Late Night Weekend Street Parties Continue to Plague Barracks Row Neighbors
by Larry Janezich
Posted October 9, 2026
MPD 1st District Commander Colin Hall at Tuesday Night’s Community Advisory Council Meeting
Last Tuesday night, 1st District Commander Colin Hall heard from a resident who lives near Barracks Row, report that the late night weekend street gatherings on the 800 block of E Street – which had been in abeyance for weeks – have returned. The venue was the monthly 1st District Community Advisory Council meeting chaired by Robert Pittman and held this month at Pillar Church on South Carolina Avenue, SE.
The resident restated the on-going complaints of numerous neighbors about Café 8 patrons coming back to their cars after patronizing the restaurant/club and staying in the street playing car radios, smoking weed, drinking and making noise well after midnight. After peaking early in the summer, the incidents of partying seemed to fall off as patrons tended to stay on 8th Street, “but now it’s back.”
Commander Hall said, “Well that’s definitely something we’re aware of and we’ve been contending with. Barracks Row has changed a little bit with some of the clubs and the nightlife there. We started deploying officers down in that area and maintaining a high visibility specifically around Café 8 when large crowds are present.
We were getting complaints and I haven’t received any that popped up to my level so by letting us know it’s still happening we can redouble our efforts down there.
What happens is they come out of those clubs and hang out in the street or at the firehouse and we’re clearing them out of those areas. It’s like we just displace from one area to the next but we need to know where they are to do any good.
We’ll direct some more proactive resources – we have a Crime Suppression Team and they’re out around that time so it helps if you’re telling us the times so we can narrow down the windows and try to get them out of there with a show force.”
In response to a question about how the Crime Suppression Team operates, Hall said they are proactive enforcement teams; “They’re out there looking for criminal violations – they’re very well versed in making arrests related to alcohol and drug use in public – sometimes they’re gong to find guns associated with these things. Keeping on top of it is the thing were going to do – go in there and send out the message this is not the place to hang out.”
Hall added, “And definitely call 911 when it’s occurring…tell us there’s drug activity there or drinking in public…noise is a disorderly kind of violation but if you add all the descriptions and get descriptions as best you can of the vehicles….”
The resident said “Early on, several of the neighbors went out and asked them politely to stop, but we were threatened so no one goes outside anymore.” There are videos and audio files of the late night activities and Hall said to send them to him.
Since January, there have been three incidents of gunfire near Café 8 at 424 8th Street, SE, including a shooting next the Fire Station where an individual was shot in the leg. Another incident this year occurred in the 500 block of 8th Street, and involved gunfire in front of Ginza Karaoke and Lounge, 526 8th Street, SE.
Hundreds of community members showed up for the lighting of the Capitol Hill Tree on Saturday night.
Members of the Capitol Hill Chorale performed, leading up to…
…the countdown and illumination. The annual lighting ceremony features the evergreen tree “Sonny” in the SW Quadrant of Eastern Market Metro Plaza, honoring the late George Didden III for his many contributions to the Capitol Hill community. Members of the Didden family were on hand to flip the switch.
ANC6B is holding a Special Call Meeting on Monday night to discuss the ANC’s protest of the application from Aloha for a license to sell medical cannabis at 539 8th Street, on Barracks Row. Recent changes in ABCA regulations could spell trouble for Aloha. See details below in The Week Ahead….
Here’s the first glimpse of the interior of the Taco Bell coming to Barracks Row at 411 8th Street, SE. A source tell CHC the plan is to open in December or early January.
Blackbird Salon at 8th and Virginia Avenue, SE (which occupies the ground floor corner space at far right in the photo) was probably happy to see the city’s treatment of the scruffy empty lot in front of their store. When the city cleaned up the pile of cut stones salvaged from the demolition of the CSX tunnel and stored underneath the freeway next to Garfield Park, they moved them to this corner. Over the past month, they became the basis for a landscaping project.
