14th and Colorada Ave, NW

Thanks to all who emailed and tweeted word. A reader first reported earlier last week (and others have confirmed they were dark through the weekend):

“Swampoodle’s been closed up tight for at least two nights in a row. I wonder if this is the end for them?”

This one hurts given how long it took Swampoodle to get open.

Their last facebook post was written on Nov. 29th gives no indication that anything was amiss:

“#TACOTUESDAY has arrived! Get three tacos and a margarita for $12 #delicioso”

Updates when more is known.

5501 14th Street, NW via Swampoodle’s facebook

5501 14th Street, NW

At least based on the dozens of emails I got over the weekend that is. Thanks to all who sent word and photos that Swampoodle finally soft opened:

Another reader reports:

“They say they plan to be open 5-10 pm for dinner starting midweek and will focus on just brunch on the weekend and weekday dinners for now.”

Check out some of the preview menu after the jump. Read More

5501 14th Street, NW

Famous last words I know, but it looks for real this time!! Thanks to a reader for sending the Swampoodle update:

“Scuttlebutt to accompany the new photo — my wife bumped into the owner, who said they just got final approval today and should be opening next week. We’re ready to spend $$ there if true.”

5501 14th St, NW

Thanks to all who’ve emailed updates about Swampoodle:

“Umbrellas outside, bar tools on the bar, salt and pepper shakers on the tables. Has to be soon right?”

and

“Plates and salt and pepper spotted at Swampoodle.”

5501 14th St, NW

A reader reports:

“This showed up on the window at Swampoodle yesterday. Is this a joke? Seems like city departments and council staff are clearly not speaking to each other. This is so frustrating, especially because the owner said he is very close to opening.”

5501 14th St, NW

The Hilltopian wait continues…

“Dear PoPville,

Do any readers have updates on Swampoodle? The lights were on this morning and lots of equipment was spread out inside but I didn’t see anyone. The sidewalk has been like this for a while now. I know they were having problems with the gas / water hookups. Any progress? This sidewalk condition is a hazard.”

On Dec. 17th Swampoodle wrote on Facebook:

“So the water line will be put in place next week.
However, although the city passed our gas hookup ( in July) we were informed that the gas line had been abandoned. So we need a new gas line to the property. The Poodle has no luck.
We replaced my mothers rosewood table with a bowling alley floor table which actually looks pretty good.
I am very disappointed with the City so if you wish to call Bowser and ask her to get the city to help open this restaurant before I go bankrupt I would appreciate it.

Happy holiday to everyone,
Thanks for your support. m

and in reply to a comment:

“It was months. But I just had to go thru the process.

Then when my gas lines were all in we were approved and they put in the meter then two months later took it out

Then last month came to replace the meter with a residential meter. Then they told me they had closed the line. So f*cked again

Sorry for my language”

inside 5501 14th St, NW courtesy Swampoodle

The overwhelming response was hell yes!!! From Swampoodle:

“THINKING OF HAVING AN OPEN HOUSE THIS SATURDAY FROM 10 AM TO 1 PM. WOULD THAT BE OF ANY INTEREST TO ANYONE?”

Swampoodle is located at the corner of 14th and Colorado Ave, NW.

14th and Colorado Ave, NW

A reader reports:

“Lots of activity at Swampoodle this morning. There was a big construction dumpster and the owner and his crew were getting rid of debris to clean up the place. Fingers crossed that it will open soon. These urns / flower pots are now out front and the cherubs look like they are done waiting do it to open too.”

Wrap around outdoor seating coming to 14th and Colorado Ave, NW

Thanks to a reader for sending:

“It’s hard to overstate how excited the neighborhood is about this place finally opening…”

Progress photos via Swampoodle facebook

Ed. Note: When asked when they hope to open they responded on facebook: “-6 weeks to 2 months.”

A reader writes:

“Word on the street is that Swampoodle finally got their permits from DCRA yesterday after a lengthy and inexplicable delay. There were people working all day today with the windows open and the boards gone, and they have gorgeous new photos of the upstairs posted on their Facebook page. There’s also diagrams posted on the doors on the Colorado Ave side showing the sidewalk seating plans and it looks great, with an outdoor bar on the 14th Street side.”

another reader writes:

“Was walking the dog this morning, finally saw some progress on Swampoodle. I took the picture of them installing windows. These other pictures are from their Facebook. It’s looking awesome!”