“Dear PoPville,
The scariest sidewalk grate I have seen… Steel grate patched with a plate? Nope. Near Freedom Plaza. (E Street.)”
Would you dare walk across this?
YIKES.
3109 14th Street, NW
Thanks to A. for sending the Tropical Smoothie Cafe update in Columbia Heights:
“It’s taken a long time but the smoothie place in CH has finally opened. Will have to try it and see if Tropiboba is the next it thing 🤣” (more…)
Project Area via NCPC
“Dear PoPville,
The Pennsylvania Avenue Initiative is really ramping up, and it will drastically change Penn Ave.; especially freedom plaza. It will be sliced to accommodate inauguration parades 😅🙈. Public commenting closes on 4/30.”
About the Initiative (more…)
Your summer nights are about to get a lot more adventurous. Beginning June 27th, join us after hours at the National Geographic Museum of Exploration for a brand-new series of evening events. Here’s a first look at what’s coming up:
Grand Opening Weekend: Evening Street Fair
Celebrate the Museum of Exploration’s Grand Opening with a one-night-only, after-hours marketplace inspired by street festivals, night markets and bazaars around the world.
This FREE event will feature live music and DJ sets that bring the museum to life, along with food and beverage for purchase from international street food vendors and outdoor bars. Plus, hear from a National Geographic photographer on the fascinating stories behind their work.
Gather with friends, explore flavors from around the world, dance to live music under starlight and explore in a whole new way.
Join us on June 27 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Exhibition Showcase: Red, White & Blue
Exhibition Showcases are special evening events that bring National Geographic exhibitions to life through storytelling, conversation and performance. This summer we celebrate our premier exhibition, “Red, White & Blue”.
The evening will begin with a cocktail reception in Explorers Eatery alongside talks from featured Explorers and photographers. You will then explore our photography galleries for an exclusive private viewing. The experience will culminate with live performance inspired by the exhibition on view, offering time to explore the work in a unique way.
These celebrations end with FREE access to the Courtyard Nighttime Experience.
One night only, on July 10 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
2614 Connecticut Avenue, NW also previously home to Medaterra
Any day with double pizza news is a good day in my book!
Ed. Note: Do note, that Via Roma is located just down the block… Not to mention Mika’s Neapolitan Pizza located across from the Zoo.
Well adding the line up is:
“Pastiamo Osteria
Pizza from the Fire. Pasta by Hand.
Your Neighborhood Osteria”
Thanks to Miguel for sending from the old Elsa Ethiopian Kitchen space in Woodley Park: (more…)
1st and L Street, NE
“Experience the authentic flavors of India with a modern twist. From tandoor-grilled perfection to aromatic biryanis.”
Thanks to kuss for the update in NoMa:
“Metro Spice in Noma (next to Ted’s Bulletin) is now open! I just had the Malai Kofta with Garlic Naan and it’s a solid 9/10!”
Check out the menu: (more…)
A blue note is a musical moment that doesn’t quite land where you expect. And that’s the spirit behind this burlesque revue from DMVariety!
Start your weekend early with Blue Note Burlesque, a night of vintage tease and thrilling variety acts that’ll leave you exclaiming “I can’t believe I found this in an alley!”
919 U Street, NW, note the new logo up top
Thanks to Dan for sending the latest from U Street:
“looks like El Rey will be reopening before Cinco de Mayo!”
ICYMI: The El Rey in Navy Yard reopened as Cantina El Rey earlier this month.
RE U Street:
“The OG.
On the block since 2014, El Rey has been a go-to party spot on U Street for over a decade.. Loud, lively, and just the right amount of messy.
Now, we’re leveling up.
With the addition of pool tables, a refreshed Tex-Mex–inspired menu, and upgraded cocktails featuring margaritas made with house-crafted mixes.
Cantina U Street is your new go-to for 9:30 Club pregames, weekend nights out, and game-day watch parties..”
4714 14th Street, NW
Ed. Note: We shared this development with out Patreon supporters a few weeks ago, if you’re looking to be in the early know or just want to support the site, please join us – thanks!
“Smokey’s
Uptown’s Finest 🏆 Serving hot n’ delicious breakfast and lunch in the District for 40+ years”
I was hoping their closure wasn’t true but google now says: “Smokey’s is permanently closed” and a peek in the window: (more…)
14th and F Street, NW previously home to mxdx
“Dear PoPville,
Can you do a follow up on the opening of the Giordano’s Pizza that is supposed to open this spring in DC? You wrote about it back in November 2025 here, and I wanted to see if there was any new information on when it will open. I ate there when I visited Chicago and loved it, and am excited for it to come to DC!”
I contacted Giordano’s Pizza and they tell me: “We’re planning for early summer.”
STAY TUNED for an exact opening date.
For those unfamiliar: (more…)
“Dear PoPville,
What’s happened to the pandas on yuma???
I hope they’re just in the shop for repairs!” (more…)
From a press release:
“JLL today announced the signing of a new retail lease with EastBanc Inc. at 3001 M Street NW in DC’s Georgetown neighborhood, bringing renowned Spanish footwear brand Meermin to the nation’s capital for the first time. The transaction was completed in March 2026, with the high-end shoe store slated to open in Summer/Fall 2026.
Founded in Mallorca, Spain, Meermin has cultivated a global following for (more…)