U Street

Mocha Hut at 1301 U Street Closes But No Fear

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by allison_dc

A new coffee shop to be named U Street Cafe will open in its place (hopefully around late April). I was told that this is a friendly transition. I was also told that U Street Cafe will be owned by the same folks opening up the new spot Tynan to be located next to the five guys on Irving Street (which I mentioned in yesterday’s coffee news.)

I wrote that the Tynan spot, “is going to be owned by a pair of brothers named Jim and Brian Sullivan. They intend to make it a very comfortable coffee house with the motif featuring Columbia Heights history. The goal is to open up in May.”

So all in all I’d say the news isn’t too terrible.

Good Deal or Not? Reader Request

By Prince Of Petworth

This condo is located at 1314 W Street, NW:


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The flier says:

“NEW PRICE on this 1900’s row house, totally gutted and rebuilt into 5 condos. 2floor unit, back of building with 2 balconies, PARKING SPACE in rear, granite, stainless appl. package, flat screened hd tv, washer/dryer stack, kitchen bar with three stools. Access living/kitchen from 3rd fl & bedrooms from top floor or spiral staircase in unit. Condo fee $211 mo includes water. Walk to METRO.”

More info and photos found here.

Well, I definitely think this is a great location. The price was originally $419,900 but has now dropped to $389,900. Does this sound reasonable for a 2 bedroom 1.5 bathroom at this location?

Tina Visits Tabaq

By Prince Of Petworth

A few months ago PoP asked for some opinions on Tabaq Bistrolocated at 1336 U Street. A few people proclaimed love for Tabaq and a few, contempt. I’ve only eaten here a handful of times, but I’ve always sort of fallen somewhere in the middle. I like it, and I always have a pretty good experience, but I never really feel blown away. In discussing with a friend the other day we decided that although we both like Tabaq, it tends to leave both of us feeling sort of whelmed. Not overwhelmed, not underwhelmed, just, whelmed.

Most recently I was at Tabaq for a friend’s birthday party (Happy Birthday L!), which was lovely, and maybe one of the best experiences I have had there. There were about 30 of us, and we were able to reserve the downstairs room, “The Red Lounge.” I was not in charge of making reservations, but from what I understand the process was really simple and the restaurant was easy to work with and very accommodating of our plans. The space was perfect for the event, and our server, despite only being two weeks into the job, was great.

And speaking of servers, I’ve heard a lot of people say that they have had awful service at Tabaq; long waits, rude wait staff, screwed up orders. With that, I have to strongly disagree. Perhaps I’ve been lucky, but in my visits to Tabaq I have never had bad service. I’ve only ever gone there with a reservation, but I have never had to wait longer than ten minutes for my table to be ready, I’ve always had a pretty attentive server and I’ve never received the wrong order from the kitchen.

As far as the food goes, in the past I have always opted to order a couple of small plates for my meal. They are, in my opinion, kind of hit or miss and some are way better than others. The prices are fairly reasonable, though I do feel that some of the more expensive small plates are a little too small for the price you pay. Most are between $5 and $10, with a few fancier items, like baby octopus, seafood risotto (which I really like) and a charcuterie plate reaching into the $11-$15 range. Continues after the jump. (more…)

Judging Restaurants – Cafe Nema

By Prince Of Petworth

Cafe Nema is located at 1334 U St. NW. Back in the day I sang the praises of their affiliated sports bar located upstairs. But I’m wondering what folks think about the original restaurant. How’s the food, atmosphere, etc.? Do they have a good brunch? Any particular specialties that are a must try?

Judging Buildings – Moderno

By Prince Of Petworth

We first looked at the Moderno located at 12th and U back in September but it wasn’t quite completed yet so I thought it was worth another look. I think it turned out pretty well. What do you think about the big windows?

Proposed Hotel For 13th and U Streets, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to a reader for alerting me to this info. Proposed image of the hotel courtesy of the developer, JBG. The Cardozo Shaw Neighborhood Association has lots of info:

The JBG Companies are currently working on a project proposal to develop a transit oriented, LEED Silver certified mixed-use hotel to be built at the corner of 13th and U Street, NW, replacing the existing building at this corner. This proposal, named by JBG as the “U Street Hotel,” has been the focus of much discussion in the neighborhood; JBG has provided information to CSNA about the current status of this project.

According to JBG, plans call for an approximate 4-Star hotel, best described as boutique and independently managed. The hotel will consist of as many as 250 guestrooms, 4,500 square feet of meeting space and 23,000 square feet of retail space. The hotel will include a signature restaurant, a rooftop bar and swimming pool and a proposed rotating art exhibit which will all be open to the public.

Holy cow a roftop bar and swimming pool sounds beyond cool. Do you think a hotel would be successful at this location? What do you think of the rendering?

Judging Restaurants – Selam

By Prince Of Petworth

Selam is located at 1524 U St. NW. I once had drinks there and it was a great experience. There was a very international cafe type feel. Doing a quick search I saw that the Post did a feature on them a couple of years ago highlighting their music scene:

“In the past year, though, Selam has been growing under the radar, luring DJs from some of the city’s better-known clubs and dance parties to spin in the intimate basement space, whether for one night or for a monthly residency.”

So any fans of the music scene and/or the food?

Mad Props To Solly’s For Already Reopening

By Prince Of Petworth

As mentioned on Saturday a taxi cab crashed through the front window of Solly’s located at 11th and U. 6 folks were hurt but fortunately none seriously. Credit to Solly’s for patching up the window the very next day and even having a bit of a sense of humor about it. Just to clear the record I spoke with Solly on Sunday and though DCist had reported that Solly was upstairs at the time of the accident he was actually in Kansas City and immediately flew back the next morning. A small silver lining from this ordeal is that Solly told me the new window they put in will open up onto the patio (previously the windows didn’t open). Once again, props to Solly’s for opening so quickly.

Oh No! Car Crashes into Solly’s

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by BecksAtFlickr

DCist is reporting some terrible news this morning:

At approximately 12:20 a.m. on Saturday morning, a taxi driver lost control of his vehicle and crashed into Solly’s Tavern at 11th and U Streets NW, injuring at least six people.

“The building shook,” said bar owner John “Solly” Solomon, who was upstairs when the cab collided with the east side of the building. “The tires were spinning because the driver’s foot was still on the pedal, and it kicked up smoke into the bar.”

This is terribly frightening. And I also feel super bad for Solly who is one of the nicest proprietors in town. This past summer I was sitting with friends on the porch when a car, that must’ve been going over 90 miles an hour, flew by us and eventually crashed into the Children’s hospital building further north on 11th. I wonder if 11th street is particularly susceptible to insane drivers?  Thank God no one was killed in either incident. I’ll try and find out when Solly’s will be able to reopen.

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