Dupont Circle

Bethesda Bagel Opening in Dupont Circle in 3-4 Weeks

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

Have you heard anything about when Bethesda Bagel is going to open in DuPont? The sign out front still says opening in September 2011, but it’s almost Halloween and there are still no delicious bagels.”

Back in May ’11 I shared the good word that Bethesda Bagels would be opening in the recently closed Johnny Rockets space at 1718 Connecticut Ave. NW in north Dupont. I emailed the owners for an update and they said they’d just completed interviews and hiring and will be open for business in 3-4 weeks. Nice!

Singapore Bistro Space to Become a Thai Restaurant in Dupont

By Prince Of Petworth

Back in Aug. ’10 we had learned that Singapore Bistro closed at 1134 19th St, NW (next to Science Club.) It’s been vacant ever since but earlier this week I noticed renovations going on. The workers on the scene say that a new Thai restaurant will be opening in the space. It looks like a major renovation is going on so we are probably a few months away from any opening. Of course, we’ll revisit when they do.

Think a Thai restaurant will do well here?

Follow Up Photo to Dupont Circle Car Crash

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

Here’s a follow-up photo for the post regarding the Dupont Circle crash. My friends and I were walking through the circle around 12:30 AM Sunday and came across this Cadillac on the curb. The driver was crying and in handcuffs talking to the officer when we walked by. Luckily no one appeared to be injured.”

Holy cow – that is one of the more frightening photos I’ve seen in a while.

Bar Dupont Hosting Oktoberfest Beer Festival

By Prince Of Petworth

From an email:

“Bar Dupont is giving Washingtonians, beer aficionados and visitors alike another reason to strap on their lederhosen and celebrate fall by hosting a two-day Oktoberfest beer festival out on the Bar Patio from Saturday, October 22 (11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.) until Sunday, October 23 (11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.).
Following a tradition that started in Germany in the early 1880s, Bar Dupont’s Oktoberfest will offer four choices of both German and American draught beer for only $5 a beer mug or $20 a pitcher. The following beers will be included on the special Oktoberfest menu:

Warsteiner – Oktoberfest
Konig Ludwig – Weissbier
Harpoon – Octoberfest
New Belgium – Hoptober-fest

What’s an Oktoberfest without some palatable German cuisine? Savory sausages and bockwursts will be grilled fresh outside on the patio. Other German favorites, including soft pretzels, a variety of original German mustards and traditional garnishes, tangy sauerkraut and exceptional German potato salad will all be part of this one weekend Oktoberfest extravaganza.

Don’t let the weekend’s weather forecast prevent you from attending this exciting beer festival as the picnic tables on the patio will have heaters and/or umbrellas on a need be basis. Popular German music will be playing through the patio sound system so bring your dancing loafers and be ready to polka!

WHAT: Bar Dupont’s Oktoberfest Beer Festival
*rain or shine*

WHERE: Bar Dupont’s Bar Patio at the Dupont Circle Hotel
1500 New Hampshire Avenue NW

WHEN: Saturday, October 22, 2011
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
11:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.

COST: $5 mugs of beer
$20 pitchers of beer”

Aftermath of Crazy Car Crashes in Manor Park and Dupont Circle?

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville reader Wayan Vota

“Dear PoPville,

Look at the path of destruction a speeding car made through Manor Park (5th street up by the Takoma Rec center). It jumped the curb, took out a fire hydrant, city trash can, a brick walk, the entire fence, and even snapped a full grown tree in half (that’s what looks like a bush at the end of the yard).

Of course the driver was going much faster than the posted 25 mph speed limit. Got any ideas on how fast? I say 50mph. What’s your guess?”


Photo by PoPville reader Kathryn

“Dear PoPville,

I noticed this last night/this morning on the west side of Dupont Circle–it looks like someone drove straight down Mass Ave and into the circle. Anyone see what actually went down?

Hope everyone was okay (driver and pedestrian)!”

New Tavern, Board Room, Will Replace Former Anna Maria Italian Restaurant

By Prince Of Petworth

Back in June a reader updated us on the massive construction going on at 1737 Connecticut Ave, NW in Dupont Circle. This building was formerly home to Anna Maria’s Italian Restaurant which closed back in June ’09.

A recent liquor license application posted shares some details about the new tavern, to be called Board Room, going into the retail space:

“New Tavern. Vintage game room with jukebox. Occupancy load is 251, seating is 90.”

I’ll admit it – I’m intrigued by the vintage game room. Any guesses/suggestions on what games they’ll have?

I know I need to get over it but I’m still gonna miss the great Anna Maria’s signs…


Photo by PoPville flickr user sssdc1

Update on Banana Leaves Asian Restaurant – Re-Opening in 2 Months

By Prince Of Petworth

Back in May ’11 I gave a brief update on the rebuilding schedule after Banana Leaves suffered a devastating fire back in March ’11. I spoke with a worker on Sunday who said they are on track to reopen in about 2 months. I took a peek inside and it is a complete gut renovation. Should be pretty sweet when they reopen. Banana Leaves is located at 2020 Florida Ave, NW. Stay tuned.

Former Olsson’s Bookstore in Dupont to Become a Daycare Center

By Prince Of Petworth

Yesterday we learned that Ben and Jerry’s had closed at 1333 19th St, NW in Dupont Circle. At the time a reader wondered what was going on with the former Olsson’s Bookstore space nearby (1307 19th St, NW). Thanks to a reader who works nearby – we know that construction started on Oct. 10th for a daycare center to be named Huckleberry Cheesecake Daycare.

If you don’t have kids not as cool as a Wagamama nor an Olsson’s for that matter but glad to see the long vacant storefront finally filled.

View More Stories