The Week Ahead…
Monday, November 24
ANC6A Community Outreach Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
ALOHA – Medical Cannabis Retailer – 539 8th Street SE. Second application for medical cannabis retailer license, including Delivery Endorsement. ANC6B has retained legal counsel (Kerry Verdi) to assist with protest.
For additional information, please contact Ellen Opper-Weiner, Resident Member Chair of ANC 6B Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee at eowlaw@aol.com and Commissioner Samuel Pastore Vice Chair of the ABC Committee at 6B05@anc.dc.gov
Capitol Hill Corner Would Also Like You to Know About:
Now through Sunday, December 7
4th Annual Better Together Small Business Gift Card Exchange
Native American Heritage Day Featuring Hoop Dancer Joseph Secody
Friday, November 28
National Museum of the American Indian: 11:30am – 4:00pm
Learn about the art and power of the Hoop Dance with performances by award-winning dancer Joseph Secody (Navajo). Performances begin at 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3:30 PM.
At 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM join curator Anya Montiel (Mestiza/Tohono O’odham descent) for a closer look at the museum’s special installation Making a Statement, featuring custom Gucci gowns worn by actress Lily Gladstone (Siksikaitsitapi [Blackfeet]/Nimiipuu [Nez Perce]) at the 96th Academy Awards.
Eastern Market & Hill is Home Holiday Time Machine (21+ only)
6:00pm – 10:00pm
Eastern Market’s Holiday Time Machine promises to be a homegrown, historic antidote to the impersonal shopping experience of Black Friday: a festive gathering of local makers and artists, plus the introduction of delicious, social-media ready hot chocolate drink by Melt by Hippie Sippin.’ Republic Restoratives, a small batch, women-owned distillery will be at the event, offering samples of their award-winning spirits.
The event – co-hosted by local blog The Hill is Home – is a preview of the entire holiday experience. For only $30 at the door or $25 for early-birds who buy online, you can attend a holiday party you actually want to go to… Go here for more https://www.thehollydays.com/ and here for tickets https://bit.ly/4rfcftn
Labyrinth Games and Puzzles at 645 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, hosts their Annual Staff Cookie battle to benefit Toys for Tots. Staff members bake cookies (subsidized by management). Customers eat the cookies, vote for their favorites with donations and the cookie that earns the most wins. All of the donations go to Toys for Tots.
Sunday, November 30
11:00am – 1:00pm
Eastern Market.
The Betty the Yeti Welcome and Parade (all ages!)
Santa Claus – who will appear Saturdays from 11am to 1pm at the Market, and iconic cryptid Betty the Yeti – who will appear Sundays from 11am to 1pm.
Monday, December 1
Leaf Collection in underway. Here’s a link to DPW’s real-time leaf collection tracker. https://dpw.dc.gov/leaf (The search for your home address doesn’t appear to be working, but you can track which neighborhoods and undergoing leaf collections. Monday, December 1, leaf pick up will start in Section C.)
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ANC6B has a bone to pick with Ambar on Barracks Row. The restaurant’s alcohol beverage license is up for renewal and ANC6B is protesting the renewal because, they say, Ambar is in violation of the agreement under which they promised to store trash indoors. Ambar had made signed an agreement to that effect in return for ANC support for their adding a second story to the rear of the restaurant – a pledge it seems, they never had any intention of honoring.
Here’s the current situation: a dumpster and a trash compacter. On Wednesday, the city’s alcohol licensing board hears the case and the outcome will indicate both how seriously the board takes restaurants’ signed operating agreements negotiated with ANCs as well as how much “great weight” the agency actually gives opinions ANC as required by law. The ANC has taken this protest seriously and both sides have lawyered up; negotiations on a settlement were taking place over the past week. See below for info on how to virtually join Wednesday’s meeting. (Update: hearing has been postponed as negotiations continue. )
Update on Barracks Row Popeye’s – Last week, the front door of the Popeye’s on Barracks Row sported a Stop Work Order regarding the installation of their air conditioning units. That issue looks to have been resolved and new building permits have been posted. Work has continued on the buildout with substantial progress. No word yet on opening, though. The Popeye’s restaurant previously at that location under another owner closed in November 2021. Meanwhile, at Taco Bell – Popeye’s next door neighbor – it appears that not much visible progress has happened beyond interior demolition.
