4822 MacArthur Blvd, NW via Facebook

Thanks to a commenter for sharing in our initial post about all the restaurants that have closed in 2018. Makoto’s Facebook says:

After almost 26 years, Sakedokoro Makoto will close on December 29th. Thank you for all the support and goodwill over the years. It has been an absolute honor serving our customers.”

Their website says: (more…)



1225 19th Street, NW

Update Statement from Paul Marcus, CEO, Marcus Partners:

“An affiliate of Marcus Partners acquired 1225 19th Street NW in August 2018. In late September, Mr. Carlson expressed his desire to operate his lunch counter outside of regular building hours, a petition he had made unsuccessfully to the building’s prior two owners.

We have worked diligently with Mr. Carlson to identify a solution that would both satisfy his business goals and fulfill our obligation to ensure that all tenant spaces remain secure during non-business hours. As both a landlord and a community member, we are deeply invested in the business success of all of our tenants.

We evaluated and proposed several solutions to Mr. Carlson, none of which included a “uniformed escort” for any patron. Despite his claims, Marcus Partners would never take an action that denigrates or singles out an individual with a disability. The dignity of every human being is a central tenet of both our business practices and our personal beliefs.

Our ongoing discussions with Mr. Carlson, coupled with the lack of any new protocols instituted since we acquired the property, make his sudden decision to cease both discussions and operations quite perplexing. Our earnest desire is that CF Folks’ renowned lunch time service will once again soon be available to its loyal patrons and that it will operate from our property for years to come.”

Well, more terrible news. Gah. Thanks to all who passed on Kate Bennett’s tweet on Friday:

“Saddest DC food news ever: today was the last day of service at beloved CF Folks. I enjoyed lunch there so many times in the 37 years it existed on 19th Street. I hope Art can find a new spot. RIP, the best french fries in town.”

CF Folks’ website says:

“After 37 years, CF Folks will close its doors after service on Friday, November 9th.

Over the past four years we have been so restrained by our landlords to develop our business in the morning or later on in the evening that we cannot afford to continue successfully, “as a lunchtime only operation”. And we stated that clearly to the landlord some 5 years ago. (more…)



6929 Laurel Avenue via Facebook

Passed on from the Old Takoma Business Association:

“Dear Takoma Park community and loyal PollySue’s customers,

Today is the 19th anniversary of PollySue’s Vintage Shop. We opened opened on November 1, 1999. My desire to find and share the most beautiful, one of a kind vintage clothes with others was the motivation to start the business but it because so much more. In the nineteen years, we have seen a generation grow up and start their own families. We have outfitted countless brides, prom-goers, theatrical productions and photo shoots. The shop has weathered recessions, elections, blizzards, and hurricanes.

It is with equal amounts of hopefulness and sadness that I announce that PollySue’s will be closing on December 31, 2018. (more…)



2321 18th Street, NW

UPDATE from Bourbon’s Facebook:

Some news:

After 12 years in one of the city’s great neighborhoods, Adams Morgan, Bourbon has decided to close our doors.

The goal was to be a relaxed, easy-going bar, with great music and an even greater staff, to be the neighborhood bar, a whiskey lover’s home at a time when whiskey wasn’t yet the trend. We succeeded.

Instead of reinventing the business entirely, I think it’s best that we re-evaluate exactly what we’re offering to our community and how. I am eager to explore other opportunities within this city. I am grateful for the time and relationships this venture has graced my life with. I credit every single individual that assisted in our success for many years; specifically, our staff and Bill Thomas’s staff in the years before me.

All the priceless memories and impactful moments this little watering hole could pour, we certainly drank. Thank you all.

— James P. Woods, owner”

A reader reports at 8:37pm last night: “Bourbon is closed.” (more…)


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