here.
This home is a 2 bed 2.5 bath going for $638,499. What do you think of the house itself as well as the price?
I’ll be sponsoring tonight’s show at Velvet Lounge (915 U Street, NW) with three great bands playing. I’ll be giving out some free PoP t-shirts and there is supposed to be a really good emcee for the show as well. So if you weren’t able to make the happy hour at Solly’s last Thursday, come say hello at the show this Friday.
Here are the bands:
mittenfields
crimes of paris
www.myspace.com/
dangerosa
Now that the insanity of inauguration is over, I think it’s time for a proper assessment of Ben’s Next Door. I’ll go on the record as saying it is fantastic, both as a bar and a restaurant. They even serve the super cold Heineken drafts (which I think is mostly psychological but I dig the frozen taps). As far as the restaurant is concerned I’ve had a terrific fried chicken entree. You can see all the entrees here. Of course they also serve the classic fare that you can get at the original Ben’s. I refuse to write the address of Ben’s next door, you know where it is! So now that that lines have died down a bit, what do you think of Ben’s Next Door? Notice they painted the building as well. Looking good!
Ed. Note: Ben’s Next Door is located at 1211 U Street, NW. Damn…
Thanks to a reader for telling me about a new Italian Pizza place opening up at 1110 U Street, NW. Has anyone heard of the Italian Pizza Kitchen? Is it a chain? You think it’s a good addition to that section of U Street?
While I was in the neighborhood I also noticed that the restaurant above Bohemian Caverns (11th and U) got a paint job and might even be a new restaurant. (Sorry for the cell phone pics – see I don’t always have my camera on me!)
It’s called Hominy Restaurant & Lounge:
Their Web site says:
Hominy Restaurant & Lounge is a unique Southern Casual Restaurant in an 1800 Historic building of the Bohemian Caverns in the Heart of the “U” Street Corridor. Chef Howsoon H.O. Cham is at his best at Hominy Restaurant and delivers an impressive new Southern inspired masterpieces. The recently remodeled Space is cozy yet elegant with splashes of bright colors against sophisticated velvet walls with Faux finishes, large glass windows and dark oakwood flooring.
Our atmosphere is casual yet elegant. Enjoy our warm dining room by daylight or candlelight. Only one block from the “U” Street Cardoza Metro Stop, you will find Hominy Restaurant along the vibrant “U” Street Corridor. Whether in the mood for awesome drinks or a wonderful dinner, Chef Chams’ versatile menu of delightful menu items will satisfy.
The name Hominy refers to kernels of corn that have been soaked in a caustic solution and washed to remove the hulls. Our mission is to provide a friendly and professional service of exquisite food, wine, and cocktails to the satisfaction of every guest. Let hominy Restaurant be your favorite neighborhood Restaurant.
Sound good?
And finally Solly’s (Southwest corner of 11th and U) got a new fence for it’s outdoor patio so you can only access it from inside:
Alero (U Street) is located at 1301 U Street, NW. You can see their menu here. As the weather warms up Alero seems to offer a good spot for outdoor dining and is often crowded. So is it crowded just because the seating is so prime or because the food is good or some combination of the two? I’ve always enjoyed the Cleveland Park location but don’t know too much about U Street. Do people recommend it for brunch as well?
I received a very cryptic email from a reader with these great photos.
The email says:
“appears all clear now”
Anyone know what happened at Policy (14th and T Streets) tonight?
More photos after the jump. (more…)