1815 M Street, NW

From Bub and Pop’s:

“The Hebrew Hammer Comes to Bub and Pop’s

Chef Jon had approached me about changing the name of our Jewish Hoagie for sometime. We’ve decided to do it!

We are changing the name of one of our most popular sandwiches, the Jewish Hoagie – to the Hebrew Hammer. This monster pastrami, brisket, roast turkey, kosher salami, spicy mustard, 1,000 Island and Swiss piled with our Cole Slaw was featured by Guy Fieri on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

We are changing the name to honor our son, brother, husband and father, Peter W. Taub, Special Agent, AFOSI, who lost his life on December 21, 2015 in Afghanistan along with his squad of 5 other service members.

Pete was given the name Hebrew Hammer after a sparring session between himself and Jonathan M. Oldhorse. They were training partners in both Karate and MBC (Martial Blade Concepts) when Pete was stationed at Ellsworth AFB in South Dakota. I asked Jonathan to share the story. (more…)


The recently opened Arepa Zone (in the former Chix space) is adding beer and wine. The placard says:

“New Restaurant, serving arepas and other authentic Venezuelan, South American and Central American cuisine. Total Occupancy Load is 88 with seating for 45.”

So what’s the early word? Is it as delicious as everyone anticipated?



via google maps

From U.S. Secret Service just before 3:30pm:

“BREAKING: An individual driving a passenger vehicle struck a security barrier near the White House at 17th & E.”

“UPDATE: The vehicle did not breach the security barrier of the White House complex.”

“UPDATE: The female driver of the vehicle was immediately apprehended by Secret Service Uniformed Division Officers.”

“UPDATE: Traffic patterns near 17th and E are affected”

“UPDATE: No law enforcement personnel were injured during the incident involving a vehicle hitting a barrier near the White House.”



L Street, NW between 14th and 15th.

I hadn’t realized Zoup closed?!?! I always liked their name. Apparently they closed months ago. Anyway, a tipster here’s a Wawa could be taking over the space. I’ll give this 50/50 odds but certainly seems possible. For those not familiar with Wawa, they have a tremendous Slim Jim selection however they do not sell gas at their 19th Street location.

I’m also sitting on another big Wawa report but waiting for it to be finalized. Stay tuned on both fronts.



1919 L Street, NW

Ed. Note: In 2009 Black Rooster almost closed after the Peace Corps HQ planned on expanding but it was saved last minute. Since the reason for this closure is the “lease is up” it doesn’t sound like a similar reprieve will be likely.

It is a dark day. Thanks to Robert for passing on from WTOP a Facebook post from one of Black Rooster’s owners, Jody Taylor:

“It is with tremendous regret and personal sorrow that I must announce the upcoming closing of the Black Rooster Pub May 2018. The Rooster opened in 1970 and has had a long and successful run–certainly more than most pubs in the city. However, our lease is up and all good things must come to an end. It is certainly the end of an era. (more…)



923 16th Street, NW

Check out their full menus here.

From a press release:

“Alhambra premieres with a focus on fresh, local ingredients prepared simply and executed masterfully by its new Executive Chef, Sébastien Giannini. The Mediterranean menu will complement Giannini’s prestigious culinary expertise. The haute-cuisine restaurant, located at The St. Regis, Washington D.C., offers diners an approachably elegant experience with a well-rounded menu and a revered beverage program.

“Alhambra is the crown jewel and the latest new culinary option in Washington, D.C.’s bustling White House district” notes Joseph Mattioli, General Manager of The St. Regis, Washington D.C. “Chef Giannini has created a bright Mediterranean menu strongly influenced by his French background. The refined menu will be punctuated by elevated table-side service and a distinctive level of service, making the restaurant a new favorite for Washington diners.”

The menu will feature several signature dishes including scallops a la plancha served with savora mustard, turmeric, and raw cauliflower; tomahawk steak, designed for two diners, it includes taggiasca olives, pommes chateau, preserved lemon, and braised cauliflower; olive pit roasted chicken featuring an herb butter and mousseline; and rockfish, served over chorizo, cherrystone clams, and topped with an aioli foam. (more…)



1147 20th Street, NW

Thanks to Ben for sending: “the new Gregorys Coffee on 20th and M (1147 20th) opened today.”

Ed. Note: This is the third Gregorys to open after 1030 19th Street, NW just south of L Street next to Bold Bite (RIP) and Vermont and K Street, NW.


From Luke’s:

“To celebrate the opening of its 4th shack in DC, Luke’s Lobster is giving one lucky person the chance to win lobster for year! Anyone who visits the new Luke’s Lobster shack in Farragut on opening weekend, Friday Feb 16th through Sunday, Feb 18, can enter to win lobster for a year. No purchase necessary.

Luke’s Lobster Farragut Square 800 17th St. NW
Monday – Sunday: 11 am – 9 pm
1600 square feet; 32 seats

Luke’s Lobster is thrilled to announce two new developments furthering their coastal sustainability mission in 2018. (more…)


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