84 T Street, NW (1st and T St just off Rhode Island Ave) previously home to Tyber Creek and of course the LEGEND Rustik

Thanks to a reader for passing on the sad news from Etabli:

“This December will mark 13 years since we signed our very first lease — a small restaurant space at 1421 H Street NE. It’s still hard to believe we took that leap without ever having worked in a restaurant or cooked professionally. We just believed in the idea, in each other, and in the neighborhood.

In those early years at The Pursuit, it was just the two of us — doing everything, every day. Small, intentional, wine-forward, and rooted in genuine connection with our guests. That simplicity was the heart of what we were building, and we never forgot it.

When we opened établi, we were in many ways returning to that original spirit. The name itself had been waiting — we had almost called The Pursuit “établi” back in 2014, but held onto it. By the time we were ready to open this chapter, we had grown into it. établi — the workbench — felt right for who we had become: more seasoned, more ourselves, and more committed than ever to the craft of hospitality.

We’ve been through quite the journey since then — moving to 1025 H Street in 2019, and then navigating the upheaval of 2020, when COVID hit and a challenging business partnership came to an end. We were lucky that 84 T Street and the Bloomingdale neighborhood were ready to welcome us, and we were so grateful that our H Street family continued to make the trip.

It is not lost on us how much all of you have carried us — through the hard times and the truly joyful ones.

Which is why we want you to hear this from us directly: this December, our lease at 84 T Street comes to an end — and with it, établi as we know it. We will pour our final glass of wine there, (more…)



1550 7th Street, NW

“A Wine & Cocktail Hideout for the Bold & Unconventional

Dark, sultry, and unapologetically unique—Ugly Duckling is a neighborhood cocktail & wine bar for those who appreciate the unexpected. Sip on standout cocktails, explore an ever-evolving wine list, and lose yourself in the energy of the night. Because ordinary was never the vibe.”

Ugly Duckling opened in the former La Jambe space at 7th and Q St, NW in December 2024.

Thanks to Peter for sending word: “Ugly duckling in Shaw closed. Their Instagram is gone and there’s a sign on the door that they’re closed.” (more…)



3504 Connecticut Avenue, NW

ICYMI: December 18, 2025 – Major Progress at the Cork Market coming to Cleveland Park

Cork shared the good news with some sneak peeks last week:

“Hello, Cleveland Park! We’re so excited to be here — come see us until 9pm tonight (12/30) & 2-9pm tomorrow (12/30) for a sparkling wine popup & sneak peek of our new space at 3504 Connecticut Ave NW! And ICYMI: our grand opening is on Thursday, January 8!(more…)



1826 Wisconsin Avenue, NW

“🥐 Handcrafted pastries |☕Specialty Coffee |🥪Gourmet Paninis
Where every bite feels like home.
Open Daily: 7 AM – 7 PM”

I’m told when the liquor license goes through to expect a cafe in the mornings/afternoons and wine bar/mezze at night. STAY TUNED for more on that.

Caspian Crust took over at the former Janti Cafe back in March. Looking to kick things up a notch. Caspian Crust’s liquor license placard says: (more…)



1440 8th Street, NW

From an email:

“OyOy x Old Westminster: Brine Launch Party
Thursday, October 16, 2025 6:00 PM
Join Oyster Oyster and Maryland’s Old Westminster Winery for one night only at a special event launching the new wine “Brine.”

Old Westminster Winery has just launched Brine — a wine for oysters. Brine is a crisp, Vinho Verde–style blend that is our tribute to the Chesapeake and its oysters, nature’s own delicious tool for restoring the Bay, right in time for wild oyster season starting October 1.  (more…)



photo by Deb Lindsey

From an email:

“Opening Date: 9/13/25

Hours: Open Wednesday – Sunday. Wed, Thurs, Sunday: 5pm-10pm full menu, 10-11 late night menu.
Friday, Saturday: 5-11 full menu, 11-12 late night menu. Bar stays open 1 hr after late night menu

About Maison Bar à Vins:

Nestled in a nineteenth century, four-story brownstone in Washington D.C.’s Adams Morgan neighborhood is Maison Bar à Vins, a French-inspired wine and cocktail bar and full restaurant. “Maison” is the latest venture of The Popal Group (TPG), D.C.’s Afghan family-run, boutique hospitality group behind award-winning restaurant concepts Lapis, Lutèce, Pascual, and LaPop. Maison will combine the classic elements of a traditional European bar à vins with an extensive natural wine list, exceptional dishes and cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere that allows guests to get a casual bite and drink or linger into the evening with a full meal or drinks. (more…)


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