end of an era

“After 25 years + 6 months, as these strange days take their toll on us all, the time has come for us to say goodbye to our Dupont Circle location”

By Prince Of Petworth


1350 Connecticut Ave, NW. Photo by Flickr user Dan Zink

From an email (thanks to all who forwarded) from Proper Topper:

“After 25 years + 6 months, as these strange days take their toll on us all, the time has come for us to say goodbye to our Dupont Circle location, the sweet little shop we’ve thrived in and loved for so long. Too small to safely distance, too few shoppers downtown, too hard to hang on any longer … too familiar, right? My heart goes out to everyone suffering loss right now.

We look forward to welcoming you into our Cathedral Commons shop (3322 Wisconsin Ave, NW), just a couple of miles north and large enough to navigate more safely. And we always welcome you online, where our virtual shop is lush with new offerings to brighten your day and lighten your way. When have you ever needed our whimsical, comforting treats more?

But right now, I would like to take a moment to honor our long run in the spot and the neighborhood we loved so well. (more…)

My God – American Ice Company, The Brixton, Echo Park, El Rey, The Gibson, Marvin, and Players Club reportedly will close “for the foreseeable future on Halloween.”

By Prince Of Petworth


The Gibson (left) Marvin (right) 2007 14th Street, NW just north of U Street

Thanks to all who passed on this awful coronaville massacre news (will close “for the foreseeable future on Halloween“) from the Washington CityPaper:

“Eric and Ian Hilton say they fought for six months to keep American Ice Company, The Brixton, Echo Park, El Rey, The Gibson, Marvin, and Players Club running through the COVID-19 pandemic, but ultimately couldn’t.”

Out of the seven which hurts the most?

Full statement from Ian Hilton on twitter:

Photos of all the spots: (more…)

Opened in 1985, The Otello Italian Restaurant Space is now For Lease

By Prince Of Petworth

Update from Otello:

“Dear loyal friends & patrons:

After over 30 years in Dupont Circle, Otello restaurant has permanently closed its doors. As with many other restaurants, the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic has made it impossible for us to stay in business. Some other restaurants were able to pivot to pick up and delivery services, but it was determined that this was not a viable option for our little restaurant.

We hope you keep Otello in your memories as a place for good food, good times and cheer. On behalf of the entire team at Otello, we thank you for your years of patronage and we will miss you all!
– Otello Restaurant”

Sadly their phone number has been disconnected as well so it appears to be another end of an era. The Washington Post reviewed them in 1985:

“The newest red-sauce and red-check Italian restaurant is Otello, just south of Dupont Circle. (more…)

BREAKING: After 26 Years Capitol Lounge “last day of service will be Sunday, 9/20”

By Prince Of Petworth


229 Pennsylvania Ave, SE

Thanks to Zachary for sending from Capitol Lounge:

“It is with the heaviest of hearts to report that our last day of service will be Sunday, 9/20. It’s been a great 26-year run, and we’re most proud of the way our management and staff have handled incredible adversity over the last 6 months. Thanks to all for the love and support.” (more…)

Twins Jazz permanently closing on U Street

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Tim Brown

Thanks to Andrea for passing on the incredibly sad news from Twins Jazz:

“It has been an honor and privilege to serve the Jazz community in Washington, DC for 33 years. We came to this country from Ethiopia with a dream of owning our own business and for 33 years we have done more than we could have ever imagined. The decision to close was very difficult, however, we knew the safety of our patrons, musicians, and our staff was our top priority, and given the uncertainty of when we could safely open our doors, we decided to close our location permanently. (more…)

Firehook Bakery, The Greatest Firehook Bakery with the massive back patio, is closing in Cleveland Park and I am bereft.

By Prince Of Petworth

This is devastating for the neighborhood, especially following the recent closure of the Uptown movie theater across the street. This Firehook had been open here since 1997. Not much to add beyond beyond Roric’s initial report: “Nooooooooooo”


3411 Connecticut Ave, NW

Firehook’s announcement: (more…)

Red Hook Lobster Pound DC’s Food Trucks For Sale on Craigslist

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo of Red Hook Lobster Roll by PoPville flickr user Mr. T in DC

Oh wow, Red Hook Lobster Pound DC’s Food Truck launched with HUGE excitement back in August 2010. Flashback:

“lines were forming by 11am. They sold out (after an additional resupply) by 3pm. Ah lobster rolls.”

What a ride!! Seriously.

Thanks to Michelle Goldchain for sharing the news with us on Saturday:

“Looks like @LobstertruckDC is leaving the food truck game!”

Red Hook Lobster Pound DC’s Facebook says: “Guess What? We’re selling our Food Trucks and all the goodies that go along with a food truck business!”

The Craigslist ad says:

“Great way to start your mobile business or expand your existing restaurant/catering business in a small or big way!

1) 2002 Freightliner MT-45 diesel with 202,802 miles. $25,900/OBO
2) 2001 Freightliner MT-45 diesel with 181,372 miles. $35,900/OBO

Both trucks have been successfully operating in DC, Arlington, Fairfax and Alexandria for over 10 years and have clean titles. (more…)

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