14th and P Street, NW

On Friday we broke the sad news that Dolcezza’s logan location was closing. Four more are unfortunately closing too. From DOLCEZZA:

“For the past few weeks, we have been thinking a lot about what the last 16 years has meant to us as a family and the impact this business has had on our lives.

In 2004, we opened a small kitchen in Georgetown with the goal of bringing the amazing gelato from the parlors of Buenos Aires to our home here in Washington, DC.

Since then, our lives have centered around our family business. We have grown so tremendously over these past 16 years with Dolcezza.

We learned the importance of local farming and being guided by the seasons. We became parents of three beautiful little girls. We had family members married from chance encounters in our shops. We hosted dinners at our factory with our chef friends. We officiated weddings and threw concerts. Our little girl’s first job was selling pints with her grandmother at the Dupont Circle farmer’s market.

None of this is unique to Dolcezza — we are all crafting indelible stories in the many ways we interact with each other every day. But that takes nothing away from the overwhelming honor and appreciation we have for everyone who has been a part of our simple Dolcezza dream: our amazing employees, customers, farmers, chefs, makers, neighbors and city. You have made this an unforgettable ride and we only hope we have affected you in the same incredible way you have affected us.

So it is with these beautiful thoughts in mind and the sobering effect that COVID-19 has had on our industry that we are announcing the closing of five of our store locations: Logan Circle, City Center, Wharf, Dupont Circle, and Bethesda. These shops will be closing during the month of October. (more…)



601 2nd Street, NE

Thanks to Patrick for sending:

“Looks like another location is set to open, super close to the Butter Chicken Company 2 location on H Street, at the old Duet location (601 2nd St NE) rather than Masala Art as previously thought. Also now appears on their website along with coming soon 4 (Dupont) and 5 (Bethesda) coming soon!”

STAY TUNED for opening dates and peep their menu here.


Update from Otello:

“Dear loyal friends & patrons:

After over 30 years in Dupont Circle, Otello restaurant has permanently closed its doors. As with many other restaurants, the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic has made it impossible for us to stay in business. Some other restaurants were able to pivot to pick up and delivery services, but it was determined that this was not a viable option for our little restaurant.

We hope you keep Otello in your memories as a place for good food, good times and cheer. On behalf of the entire team at Otello, we thank you for your years of patronage and we will miss you all!
– Otello Restaurant”

Sadly their phone number has been disconnected as well so it appears to be another end of an era. The Washington Post reviewed them in 1985:

“The newest red-sauce and red-check Italian restaurant is Otello, just south of Dupont Circle. (more…)



1836 18th Street, NW

Ed. Note: Rebellion opened in the former Mum Mum space back in 2014.

Rebellion DC writes:

“Due to the economic hardships placed on our industry and us personally as a business, we can confirm that the difficult decision to close Rebellion DC has been made. Being shut down three separate times due to COVID-19 and a landlord unwilling to work with us on any type of rent reduction and/or deferment has made for an untenable situation. This is the most heartbreaking decision we have ever had to make. We wish the best to others who find themselves in a similar situation during this pandemic, because this sucks. (more…)


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