U Street

U Street Becoming Vintage Row – Rock It Again Newest Addition

By Prince Of Petworth

We’ve been speaking about new clothing coming to 14th St, NW in Columbia Heights but we should also note that U Street is becoming a Vintage mecca. Rock It Again has opened up in the old Nana’s space at 1528 U Street NW (Nana’s is moving to Mt. Pleasant). Rock It again joins Dr. K’s vintage which recently opened up at 1534 U St, NW and Junction Vintage long located at 1510 U St NW.

I’m happy to say that, like the others, Rock It Again looks fantastic. The owners (Aviyah Jacobi and Clint Pierre) come from (and still maintain a presence) at Eastern Market. They offer both Men’s and Women’s and accessories. As always, though it won’t do it justice, the pictures tell a better story than I can:

Lots more photos after the jump. (more…)

Wait U Street Cafe Closes at 4pm!?!?

By Prince Of Petworth

Why would a coffee shop located in the heart of U St, NW (1301 U St, NW – between 13th and 14th) close at 4pm? I just don’t get this.

Anyone know when the hours changed?

Their Web site says:

Wouldn’t folks want to enjoy all day breakfast items past 4pm? What’s going on here?

Bicycle Stations Closes at 2204 14th St, NW Moves to Alexandria

By Prince Of Petworth

Bicycle Stations, which had only opened up in Sept. ’09 has closed its doors at 2204 14th St, NW (by W Street). Their Web site says that they moved to 610 Madison St. in Alexandria, VA to occupy a bigger space.

Credit to the many commenters who doubted they’d stay at this location for very long.

I’ll be sure to keep my eye on this space to see who moves in. It seems that attracting and maintaining retail on 14th St, NW north of V St, NW remains a struggle.

What do you think would be successful in this space?

Mon. Afternoon Rental Option – U St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

This rental is located at 9th and Florida Ave, NW:


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The Craigslist ad says:

“Beautiful condo has walk-in closet, granite counter tops and breakfast bar, accent wall with TV-ready mount, washer/dryer, dishwasher, microwave, gas stove and oven, refridgerator/freezer, high-end finishes, and plenty of cabinet space. Cable and ethernet jacks throughout with access panel in coat closet. Floor to ceiling windows with sweeping views from the Capital to the Washington Monument. This third floor condo is walking distance to several shops, clubs, restaurants and is 1 block from the U Street Metro. It is also walking distance to the 9:30 Club and the Banneker Community Center with a swimming pool, lighted tennis courts, track, basketball courts and baseball field. Underground parking and other access points use secured remotes and key fobs. Bicycle racks are also available on both levels of the garage.

1 year lease
available March 15
$300 non-refundable dog deposit
$25 application fee
$2000 security deposit”

Curious what you guys think about this one from the Floridian – does $2950 sound right for this 2 bed/2 bath?

BETA Martial Arts Academy Hopes to Rent Huge Retail Space in View 14 at 14th and Florida Ave, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to a reader for sending the word. Back in Sept. ’09 we discussed some rumors that a more traditional gym was thinking about going into the View 14 retail space. However, even at that time the rumor was that the deal had fallen through. Now it looks like the BETA Academy is hoping to move into the space. The owner just released the following you tube video and hopes to raise the remaining funds necessary to make the move happen. BETA currently resides in the basement level of the Calvary Methodist Church at 14th and Columbia Rd, NW. You can see the excitement they feel about this potential move:

While the video is a bit long, there is also mention of a “high-end restaurant” that was going to go into part of the non-housing space. I’ll def. be keeping my eyes on progress on both fronts here. Stay tuned!

Tap & Parlour Opens Up in Bohemian Caverns Building on U Street

By Prince Of Petworth

Tap & Parlour has opened up in the first floor of the Bohemian Caverns Building at the corner of 11th and U St, NW in the old Hominy Restaurant and Lounge space. I stopped by before the official opening on Friday and the space was looking great.

