stetsons
1610 U Street, NW

Dean Clark tweets us:

“@PoPville Was at Stetson’s last night. Told the sale went through and they are closing end of September October. No word on replacement.”

Back in June we posted the devastating news, for some, that Stetson’s was for sale. At that time some protested vociferously that this was simply not true and I was told by many, many people on twitter that I was idiot (and worse.) As I said originally I love Stetson’s. I and my friends spent much of our 20s here – with nothing but fond memories, from what I can remember. It genuinely pains me to pass on news of the sale. There is now a leasing flyer from Douglas Development:

1610_U_Street_Flyer-(PDF)

Updates when an exact closing date is known. All I can say is – I am sad.


park hardware

Park’s Hardware is located at 920 H Street Northeast. The listing says:

“Great redevelopment opportunity on H Street; 4,600 square feet of retail space in the middle of the thriving H Street Corridor. Zoned C2A with ‘H Street Overlay’. High Ceilings, full lower level. Wide street frontage Prime area for H Street Retail District. Right across from Ben’s Chili and Rappaport Shopping Center. Tax ID 0933//0803 + 0933//0057 (total lot size 2675 sf)”

It’s going for a cool $2,500,000.


stetsons
1610 U Street, NW

Damn it! I spent a good part of 20s in Stetson’s. Ach, I think I’m becoming that old guy…

The listing says:

“Great opportunity for a restaurant on U Street. The property offers two floors of bar and restaurant space, rear patio, 24 tap line system and a lower level with a walk-in refrigerator, reach-in freezer, and ample storage. The business (Stetson’s Bar), Class C Tavern license, inventory and owned fixtures including two HD projectors convey. Zoned C-2-A. Appointment only. 24 hour notice required.”

It’s going for $2,400,000. Well, when in Rome, I’m off to set up a kickstarter page! For $50 you will get an ice cold 12oz Budweiser. For $500 you will get a 12oz Budweiser and a shot of your choice.

Oof, I’m so sad.


murphys_dc_closing
Photo of 2609 24th St, NW, by Connecticut and Calvert, around the corner from Open City via Murphy’s

A couple weeks ago, after Duffy’s closed, we talked about the best regular bars left in DC – Murphy’s was number 10 on my list. Ugh.

A couple readers send the sad word:

“I heard from the management of Murphy’s of DC (2609 24th St NW) that the establishment will permanently close this Sunday, November 23rd, 2014 after last call. Its lease was not renewed, and in its place is supposed to be a fine dining Italian restaurant, no additional details available right now. Enjoy the fireplace and neighborhood vibe while you can. 30+ years of memories for some who worked there from around the time it opened.”

I’ve called to confirm and it’s true – they’ll be closing after last call on Sunday because they weren’t able to renew their lease. Updates on the Italian restaurant when/if more info is known.

For those not familiar, Murphy’s website says:

Since the day we first opened our doors on March 17th 1986, Murphy’s® of D.C. has been the home of Irish hospitality in the nation’s capital. Our extensive menu specializing in delicious pub fare coupled with the finest beverages has been pleasing Washingtonians and visitors to our city alike for over twenty-three years.

Our guests have a choice of seating, ranging from our comfortable upholstered window seat booths, wooden tables as well as stools at our long traditional solid wood bar. A year round seating option is our newly renovated and spacious sidewalk patio. Though most popular in D.C.’s warmest months, the awning and heating system ensure our guests comfort during our city’s cooler months also. During winter months our guests enjoy the three sided wood burning fireplace inside. Whether warming your hands beneath the mantle adorned with an antique forge bellows, or basking in the glow of the flames from across the pub, the fireplace is a gathering spot and a symbol of fáilte, the Irish word for welcome.

Murphy’s® of D.C. showcases the best in live Irish entertainment. Whether playing traditional Irish pub songs or more contemporary rock and folk, our musicians all make sure the crowd has fun. From almost any spot inside the pub guests are treated to sporting events and news reports on one of our large flat screen televisions.

Our friendly and attentive staff will be glad you stopped by. Stay for the craic and raise a toast with us: Slainte! to your very good health!


adam_express_closed_@CraigPlazure
3211 Mt Pleasant St, NW

@CraigPlazure tweeted us the sad update last night:

adam_express

Back in March we first learned Adam Express intended to close but those plans fell through when a buyer backed out. For whatever the reason the closure seems permanent now so let’s wish the Baes a peaceful and happy retirement:

adam_express_farewell
Mr. and Mrs. Bae previously biding farewell


Phillips Flagship Washington-20140404-00822

“Dear PoPville,

I went to the Maine Avenue Wharf to get some fresh scallops for the weekend and found out the Century old Phillips Flagship Crab Deck Restaurant founded in 1914 at 900 Water Street closes Monday April 28 to make way for the huge Wharf development on the SW waterfront.”

Wharf Development Sign Washington-20140404-00825

Ed. Note: We looked at a final farewell to the nearby Channel Inn’s Engine Room earlier this month.


botanica_closing
2441 18th St, NW

Thanks to @matt2paradiseDc for tweeting us:

“the botanica at 2441 18th st is leaving after 10+”

I can’t say I was a big patron but I’ll miss their big window display. This is the spot located above Sakuramen and before that the pizza spot that clashed beautifully with Botanica. Their facebook page says:

“50%! April 15 will be out last day, please stop for your last chance at our unique merchandise.”

“The Botanica was established in 1995 by Martha Bedoya in an effort to bring Santeria to the Washington, DC community. Ms. Bedoya is a santera herself since 2000 and has been involved in the religion since 1993.”

sakuramen-adams-morgan-botanical-dc


Sad news from Dupont Circle – Melody Record shop is located at 1623 Connecticut Ave, NW next to Comfort One Shoes (formerly Lambda bookstore). Their Web site announces “STORE CLOSING SALE!”:

“TO ALL OUR WONDERFUL CUSTOMERS,

Melody Record Shop will be closing its doors in the winter of 2012.
While we wish that we could continue indefinitely, technology, the internet and the economy has taken its toll, and we have concluded, unfortunately, that it is not possible to survive in this environment.

We are a family owned business and it has been our privilege getting to know many of you so well over the past 34 years. We nurtured Melody, in much the same way that we raised our children, with tender loving care. We watched our store mature and grow, from vinyl, to 8 tracks, cassettes, CDs, and back to vinyl! We kept pace as VHS evolved to DVD.

For those of you who have shopped with us forever, we are eternally grateful. We worked so hard to help you locate that hard to find album, special order that specific CD or DVD, choose just that right song and be the first to have the new release from that favorite artist. We hope that our efforts have helped to bring wonderful music into your lives. Over the years, many celebrities and politicians have stopped by our store. As exciting as this was, it was just as important to us to serve the one time customer who needed a quick purchase.

To our devoted employees, we cannot thank you enough! You shared our mission, finding each customer, exceptionally important. We know that your efforts helped us survive the impact of the Internet on music for as long as we did.

We are sad to say goodbye as Melody was not just a store; it was a community where customers shared the joy and magic of great music. We are not merely closing an icon of Dupont Circle; we are saying farewell to so many good friends.

With so much gratitude for your commitment all these years,
Suzy and Jack”


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