514 8th Street, SE
From the owner of Belga Cafe, Betsy is a:
“Unique and secluded rooftop garden experience featuring a strong Gin program accompanied by various tonics and fresh garnishes.”
alley entrance
3907 14th Street, NW
A couple weeks ago we learned the exciting news that the owners of El Chucho and Bar Charley were bringing a new spot to 14th and Randolph St, NW. At that time I wasn’t sure if they were going to be taking over Rib Pit Lounge and the Rib Pit or just one. Turns out they’ll just be taking over Rib Pit Lounge (apparently Rib Pit next door has been leased by someone else.) I spoke with Little Coco’s co-owner Gordon Banks who reveals a lot more awesome info. Starting out with my favorite feature – there will be a roof deck! But more on that in a minute.
Gordon says that he and partner Jackie Greenbaum have been talking about opening up a pizza/Italian restaurant for a long time because they like to work off the strengths of their chefs. And head Chef Adam Harvey knows his dough. [The name Little Coco’s is a play off the Chef’s wife’s last name.] So you can expect some mean wood fired pizzas at Little Coco’s. And in addition to pizza you can expect to find arincinis, lasagna, salads and other daily specials. But make no mistake, Gordon sees the spot as a casual neighborhood pizza place. Well anyone who has visited Bar Charley or El Chucho knows what he means by casual – if I may – pretty freaking cool but no white table cloths. The space is pretty small so I’m looking forward to seeing how they build it out.
Which leads us to that roof deck. It’ll be a three season roof deck just like they have at El Chucho. But also like El Chucho they’ll be very considerate to their neighbors in regards to dampening noise. Though it’s also important to remember that this will be a dining roof deck not a party roof deck. In that regard, one more important element that Gordon emphasized – it will be kid/family friendly. As Gordon lives around the block with a little one, that was something very important to him personally. The way he explained it, Little Coco’s will be a spot where you can take your kids and the parents can also have a nice meal/glass of wine/good beer or cocktail. There won’t be a fancy cocktail list but they will be able to make a proper Manhattan. For those with little ones we know these options are few and far between. But for those who don’t enjoy being around kids – fear not – he envisages the space without kids in a more traditional sense by around 8:30/9pm. If all goes well Little Coco’s is hoping to open this Spring.
10th and H Street, NE
We’ve been closely monitoring the progress of construction for the Ben’s Chili Bowl coming to 10th and H Street, NE. Thanks to a reader for sending this update shot, noting it looks like there will be a roof deck. Sweet.
2446 18th Street, NW
One of the best roof deck’s in town is now back in action. Roofers Union opened in the former Reef space in February. Here’s a look at the roof menu:
1216 18th Street, NW at the corner of Jefferson just off Connecticut Ave
When we learned the Sauf Haus Bier Hall + Garten was opening above the Dupont Shake Shack this summer I didn’t realize how big the garten part would be. Though we knew it would have a summer garden with 210 seats I had a tough time conceptualizing that space. But walking by it yesterday you can see how huge it’ll be – this has the potential to be very very awesome:
801 Florida Ave, NW just east of 9th and U Street
Thanks to all who sent emails about the progress at Dunya:
“A Mediterranean restaurant serving tapas and high end cocktails with a seating capacity for 150 patrons and total load of 150. Request an entertainment endorsement with live performances jazz for brunch or private events and summer garden with a seating capacity for 25 patrons.”
In June we were happily surprised to see that they were adding a sweet roof deck. Today, a peek in the window reveals they should be opening any day now:
Dunya’s website still says coming soon. I’ll be sure to update when an exact date is announced.
Quite a bit of progress from March of this year:
1537 7th Street, NW
The owners of Ivy and Coney share the good news and plans for their $85,000 Great Streets Initiative Grant:
“I just wanted to tell you the good news we got today regarding Ivy and Coney, the next great, fabulous opulent, little dive bar in DC. We’ve just been funded to build a huge roof deck at the bar which we hope to have open a few short months after the interior opens! This will mean a 50 to 60 person deck with a fully retractable glass roof, and more importantly, a greatly expanded food options (with a menu that is undecided thus far).
In other news, at KBC (3410 11th Street, NW) we’ve been getting some concerned phone calls regarding our expansion and whether we are open. While the plans are still very much in the works to add a second floor, WE ARE ABSOLUTELY OPEN. We will have to shut down for improvements at some point, but we will give our customers plenty of advance notice when we settle on a date.”
1333 14th Street, NW
Last week we learned a a new coffee shop (with cocktails) was coming to Logan Circle. They’ve now applied for a liquor license and it reveals an interesting detail – Roof deck summer garden:
“New Tavern. Pastry shop/coffee house serving small plates. Sidewalk Café and Roof deck Summer Garden. Occupancy load is 160.”
Hours will be Sunday through Saturday 7 am – 2 am.
1348 H Street, NE
Last week we learned Red Rocks would have a grand opening for their new H Street location on Sept. 4th. In June we took a preview tour and had a good idea that the largest restaurant on H Street was gonna be pretty sweet. Absolutely 100% confirmed. Last night they soft opened with a friends and family party – have a look at the finished space and especially the retractable roof:
2nd floor with retractable roof open
Lots more photos after the jump. Read More
1348 H Street, NE
Back in June we took a preview tour of the huge Red Rocks coming to 1348 H St, NE. After final solving some permitting issues – they’re set for their grand opening on September 4th. Have a look at the preview to get a taste of how awesome the huge space is gonna be.
