I have a weakness for kung fu signs. But I’m really curious about “Lion Dance” is… This was taken on U Street between 15th and 14th.
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U Street
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Well, anyone who has been to U Street over this inauguration week has noticed how insanely crowded Ben’s has been. And wouldn’t you know it, I’ve never craved chili cheese fries more… Ah, the beauty of living in the area! But anyway, I just noticed that they got a new sign. And Ben’s next door is a fanatastic new/bar for the neighborhood. Anyone lucky enough to get into Ben’s Next Door?
Didn’t anyone notice this new (temporary) addition as well?
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In one of the comments earlier in the week a reader noted this proliferation of independent ATMs around U Street. Back in Sep. 2007 I wondered why there were no Chevy Chase Bank ATMs in Petworth, Columbia Heights and U Street. (Turned out Columbia Heights has one but Petworth and inexplicable U Street metro doesn’t have one.) It still seems crazy to me that the U Street metro doesn’t have a Chevy Chase ATM. Who’s with me on that? I suppose that contributes to the indy ATMs around U Street but also as U Street becomes a huge nightlife spot, I suppose people need their cash. Do you think the U Street metro will get a Chevy Chase ATM anytime soon? (If Chevy Chase doesn’t go out of business that is.)
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The New York Times just published an article called Chefs Settle Down in ‘the Real D.C.’. They focus on Petworth, Columbia Heights, U Street and H Street, NE. They say:
“In Petworth, Columbia Heights, the U Street district and even the dicier parts of North Capital Hill, a little restaurant revival is under way. Washington neighborhoods that for years were considered too dangerous or too poor for a viable sit-down restaurant are suddenly entertaining quite a few.”
You can read the full article here.
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Thanks to a reader for alerting me to the “For Lease” sign on the new building at 14th and U. I think the building came out pretty well. Nothing to crazy but I dig it. I wonder if a restaurant or bar will take that spot. A part of me wishes some other type of retail would go in – you know to keep the nice mix of restaurant/bars/furniture etc. Do you have a preference if you’d rather see a restaurant/bar or something else go in there?
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photo by David
Thanks to all who sent me notes about this historic visit. Sadly, I was in the area about half an hour earlier and had no idea what was about to happen. The Huffington Post reports:
“Barack Obama dropped in Saturday afternoon for a bite to eat with Washington’s mayor, Adrian Fenty, at Ben’s Chili Bowl, the venerable diner in Washington’s U Street district.
Obama said it was his first time visiting Ben’s Chili Bowl and “it was terrific.” The expectation is that Obama _ already at ease in big cities from his time in Chicago _ will venture into town more than President George W. Bush, who rarely made forays into unofficial Washington.”
Was anyone there Sat. afternoon? For other genuine tastes of DC where would recommend Obama visit for a bite to eat? I’d recommend the Hitching Post or the Florida Grill.
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This home is located at 1417 Swann Street, NW:
The flier says:
“Price REDUCED! Built in 1989 but looks like 1889! Vacant. Open floor plan but separate living and dining rooms. Large kitchen with french doors to deck and rear yard. Two bedrooms. Master is very large with lots of closets and whirlpool bath. Second bedroom is very nice size. Great block in the heart of Logan/Dupont/U Street!”
You can find more info and a virtual tour here.
In my humble opinion I’d say this is really one of the best blocks this close to the U Street Metro. Now it is a small house thought the photos look pretty nice (although I’m not digging the kitchen). So what do you think – does $775,500 seem reasonable to be on this sweet block?
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Back in June we learned that the old coffee spot at the corner of 14th and U would become a boutique (selling handbags and such) and cafe. I’m not sure if that’s still the plan but I did notice some construction permits in the front window so hopefully they’ll be opening up in some capacity pretty soon. And by some capacity I really mean as a cafe of sorts…
You think this spot is too small to support just a cafe given the high rents of the area?
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This home is located at 2011 13th St, NW:
The flier says:
“JUST LISTED! CIRCA 1906 3BR/2BA BAYFRONT TOWNHOUSE WITH A 2BR/1BA LL IN-LAW SUITE CURRENTLY RENTED FOR $1995/MO! ($300K TOWARD MORG. ) RECENT TOTAL RENOVATION PRESERVING MANY ORIG ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS. CHEF’S KIT, NEW BATHS, HWF’S, 2 DECKS & 2-CAR PARKING! PERFECT MOVE-IN CONDITION! IDEAL LOGAN/U STREET LOCATION, STEPS TO RESTAURANTS, SHOPPING, THEATERS & METRO.”
More info and a virtual tour here.
I’ve probably walked by this home a thousand times and I’ve always been curious what it looks like on the inside. So if there are others like me be sure to check out the virtual tour. It’s also a phenomenal location. I wonder if it’ll possibly go for the asking price of $975,000?
It also has a sweet vestibule:
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Last weekend I stopped into the new spot from the owners of Ben’s Chili Bowl located right next door (and aptly named ‘Next Door’) at 1213 U St NW. I spoke briefly with one of the owners, Nizam. He described the new spot as a place that everyone’s been asking for, primarily, the ability to get a half smoke and a beer. But it is much more than that. The space is very warm and comfortable and a bit more upscale than the original shop next door. Nizam was sure to explain that “we love Ben’s exactly like it is”. He explained that the new spot is “a chance for the second generation to do something ourselves while paying tribute to Ben’s and keeping Ben’s exactly the way it is.” He also emphasized that Next Door will be a comfortable spot with the same atmosphere as the original Ben’s. “It’s not going to be a trendy place it is going to be about service, friendliness and fun”, said Nizam. It is possible that the spot may host some live music or become a destination spot to watch “the game”. While the menu is not finalized, in addition to the traditional Ben’s fare, you’ll likely be able to find wings, nachos, bigger burgers, salads and the possibility of “getting some veggies”. Nizam explains, “we don’t want to be ‘bougie’ high end, everything at Ben’s is tasty we it to be the same thing here”.
I have to say I’m super excited about this development that is supposed to open before the New Year. The prospect of some chili cheese fries with a beer is nearly bringing tears of joy to my eyes. A couple more photos after the jump. (more…)