U Street

Judging Restaurants – Ben’s Next Door

By Prince Of Petworth

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…

U Street News

By Prince Of Petworth

 

 

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:

Judging Restaurants – Alero (U Street)

By Prince Of Petworth

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?

Cafe Collage Under New Management

By Prince Of Petworth

Last May Cafe Collage, located on T Street just east of St. Ex, had reopened to mixed reviews. It is a great spot that seems would work well for a cafe. I spotted a new sign that says they are under new management with a new menu. Anyone check them out yet? Any fans of this spot at all?

PoP Presents – Mittenfields, Dangerosa and Crimes of Paris At the Velvet Lounge This Friday

By Prince Of Petworth

I have always had two loves of my life – music and tropical fish. Since I’m no longer allowed in the National Aquarium (a story for another time) I’ve decided to support the local DC music scene. Like my food posts, I’ll be the first to admit I’m not an aficionado. I simply know what I like and recommend it to others. Plus I always enjoy taking the advice/suggestions of those who know far more than I (which should be very obvious from this blog). I’ve noticed that DC’s local music scene often gets no respect in certain circles. But I’ve heard some great local music at Velvet Lounge, DC9, Rock and Roll Hotel etc. So I figured I’d try and start supporting some local up and comers.

As such, I’m proud to announce that I’ll be sponsoring this Friday’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

www.myspace.com/mittenfields

crimes of paris

www.myspace.com/crimesofparisdc

dangerosa

www.myspace.com/dangerosa

Judging New Homes

By Prince Of Petworth

Here’s a new rowhome going up on V Street (just east of 14th). It may be too early to properly judge it but it seems to have an interesting pop up going on. Though I don’t know if you can call it a pop up since it is being built from the ground up. Anyway, do you think it’ll fit in or too early to tell?

Dunkin Donuts, Sushi Restaurant or Another Restaurant Possibly Coming to 2204 14th Street

By Prince Of Petworth

I am an unabashed lover of Dunkin Donuts so I’m pretty excited about this possibility. However, I also dig sushi so I’m a bit torn. I noticed some construction workers inside and inquired if they knew who was coming in. They told me that Dunkin Donuts, a sushi restaurant and other potential restaurants had looked at the spot. One guy said that the first one to put money down will get it.

So all things considered which would you prefer? Of course “other restaurants” is a little vague but that’s all I could get!


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Strictly Scuttlebutt – But Very Very Sweet Scuttlebutt

By Prince Of Petworth

Last week I mistakenly thought this spot, next to Marvin’s on 14th Street and U, was going to become Patty Boom Boom. I was corrected that I had originally posted the correct location of the future Patty Boom Boom around the corner at 1359 U Street. So, I did a little digging and got an unconfirmed report of what the above may become. A very reliable source tells me – a 24 hour diner! Again this is unconfirmed. But wow, I think a 24 hour diner in that spot would be ridiculously awesome and surely ridiculously crowded. Let’s hope it’s true.

U Street Gets DC Noodles

By Prince Of Petworth

This is the spot at 1410 U Street where Simply Home used to be. Anyone try it out yet? Anyone know if this is a chain? It looks promising. Though I did see a super odd mural from the window.

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