burgers

Shake Shack Opening in Union Station Monday, June 23 at 10:30AM

By Prince Of Petworth

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From a press release:

“Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) is proud to announce that it will open its fourth Shake Shack® location in our nation’s capital this Monday, June 23 at 10:30AM inside historic Union Station, one of the largest and busiest transportation hubs in the U.S.

Shake Shack is a critically acclaimed, modern day “roadside” burger stand known for its 100% all-natural Angus beef burgers, delicious flat-top dogs, fresh-made frozen custard, hand-cut fresh fries, craft beer and wine, and more. A fun and lively community gathering place with widespread appeal, Shake Shack has earned a cult-like following in DC and across the globe.

Like its DC predecessors on F Street, in Dupont Circle, and at Nationals Park, Union Station’s menu has all the Shake Shack classics, from delicious 100% all-natural Angus beef ShackBurgers® and griddled-crisp flat-top dogs to our exclusive Brooklyn Brewery ShackMeister® Ale. The Shack will have two location-specific frozen custard concretes that feature local bakers: Busy Bee (vanilla custard, strawberry puree and Baked & Wired Bee Sting bar with sliced almonds and honey); and Beaux-Arts Banana (vanilla custard, caramel sauce, banana and graham crackers from Pollystyle). The Dupont Circle Shack’s popular Washington Monu-Mint (chocolate custard, minted marshmallow sauce and chocolate truffle cookie dough) will also be available at Union Station.

Prominently located in the vibrant Capitol Hill neighborhood, the two-story Union Station Shack is in the original West Hall of the restored and revitalized landmark building, which dates back to 1907. Modeled in the monumental Beaux-Arts style, Union Station serves AMTRAK, regional commuter trains and the Washington Metro. With more than 90,000 visitors passing through its historic halls daily, Union Station is also a thriving retail center and frequently hosts major cultural and civic events.

Shake Shack Union Station, which has been carefully designed to harmonize with the historical fabric of the edifice’s structure, will feature a custom planter and trellis created by SHIFT_DESIGN that will grace one of the neo-classical niches in the restaurant’s waiting area. In addition, in keeping with Shake Shack’s eco-responsibility commitment, the Union Station location is constructed with recycled and sustainable materials and features energy-efficient kitchen equipment and lighting. Chairs and booths are made from lumber certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, and tabletops are made from reclaimed bowling alley lanes by Brooklyn-based CounterEvolution. Good ‘n green.

As part of its mission to Stand for Something Good®, Shake Shack Union Station will donate 5% percent of sales from the Beaux-Arts Banana concrete to the nearby non-profit Casey Trees, devoted to restoring, enhancing, and protecting the tree canopy of DC. Shake Shack staff will also volunteer at events run by the eco-friendly organization.”

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West Hall of Union Station in the former America restaurant space

Location of Shake Shack Coming to Union Station Confirmed as former America space in West Hall

By Prince Of Petworth

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Finally signage has gone up confirming the location for Shake Shack coming to Union Station. Back in September of 2013 we first learned a Shake Shack would be coming to Union Station. When the second Starbucks moved back in January, I assumed it was to make space for Shake Shack. However at that time rumors continued to persist that a Captiol City Brewery brewery would be taking over the former America restaurant space which closed in Oct. 2011.  Happy to finally put those rumors to rest.

And to those who don’t like Shake Shack – we get it, we get it – you don’t like Shake Shack. Ok. Noted.

For those of us who do like Shack Shake, stay tuned for updates as they get closer to opening. Oh yeah, they’ve also applied for a liquor license that says:

“Restaurant serving American cuisine, specializing in burgers and shakes with a seating capacity of 166, total occupancy load of 220 and Summer Garden with 52 seats.”

Hours are listed as Sunday through Thursday 11am – 11 pm and Friday & Saturday 11 am – 12 am.

