2009 14th Street, NW
From a press release:
“Legendary craft cocktail bar the Gibson has set the long-anticipated reopening date for Friday, August 13, 2021. The pre-Prohibition style speakeasy will return to its original location after an almost year-long closure due to COVID-19. Customers can expect a menu of favorite Gibson original cocktails from throughout the 12 year history, in addition to the usual offerings of pristinely-made classics. (more…)
Earlier in the week we reported that a We the People Express (pizza) was coming to the former Toku Sushi space on U Street. Turns out the liquor license placard was in error. Also turns out this was a glorious mistake because I learned who actually is taking over the space – London Curry House!!
“menu, decor completely different then Bombay street food . Open until midnight. Theme is London with all London landmarks as decor with spice and flavors of best curries dishes from London.”
More from a magnificent email from Asad Sheikh, owner of Bombay Street Food and Butter Chicken Company:
“London curry house will have most popular Indian dishes from streets of London (more…)
“Dear PoPville,
I live in Shaw near 9th and U, and I’ve absolutely had it with the off-road, ATVs, Polaris’, etc. that are PURPOSELY roaming the streets to cause a disturbance.
I don’t know exactly what their mission is, but all I really know is that it’s at a level beyond my wit’s end. (more…)
1301 U Street, NW
OTB writes: “Apparently the replacement for Toku on U St. will be We The Pizza. Because if there is something in addition to taco concepts this neighborhood lacks, it is pizza concepts.”
The liquor license placard for We, the Pizza Express says: (more…)
1602 U Street, NW
Last week we became very worried about the status of Local 16. Sadly, it was a very bad sign indeed. The owner Aman Ayoubi tells me via email:
“With heavy heart I should inform you that we surrendered the Local 16 space to the landlord after 22 years! (more…)
1602 U Street, NW
Thanks to Allison for sending a shot of the roof at Local 16: “They just started tearing it up yesterday”
Local 16’s website still says: “We are temporarily closed for winter “hibernation” and planning to reopen soon. We will post updates here once we decide on opening date.”
Last we heard Local 16 was hoping to reopen in June. I’ve emailed the owner and will update when I hear back.
1115 U Street, NW
U Street Music Hall announced they had closed after 10 years on U Street back in October 2020. I’m now hearing that a new new nightclub operator has leased the space. I give this a 93% accuracy rating. Stay tuned.
917 U Street, NW
After we posted about Velvet Lounge and Dodge City closing yesterday, a reader wrote: “The new lease is set for a new gay bar.”
A tipster (with an over 95% accuracy rating. update now 93%) tells me that it is likely from the same ownership as Dirty Goose located next door.
Update: “A TDG (Dirty Goose) owner here. We do know the plans for the spaces, but it is not us. We deeply respect the new operator and will let them announce as they see fit”
Stay tuned for when the announcement is made.
915 U Street, NW
Another painful blow to what once was fell last week. Velvet Lounge posted on IG:
“Thank you so much for all the years of love. We are closing the physical establishment for good but we’d just like to say thank you and leave you with this. Please keep you head up and continue to try your best, you gave us some of your most beautiful years so thank you. @velvetloungedc and everyone who was ever apart of that experience. The end of an ear.” (more…)
Another reader shares some more damage from the shots fired on Wallach Place, NW around 1:15am: (more…)