The ANC6B Southeast Library Taskforce chaired by Commissioner David Sobelsohn met on Monday, September 15, and heard a construction update from Jaspreet Pahwa, Director, Capital Planning and Construction – DC Library. Construction is on schedule after an unexpected delay caused by having to relocate Washington Gas pipelines which pushed back the expected early 2026 reopening by three months. Here’s the current view of the construction on the South Carolina side of the library.
And here’s the view on the D Street side.
The Hill Center – Here’s a photo from last Sunday’s American Roots Concert Series at Hill Center. This one featured the Pine Leaf Boys who drew a large crowd for the free concert. The NYT described them as “…the link that connects the young and the old generations,” and “the best new, energetic and fun Cajun band in a very long time.”
Over in front of the Hill Center, Gathering Terrace – the John Franzén Terrace – drew several members of the over-flow crowd for the Pine Leaf Boys. The space will be dedicated at a two hour event on October 1, beginning at 5:30pm. Mayor Bowser is scheduled to attend and the program will include a military honor guard presenting the colors. Here’s a link to register for the event: http://bit.ly/3IAUHX9
Friday Night Live – And last Friday Night Live at Eastern Market Metro Plaza featured “Spanglish Latin American Band.” This coming Friday, the Capitol Hill Jazz Foundation’s Herb Scott Band will close out the season – September 26 at 5:00pm.
The Week Ahead….
None of the local political or civic organizations regularly covered by Capitol Hill Corner are meeting this week.
There are some items of interest, however:
The Week Ahead…
Wednesday, September 24
(POSTPONED) Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration, 1:30pm.
Case concerning ANC6B protest of Ambar’s application to renew liquor license.
Capitol Hill Jazz Foundation‘s Herb Scott Band closes the Friday Night Live concert season.
Capitol Hill Corner Would Also Like You to Know About:
Folger Theater
Tuesday, September 23 – Sunday, October 26
Julius X –A Re-envisioning of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare.
Tickets starting at $20
“This bold new play takes Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Julius Caesar and reworks it through the lens of the American Civil Rights Movement, focusing on the story of Civil Rights leader Malcolm X and drawing parallels between ancient Rome and 1960s Harlem.”
Location: Capitol Hill United Methodist Church, 421 Seward Square SE
“Join acclaimed pianist Steve Baddour on Saturday, September 27, for an afternoon of music, stories, and conversation at the United Methodist Church Capitol Hill. The performance, starting at 3:00pm, will feature a rich program of European Impressionistic music, Latin American classical pieces, a medley of love songs from the’50s and’60s, and a recently composed work based on a Palestinian folk song.”
On Fridays October 17, 24 and 31 and Saturdays, October 18, 21 and November 1
Soul Strolls 2025: Grave Robbing and Resurrection
“Congressional Cemetery revisits the history of the cemetery in twilight and darkness, immersed in vignettes of the lives of interred residents via our guided lantern tours.
Unearth the dark tales of the cemetery’s residents, offering a window into a disturbing chapter of D.C.’s history. Come and enjoy the captivating ambiance of an evening in the cemetery with live music, thematic cocktails, and witness history come alive as our skilled actors breathe life into these stories right where they rest.”
Support goes to helping keep Historic Congressional Cemetery a community sanctuary, place of remembrance, and historic landmark.”
September 18 – October 12. 8:00pm (Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays) 2:00 PM (Saturdays and Sundays).
New Adaptation of Frankenstein to be Staged at Historic Chapel at Congressional Cemetery
Location: Historic Congressional Cemetery, 1801 E Street, SE.