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Entrance in former America space next to new Starbucks location in West Hall

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Boxing Themed – TKO Burger Opens Soon in Rhode Island Row – More Locations Coming to H Street, Ft. Totten, and Capitol Gateway

By Prince Of Petworth

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Photo courtesy Rhode Island Row (2300 Washington Place, NE by the Rhode Island Ave Metro

When clicking on locations from their website it reveals more coming soon spots:

“H St., Washington DC
Fort Totten Square, Washington DC
Capitol Gateway, Washington, DC”

From a press release:

“Chef/Owner Lance London is pleased to debut his new burger concept, TKO Burger, in the vibrant new community of Rhode Island Row, a mixed-use development located just steps from the Rhode Island Ave-Brentwood metro at 2350 Washington Place, NE, 20018. This is London’s fourth restaurant in the DC area as he is the proud chef/owner of The Carolina Kitchen with three locations in Washington, DC, Largo, MD and Hyattsville, MD. TKO Burger will open April 17th 24th, and serve lunch and dinner, in addition to offering carryout for those who wish to grab-and-go. (more…)

Kraze Burgers “closed until further notice” and Hello Cupcake Closed on Barracks Row

By Prince Of Petworth

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415 8th Street, SE

Not looking good for the recently opened [Oct. 2013] Kraze Burgers on Barracks Row:

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and a bit further down the row at 705 8th St, SE Hello Cupcake lets fans know yesterday via their facebook page:

“Today is our Barracks Row location’s last day of business. We have enjoyed our time on the Hill and will miss our friends and neighbors here!

We hope to see you soon at our Dupont location, where we have exciting plans in the works!”

Native Foods Café, Plan B Burger Bar Coming to Navy Memorial Plaza in Penn Quarter

By Prince Of Petworth

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701 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

A couple weeks ago we learned a Chop’t was coming to the Navy Memorial Plaza next to the Paul bakery. More food options are coming to the plaza. Native Foods Café is coming to the vacant space next to 701 Restaurant.

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According a liquor license application:

“Restaurant serving vegan food with a seating capacity for 66 and total occupancy load of 98. Side Café with 40 seats.”

Hours will be 10:30 am – 11 pm Monday-Sunday.

According to their website:

“Native Foods Café is the premier chef-crafted vegan restaurant serving homemade, fresh food every day of the week. Native Foods Cafe has attracted acclaim in Zagat, USA Today, VegNews and numerous other publications.”

You can see their Menus here.

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801 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

And for those who remember the space that used to have the good pizza on the other side of the plaza – It’s going to be a Plan B Burger Bar. Washington Business Journal reported:

“The burger-centric restaurant and bar has signed a lease for retail space at 801 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. It will be the group’s first restaurant outside of New England.”

Their website says they offer beef, burgers, bourbon and beer. You can see their full menus here.

Updates as both spots get closer to opening.

Smashburger Opens in Dupont Circle

By Prince Of Petworth

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1739 Connecticut Avenue, NW

The long anticipated Smashburger opens in Dupont today.

At Smashburger, we believe that smashing is better. Our handcrafted burgers are smashed, seared and seasoned to order, using our fresh, never frozen 100% Certified Angus Beef®. Whether you choose our Classic Smashburger or decide to create-your-own, our artisan buns, freshly chopped produce, flavorful sauces and variety of cheeses are designed to deliver a great-tasting, juicy burger you can taste in every bite.

Every great burger needs a companion, and our selection of signature sides — like our Smashfries hand-tossed with garlic, rosemary and olive oil, hand-breaded haystack onions and fried pickles — are the perfect complement to any meal. The same is true for our handspun Häagen-Dazs® shakes, served in a frosted glass. And if you’re in the mood for something other than a burger, our menu of grilled or crispy chicken sandwiches, split and grilled hot dogs, crisp entrée salads and black bean veggie burgers are sure to satisfy.

I was able to attend a preview tasting yesterday – the Truffle Mushroom Swiss was especially delicious. Prices range from $5.99-7.99 and $4.49 for milkshakes. They’ll be open from 10am-10pm 7 days a week. You can see their full menu here. Inside features 47 seats:

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More photos after the jump. (more…)

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