coronaville

“I’ve been wondering what kind of experiences people have been having at nail salons?”

By Prince Of Petworth


Debby Harper Salon at 1605 17th Street, NW

“Dear PoPville,

I’ve been wondering what kind of experiences people have been having at nail salons since they were allowed to reopen in DC. I’ve gotten my hair cut in recent months but haven’t ventured to a nail salon out of concerns re: ability to social distance and general safety/hygiene.

Are there any DC salons that are doing it right? I’ve had a rough go of it recently and would love to relax with a pedicure but i don’t want to set myself and my family back after being so cautious and risk averse for months.

I’d love to hear what people are seeing out there.”

Alex writes (regarding the photo above): “Wanted to share what Debby Harper salon on 17th street is doing! Outdoor manicures and pedicures! All covid 19 precautions included and then some.”

“Unfortunately, we find it necessary to pause our operation for the next 90 days”

By Prince Of Petworth


1781 Florida Ave, NW

Thanks to Jeffrey for passing on from Red, White and Basil:

“As you know, covid-19 has taken a toll on DC’s restaurant landscape. We appreciate your loyalty to Red, White and Basil, and want to thank you for your support. It’s wonderful to see so many familiar faces enjoying our food every day.

Unfortunately, we find it necessary to pause our operation for the next 90 days, so we can reassess where things stand. (more…)

El Piquin Reopens in Eastern Market

By Prince Of Petworth


corner of North Carolina Ave and 7th St SE

“Dear PoPville,

Since I have found innumerable places through your site and comments section over the years, I felt I should give one back. There are a group of guys serving breakfast burritos, tacos, and quesadillas under the name “El Piquin” that have been coming to Eastern Market for about the last five years. They have a restaurant in Essex, MD, but they seem to have no presence whatsoever on yelp, social media, etc. outside of a few shout-outs from Eastern Market itself. They took a long hiatus due to COVID but are now back at it on Sundays and Tuesdays and are better than ever. I have been going religiously for years now because the food is really that good (the hot sauce is other-worldly), and I would really like them to survive. Great group of guys, so I wanted to get the word out, even if that means longer lines for me.”

Check out the menu: (more…)

“Here’s the problem: there are no open appointments at any DC DMV until December 24.”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Joe Newman

“Dear PoPville,

I moved to DC for a job a few years ago, and I continued to use my parents’ address to pseudo-maintain my residency in my purple home state, not knowing if I’d stay in DC long-term. Well, I have! Coming up on the general election, I want to vote legally in the place I live and pay taxes, despite how angry it makes me to not have real congressional representation here.

I decided the best way to make this overdue and official residency change was to get my driver’s license switched to DC, which includes an automatic voter registration (but you still have to opt-in for organ donation…).

Here’s the problem: there are no open appointments at any DC DMV until December 24. (more…)

“JoS. A. Bank, Downtown-Penn Quarter-Chinatown Closed Yesterday” – Parent Company Filed for Bankruptcy Protection Sunday

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Tim Brown

Thanks to Todd for the tip: “The JoS. A. Bank, Downtown-Penn Chinatown ( 555 11th St NW (F St NW), Washington, D.C ). I stopped in yesterday and there was one employee there boxing stuff up and he said that it was the stores last day of operation.”


Photo by Mark Lyon

The New York Times reports this morning:

“The owner of Men’s Wearhouse and JoS. A. Bank, which once dominated the market for affordable men’s suits, filed for bankruptcy protection late Sunday, as demand plummeted for its corporate clothing with the coronavirus pandemic keeping America’s office workers at home.” (more…)

“Harrar Coffee & Roastery is re-opening on Monday!”

By Prince Of Petworth


2904 Georgia Ave, NW

Thanks to Annie for letting us know:

“I just wanted to share that Harrar Coffee & Roastery  in Park View is re-opening on Monday! They have been closed throughout the pandemic, only selling individual bags of beans through online orders, and also had some roadwork in front of the shop that delayed opening. The roadwork is now done and they’re back to normal hours for grab & go coffee or outdoor cafe seating, starting on Monday.”

Update: Staying open until November. Chupacabra closing next Saturday 8/8 after almost 10 years on H Street, NE

By Prince Of Petworth


822 H St, NE (though actually located on 9th Street)

Update: “#margaritamiracle We planned to shutdown @chupacabraDC Saturday. Your support has changed that and we are able to stay open until Nov. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

Chupacabra tweets the sad news:

“We are sad to announce the closing of @chupacabraDC next Sat 8/8/20. We have been part of the neighborhood for almost 10 years! Dine-in frozen margarita pitchers are now $15 until we close!“

“should I be reporting this to someone in DC?”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by angela n.

“Dear PoPville,

There has been an abandoned car parked in front of my apartment building for about 4 months now. It’s in seemingly perfect shape (2010ish Honda CRV), is in a ParkMobile metered spot, and only has a couple tickets. It has MD plates and really hasn’t moved from this metered spot in 4 months – should I be reporting this to someone in DC? I’m more concerned for the owner’s well being as I can’t imagine why nobody would have come back to it in so long knowing it’s in a metered spot.”

“Private Pool Clubs?” – Anyone ever use swimply to book by the hour?

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Mr.TinDC

“Dear PoPville,

Would love to hear from readers about any options out there for DC residents to join swim clubs around the DMV. It seems most of them have restrictions based on residence. While you can buy a pool pass for MoCo pools, it would be great to be part of a private club community that is affordable.”

Another reader sends this interesting option from swimply “Book a local private pool by the hour”. Anyone ever use them?

Ed. Note: We are supposed to get an update about D.C. public pools on August 1st.

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