Mary Shelley’s Monsters. The author of the infamous novel faces her creations and comes to understand the lasting impact of her radical and horrific story in this new retelling of Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. Directed by Alex Levy, Artistic and Managing Director at 1st Stage in Tysons, VA, and featuring Katrina Clark as Mary Shelley; Jon Beal as the Creature; and JC Payne as Victor Frankenstein
St. Georges Boulangerie Update– Here’s a hopeful sign: the arrival of new equipment waiting to be installed at the forthcoming French Bakery at 7th and C Streets, SE, across from Eastern Market. There hasn’t been much progress on the build out inside, though the demolition work is well underway. A fall opening looks more likely than one hoped for this summer.
Pasha Castle Arrives at 615 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE – The Mediterranean dessert shop serving Turkish and Lebanese sweets and savories opened last Monday. Among menu items: chocolate crepe, pistachio ice cream, kaake sandwiches (sesame coated soft bread with cheese or turkey), caramel latte frappe, baklava milkshake, ten infusions, hot chocolate and hot and cold coffees. Here are some photos.
Lavender Retreat Wellness Center Celebrates: Farther down Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, at number 1236, Lavender Retreat is celebrating its 10th Anniversary. Founder and CEO Jaime Bohl says she strives to mold Lavender Retreat into a world-class alternative health organization offering massage and acupuncture therapies, Chakra balancing, Reiki healing, and Naturapathic healing. Here’s a link to the website: https://www.lavenderretreat.com/
ANC6B’s Planning and Zoning Committee met last week. Resident member and former commissioner Corey Holman (top center) is stepping down as Committee chair as he is relocating. Commissioner Vince Marino (top left) will fill in as chair until a new Chair can be elected.
The ANC6B Transportation Committee chaired by commissioner Karen Hughes (top center) also met last week. Residents continue to express unhappiness about the up-coming June 28 Open Streets Event which anticipates closing North Carolina Avenue SE between 6th and 11th Streets SE, East Capitol SE, as well as Massachusetts Avenue between 13th and 17th Street SE from 7am until 5pm. No vehicles will be allowed on or to cross the route at any time. One block north and south of the route will also be closed except to residents of those blocks. Parking will not be allowed on any of the segments from 12am to 5pm on Saturday.
Triple Candies is back with the June installation in the space formerly occupied by the Li’l Pub at 655 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. This month’s offering references the DC World Pride celebration. Triple Candie is a research-oriented curatorial agency run by art historian co-founders Shelly Bancroft and Peter Nesbett. Their purpose is to create alternative exhibition methods making that the object of critical focus rather than what is displayed (which for the most part does not include original artworks).
The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week
by Larry Janezich
Posted June 8, 2025
The Week Ahead…
Highlight:
Tuesday: ANC7D meeting. Topic: RFK development and Community Benefits Agreement.
Monday, June 9
ANC6B Parks & Public Spaces Taskforce Meets at 7:00pm In Person Only) POSTPONED UNTIL MONDAY, JUNE 16.
This meeting will be held 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE; Second Floor (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).
ANC6B Southeast Library Task Force will hold a hybrid meeting at 6:30pm.
Meeting location will be 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE; Second Floor (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s)
National Republican Club of Capitol Hill, 300 First Street SE.
Tunnicliff’s Tavern, 222 7th Street SE.
Hunan Dynasty, 215 Pennsylvania Avenue SE.
Beuchert’s Saloon, 623 Pennsylvania Avenue SE.
Pacci’s, 106 13th Street SE.
The Roost, 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue SE.
Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Committee New Applications
ZomTum, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue SE; Application for new Class CRestaurant license with Sidewalk Café and Alcohol Carry-Out & Delivery endorsements;
Garden Hill LLC, 1322 G Street SE; Application for new Medical Cannabis Retailer license with Delivery endorsement; Protest Hearing Deadline: June 30, 2025.
Consider Request from Councilmember Felder’s Office on Community Benefit Priorities.
Commissioner SMD Reports.
Transportation/Public Space Committee.
Proposed Motion: Recommend ANC 7D issue a resolution that “appropriate DC government agencies should develop new parking facilities on the RFK campus in a manner that neither impedes access to recreational areas along the Anacostia River for neighborhoods that adjoin the campus nor disproportionately contributes to an increase of vehicular trafficin these same neighborhoods. Additionally, parking facilities should not interfere with potential location of additional Metro.