Their facebook page says:

“the Tap & Parlour @ Bohemian Caverns is a fresh and unique neighborhood bar and lounge nestled in the heart of U Street. Blending the artistic soul of U Street with the eclectic sensibilities of the District, the Tap & Parlour @ BC offers a relaxed, friendly and diverse atmosphere where everybody knows your name. Enjoy our extensive bar offerings and unbeatable happy hour, watch the game, relax in the lounge, read a book or wax poetic – whatever you are in search of for laid back leisure, the Tap & Pour @ Bohemian Caverns is where the community connects.”

And according to their Web site every month you’ll be able to vote on what beer you’d like to see on tap:

“One of our main goals at the Tap and Parlour is to engage with our neighbors on U Street and customers to make sure we are giving them the services and products they want. So when we were selecting beers to have on draft, we figured that would be a great way to allow our customers to make the Tap and Parlour their very own.

Each month we will give the public the ability to vote for their favorite beer to put on draft. The Tap and Parlour will reserve one slot on our draft beer menu for The People’s Choice. Come by the Tap and Parlour and cast your vote for your favorite beer.”

Anyone happen to check them out yet?


Finishing touches were still going on when I stopped by. A flat screen tv was going to be mounted above the fireplace here.

(Re)Judging Restaurants – Policy

By Prince Of Petworth

From time to time I’ll post a restaurant/bar that we’ve already looked when I hear conflicting/changing opinions.

Policy is located at 1904 14th St, NW. Their Web site says:

Policy is taking center stage in D.C.’s hottest and vibrant U Street neighborhood; emerging as one of the most highly anticipated restaurants to hit the area. The “upscale diner motif” like downstairs, Love Dining Room and the airy second floor, the Liberty Lounge, this space offers the sentiment of being free and savvy. Decorated with brilliant chandeliers and art work by Andrew Funk and Drew Nussbaum, Policy offers two levels of charm and class in a hip and inviting environment.

Redefined with an explosion of broiled, marinated and sautéed perspectives. “All plates are meant to be shared. We feature dishes inspired by Global Cuisine” said by Executive Chef Brian Murphy. Chef Murphy and his kitchen are introducing cutting edge American cuisine to this hip and unique restaurant.

You can see their menu here. Any must order items? Any fans of the restaurant? The lounge?

Robber Arrested after 2 Robberies at 9th and U St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth


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On Friday night a reader wrote:

“I was mugged last night at 11th and Florida. Be careful walking out there folks.”

Hopefully this is the same guy – MPD caught a suspect on Friday night:

“Last night [Friday] around 9:45 pm a lone subject committed 2 unarmed robberies near 9th and U Streets, Northwest.

Third District Patrol Officers who were assigned to the area quickly jumped in to action and apprehended the suspect near where the offenses occurred.

Due to the quick action of the officers a violent offender was arrested.”

Dear PoP – Is the Post Office on 14th and T St, NW Closing?

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

I was standing in the line this past Saturday at the T St Post Office (1915 14th St. NW). The Postal Worker said that everyone who works there is getting laid off and the Office was closing in a few months. I can’t find anything online about it. Have you heard anything? Do you know which Post Office will open on Saturdays that is closest to Dupont Circle?

The line was an hour long at 12:30PM. Obviously there is demand from residents.”

Hmm, I remember hearing that Ledroit Park and Petworth’s post offices were scheduled to close but haven’t seen any movement at either location. Just recently, the Wall Street Journal wrote:

Postal Service Eyes Closing Thousands of Post Offices

Now, with the red ink showing no sign of stopping, the postal service is hoping to ramp up a cost-cutting program that is already eliciting yelps of pain around the country. Beginning in March, the agency will start the process of closing as many as 2,000 post offices, on top of the 491 it said it would close starting at the end of last year. In addition, it is reviewing another 16,000—half of the nation’s existing post offices—that are operating at a deficit, and lobbying Congress to allow it to change the law so it can close the most unprofitable among them. The law currently allows the postal service to close post offices only for maintenance problems, lease expirations or other reasons that don’t include profitability.

Anyone else hear rumors of the 14th and T St, NW location closing?

It does always seem to be busy so I’d be really surprised if it is on the list. But then again given the huge number of locations they plan on closing it seems like anything is possible. Of course I’ll be sure to update when more info becomes available.

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