page not found screenshot from Lucky Strike DC’s website
Whoa, thanks to Dustin for sending: “Talks swirling that Lucky Strike in Gallery Place (701 7th Street, NW) has reportedly closed for good @PoPville (Their twitter account is gone too)”
Ed. Note: Last week we learned that Fado had also permanently closed in Chinatown. And back in January before the virus we learned that Bar Louie had closed after many years in Gallery Place.
808 7th Street, NW
Yesterday we shared the scuttlebutt, today it’s confirmed:
“Fado Irish Pub in Washington DC opened on March 16, 1998 with a 20-year lease on our building at 808 7th Street. March 16th was our last day of business before the COVID-19 shutdown. It is with great regret that we tell you that, 22 years to the day of our opening, it was our final day of business at 808 7th Street, forever.
Like many others in D.C., the reason for our closing is “progress”. We have negotiated quarterly extensions to our lease for the past two years, while trying to negotiate a long term-agreement. And, after years of trying, we have been unable to do so. There will be many restaurants that will not reopen after the current closures. Ironically, ours is not about COVID-19, we just could not renew our lease.
There are not many places in our business that stay around for 22 years. That is a rare achievement made possible by long-term and caring customers. But there is a bigger achievement, as well. It is the people who have honored us by being part of our team for, in some cases, decades. You never want to single anyone out for special mention but in some cases it is necessary. Marina, Marcelino, Mary, and Jonesy all worked (or as Greg would say, pretended to work!) with us for over 20 years. There were so many other characters, regulars and influencers of our business who were on our team for over 10 or 15 years. The list is too long to mention. They were the reasons we were a D.C. favorite for so long. (more…)
3219 Mount Pleasant Street, NW
From the owner:
“My wife and I bought Pfeiffer’s Hardware back in 2010. It was a way of investing in our community beyond owning a home and the work that I had done with Hear Mt. Pleasant and the Advisory Neighborhood Commission. We were able to improve sales and diversify the product mix to cater to cyclists, homebrewers and homesteaders. After our first 5 years, we had an option to extend our lease under the same terms. We had begun to think about selling the store and moving from DC to seek out new adventures, but we weren’t quite ready. We renewed out lease for another 5 years. (more…)
1353 H Street, NE
Ed. Note: In September 2019 I said and then they said oh well never mind this stinks.
From a press release:
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Rock & Roll Hotel will cease operations effective immediately, Monday March 2, 2020. All shows and events are cancelled, and we have obtained the necessary financial protection at this time. (more…)
809 12th Street, NE
Oof. Horace & Dickie’s is of course legendary.
“Horace & Dickie’s Seafood Carryout is home to the famous Jumbo Fish Sandwich. One bite and you’ll be hooked!”
Sadly, WJLA broke the news last night:
“The owner, 82-year-old Richard “Dickie” Shannon, says he’ll be playing more golf.
He blames gentrification, which he calls “cultural genocide,” for forcing him out.” (more…)
701 7th Street, NW
Thanks to Kyle for sending: “Bar Louie Chinatown closed”
End of an era. Back before there were options Bar Louie was a huge go to spot for those who worked in the area or before events at the MCI Center. A bit reminiscent of when The Greene Turtle closed around the corner. For those not familiar with Bar Louie: (more…)
1321 14th Street, NW Photo by PoPville flickr user Josh
The Washington Blade reports:
“The Crew Club, which has operated as a gym, sauna and bathhouse for gay men in the nation’s capital for 25 years, will close its doors for good at its Logan Circle area location on February 29, according to its founder and co-owner DC Allen.” The report goes on to say that the building has been sold to Douglas Development.
“Dear PoPville,
Most gay men in this city have some “coming of age” story associated with this club. (more…)
3628 Georgia Ave, NW
Oof, this one hurts. Thank God for Looking Glass Lounge (a few doors down) but this was a truly great spot. Enjoy them and their hugely popular “buy one get one” for the next few months.
From the owners of DC Reynolds, one of the consistently best bars in D.C.:
“Our lease is up and as per usual landlord expectations for rent surpass what we’re comfortable with.
April 2020 will be the end of the run for DC Reynolds. Since March 17th 2012 we’ve opened our doors every single day to our neighbors, friends, and industry colleagues. (more…)
Thanks to Emma for sending word that signs were coming down at the Dupont location for Ruth’s Chris Steak House. Their website says:
“Please note, the Ruth’s Chris location at 1801 Connecticut Avenue is now closed. We are relocating to our new address at 21st and L Street NW. We are now accepting reservations for our new location for January 13, 2020 and beyond. (more…)
1120 9th Street, NW
Tom’s Chinese Laundry was located here for, approximately, forever. Their yelp reviews were through the roof positive. Truly the end of an era.
They stayed open when they were surrounded by boarded up buildings for years. Updates when we learn what becomes of the space. When I peaked in the door it was getting completely gutted. (more…)