18th and M Street, NW

Ed. Note: The most recent Pret closure (1828 L Street, NW) prior to this one was reported on back in December.

Pret a Manger opened the 18th and M St, NW location back in February 2016. Prior to Pret the space was home to a Caribou coffee.

“18th and M is your local coffee shop, providing a wide variety of breakfast foods, a great selection of homemade sandwiches, and the best organic coffee. So, whether you’re looking for coffee near you, or want something fresh for breakfast or lunch, visit our 18th and M store. See our full menu for our delicious range of options.”

Thanks to Benji for sending: (more…)



photo by Olaf Zerbock

CNN reported:

“The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will close for roughly two years to allow for extensive renovations, President Donald Trump said Sunday, a move that comes as the nation’s preeminent arts institution contends with a flood of cancellations.”

Read Trump’s full announcement from Sunday: (more…)



17th and L Street, NW

Peet’s Coffee opened up here back in 2014. Prior to Peet’s this space was home to a Caribou Coffee.

Back in 2015 and 2016, ducks, for some reason, used to like to hang out here.

There was a time…

‘Dear Peet’s Members, valued customers, and curious coffee drinkers:

It is with heavy hearts that we Peetnik’s of NOMA announce the permanent closure of this locatoin.

Our last day of business will be: Friday, Jan 30 6:00a – 2:00p

We want to express our deepest gratitude for your loyalty, kind words, shared laughs, hugs and genuine support over the years. We’ve been through A LOT together! Thank you all for making us a part of your daily routine and making us a part of your daily routine and making these past few years unforgettable.”

Thanks to Betsy for sending: “RIP to Peet’s in NoMa” (1275 First Street, NE.)

Thanks to Brett for sending the (not nearly as heartfelt) closing note from 17th Street: (more…)



1658 Columbia Road, NW in brighter days back in 2014

Potter’s House shares on their IG:

“We are devastated by this development, and know that this space has been a pillar for our neighbors and friends for over 65 years. We only hope to re-open PHDC as an independent, self-funded organization dedicated to serving others and creating space for everyone to feel welcomed. It has been our privilege to work for this organization, and we love you all.”

For those not familiar with Potter’s House, located at 1658 Columbia Road NW, some history on them  here and here.

Oh yikes, thanks to all who passed on from Potter’s House:

“Important Update on the Operation of The Potter’s House DC

Please see the below statement regarding the immediate closure of The Potter’s House DC for the foreseeable future. Please also note that any communications received between January 7th and January 27th were not sent by PHDC staff, nor are they aware of what those communications entailed.

To our community,

Due to recent and unforeseen circumstances, The Potter’s House DC (PHDC) will be closed until further notice. This closure includes the cafe and bookstore’s normal operating hours, as well as all public and private events at PHDC.

As many of you may know, we scheduled a temporary break during the month of January to update many of our administrative systems, train our staff with updated guidance, and hire additional staff to help us expand our ability to operate sustainably as a nonprofit organization. When we came to work on January 1, 2026, we fully believed that this plan would be put into action. Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control and additional challenges we were unaware of, PHDC no longer has access to the necessary funds to continue operation at this time. (more…)



photo by DC@rt

From the office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton:

“Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) announced today that she will retire at the end of this term.

“I’ve had the privilege of representing the District of Columbia in Congress since 1991. Time and again, D.C. residents entrusted me to fight for them at the federal level, and I have not yielded,” Norton said. “With fire in my soul and the facts on my side, I have raised hell about the injustice of denying 700,000 taxpaying Americans the same rights given to residents of the states for 33 years.

“The privilege of public service is inseparable from the responsibility to recognize when it’s time to lift up the next generation of leaders. For D.C., that time has come. With pride in all we have accomplished together, with the deepest gratitude to the people of D.C., and with great confidence in the next generation, I announced today that I will retire at the end of this term.”

Norton’s unrelenting advocacy has produced prolific and transformative results for the District. Her major legislative accomplishments include (more…)



1833 14th Street, NW

Bar Pilar opened here back in March 2005 (“came to be in 2004”) and sold to new owners in 2019.

Thanks to all who messaged us the sad news about Bar Pilar closing. Last Friday we broke the news that trouble was brewing at Bar Pilar when a non payment of rent legal notice was posted to their front door. Unfortunately last night Bar Pilar confirmed the writing on the wall: (more…)



3015 M Street, NW via Sprinkles

OH there was a time…

A call to the shop confirms that TODAY is their last day open. They’ll be open until 8pm if you want one last memory – hustle!!

Flashback January 29, 2012: Get a Free Red Velvet Cupcake for PoP Appreciation Day at Sprinkles in Georgetown. For a second I thought I dreamed this, thank God for the archives search function.

For posterity: (more…)



1615 Rhode Island Avenue, NW

ICYMI: Judging Restaurants – Beacon Bar Bar & Grill (BGB)January 21, 2010.

In a call to the Beacon Hotel I was told that BBG was closed for renovations. If all goes well they hope to open back up mid-late next year, possibly in August.

Thanks to DS for sending:

“Sad news! The Beacon Bar Bar & Grill at the Beacon Hotel at 17th and Rhode Island NW has permanently closed. (more…)


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