Progress has been slow, but Moga Doner House is inching closer to opening in Cleveland Park. Overhead signage is up, bidding a final adieu to the former Al Volo Trattoria & Bar. Similar to a gyro, döner kebabs are prepared on a vertical rotisserie. The main difference is the seasoning, but you can already get a pretty good gyro across and down the street at Byblos Deli and Fresh Med. Call us skeptical, but open. Still no word on an opening date, but we'll keep you posted.
Isaan Thai Classic disappeared in a minute, and the oft-maligned corner space/extension at 3433 Connecticut Avenue, NW is back in the news, with a posted promise of Club Soda Cocktail Lounge BFF Inc, Cafe and Grill. A remnant of the 1980s (and in turn, the 50s & 60s) the former downstairs favorite could deliver some much needed music into the neighborhood, but I wouldn't be surprised to see another middling restaurant trying to cash in on a familiar name with little-to-no other similarities. Here's hoping I'm wrong (but I wouldn't bet on it.) Updates as we get them.
P.S. Wouldn't you want to clean up the front (even a little bit?) Details matter.
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| Coming Soon: Yours Cafe Cafe + Kitchen |
Locals still miss Woodley Cafe Restaurant & Bar, but life goes on in Woodley Park. The area's retail revival continues with Yours Cafe Cafe + Kitchen, as signage is (finally) up. The former home of (most recently) Maddy's Pizza should be open soon, with seating for (up to) 98 & 28 patrons inside and out. Menu looks like a little bit of everything, but neighbors and Zoo-goers alike should be happy.
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| Jersey Mike's Subs... Coming soon |
Jersey Mike's Still Coming... but It Might Take a While
When news arrived of Jersey Mike's Subs opening across the street from the National Zoo, yours truly almost had a heart attack. Steak sandwiches seven days a week, less than two blocks from home? Sold! A coming soon banner confirmed the rumors (in addition to a mention on Jersey Mike's website) but once future neighbor Falafel Inc. opened next door, the banner disappeared. Fear not, sub fans. Jersey Mike's is still coming, but judging by the photo below, it might take a while. The former longtime home to Cathedral Pharmacy has been (literally) dug up inside, but I wouldn't be surprised if they're opening before Christmas. In the meantime, the aforementioned Falafel Inc. is fantastic (and cheap!) We'll keep you posted.
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| Falafel Sandwich at Falafel Inc. |
Great Food. Great Value.
They're finally here! Falafel Inc. opened its newest location today, directly across the street from the main entrance of the National Zoo. What does that mean to yours truly? Despite technically being in Woodley Park, Falafel Inc. is a mere two blocks from home. That means many, many, many visits to follow, especially given how great their food and service was on day one.
From our friends at Barnes & Noble...
Barnes & Noble Reopens in Georgetown with Spectacular Flagship Bookstore
Grand Opening at 10AM on Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Barnes & Noble is thrilled to announce the opening of its Georgetown bookstore on Wednesday, November 6th. The new Barnes & Noble marks the bookseller’s return not only to Georgetown, but to the same 3-story building it occupied from 1995 to 2011 at 3040 M Street NW Washington, DC 20007.
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| Inside Captain Cookie |
It felt like forever, but Captain Cookie has opened its doors in Cleveland Park. Their soft opening started today, with an official opening set for Saturday, September 9th. The setup is simple, with a few stools by the front window, and a couple of tables before the sales counter. Cool ceiling-to-floor artwork greets you as you walk inside, and there were a few paintings set to hit the walls over the next couple of days. Other than that, clean and spacious.
We noticed new signage at the former St. Arnold's Mussel Bar space this afternoon. Coming soon, Thai Love Restaurant at 3435B Connecticut Avenue, in Cleveland Park. There were signs posted earlier, asking neighbors to "guess" what was coming; but we were surprised (and disappointed) to discover yet another Thai restaurant, mere steps away from Paragon Thai and Siam House. Hopefully, they'll offer outdoor seating, which would make it more lively/noticeable; but we'd have preferred something fast (casual) and less expensive such as a burger or pizza joint. Yours truly is predicting a quick exit (before EOY '24) but we'd love to be wrong.
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| Inside Nando's PERi-PERi at 836 F Street, NW |
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| Veganesha - 2623 Connecticut Avenue, NW |
Woodley Park is (slowly) starting to show signs of life again. McDonald's is back, Flavorture opened yesterday (in the former Mayahuel/Murphy's of DC space on 24th Street) and now Veganesha has opened at 2623 Connecticut Avenue, replacing Bistro Bites (and its' ill-advised crepes lineup.) Veganesha calls itself, "a vegetarian and vegan eatery with an Indian twist." Considering it's surrounded by two other Indian restaurants (Naanwise, Rajaji Curry House) on the same block, it better be some serious twist.
Korean BBQ Experience (Photo: SEUOLSPICE)
Expansion Is Underway for SEOULSPICE
The local fast-casual restaurant specializing in healthy Korean comfort fare is serving up three new locations across the DMV
From our friends at SEUOLSPICE...
Eric Shin, owner of SEOULSPICE, is pleased to announce the expansion of his healthy Korean comfort food concept with three new locations scheduled to open later this year. Founded in 2016, Shin opened his flagship location in the NoMa neighborhood of Washington, DC and expanded with additional locations in Tenleytown and College Park, Maryland, opening the following year. SEOULSPICE offers Korean-style rice bowls, kimbap burritos (Korritos), japchae noodle bowls, and salads showcasing original recipes from the Shin family, some of which have been passed down for generations.
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| Atlas Brew Works general manager Markus Smith |