DC agency informational announcements, Department of Aging and Community Living; DDOT study, driver signage to slow speeds of MBT micro-mobility users.
Plenary agenda.
Alcohol and Cannabis Licensing Committee.
Washington Marriott Capitol Hill, 175 L Street NE, renewal, entertainment summer garden.
Transportation and Public Space Committee.
Requests for Resident Only Parking in NE, 100 block 4th Street, unit block 5th Street, 100 block 5th Street, 600 block 7th Street, 700 block 7th Street, 300 block Maryland Ave.
ANC 6A request to support bus priority routes.
1232 4th Street NE, TOPS, paving, curb, gutter, sidewalks.
Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee.
424 7th Street NE, special exception from rear-yard requirements to demolish a two-story rear addition and construct a two-story addition with basement.
406 7th Street NE, special exceptions from rear-yard and lot occupancy requirements to demolish a two-story rear porch and replace with an enlarged two-story with cellar enclosed rear addition to a three-story with cellar principal dwelling unit.
605 Constitution Ave. NE, Concept approval to construct a third-story addition to an existing one-story row dwelling with a two-story addition.
Presentation regarding Mayor Bowser’s FY26 Budget – Mr. Stephen Miller, Chief Technology Officer, Government of the District of Columbia.
Consent Agenda
Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis
Recommendation: ANC 6A protest the renewal of a Class C restaurant license for Focus DC 1348 H Street NE, unless a settlement agreement is reached and that the ANC Chair and Vice Chair and the ABC Chair represent the ANC in this matter.
Recommendation: ANC 6A send a letter to ABRA supporting a stipulated Class C restaurant license for Feru at 1128 H Street NE.
Recommendation: ANC 6A renegotiate the settlement agreement with Montana Liquors at 710 H Street NE and that ANC Chair and Vice Chair and the ABC Chair represent the ANC in this matter.
Transportation and Public Space
Recommendation: ANC 6A send a letter of support and suggested modifications to DDOT NOI regarding the 800 & 900 blocks of West Virginia Avenue NE.
Recommendation: ANC 6A send a letter to the Mayor, City Administrator, Deputy Mayor for Economic Planning and Development, DDOT, and Council Member Charles Allen in support of the H Street NE bus priority lanes.
Economic Development and Zoning
Recommendation: ANC 6A withhold support for the pending request for a zoning map amendment for the property at 1000-1014 H Street NE to rezone the property from the current NMU-4/H-R zone to the NMU-5/H-R zone, subject to letters of support and coming to a draft agreement/acceptable MOU with the residential neighbors.
Recommendation: ANC 6A send a letter of support to BZA for use variance and special exception on parking requirements to allow a seasonal outdoor patio at 1382 East Capitol Street, NE; Della Barba Pizza, LLC.
Transportation and Public Space.
Recommendation: ANC 6A send a letter to DDOT requesting they include TSI 2500296033 concerning the 900 block of A Street NE in future quarterly prioritizations.
Standing Committee Reports
Economic Development and Zoning
Suggested Motion: ANC 6A draft a letter to be sent to the DC Council regarding its concerns about Mayor Bowser’s FY26 Budget. The draft letter will be placed on the July 2025 ANC 6A meeting agenda to allow for community input and a vote by the Commission.
ANC6D Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.
The “Original” Moonlighters: Since 1990, The Moonlighters have been performing throughout the United States as one of the country’s best-loved and most authentic Motown and variety dance bands.
Saturday, June 14, 9:30am – 12:30pm.
Eastern Market Metro Park & Barracks Row Walking Tour: Starting at the park (701 Pennsylvania Ave. SE) Barracks Row Main Street hosts this walking tour to explore the vibrant neighborhood filled with historic sites, shops, and eateries.
Ceremonial Last Run of the Fire House Horses: Sunday. Starting at William H. Rumsey Aquatic Center (635 North Carolina Ave. SE), the site of the former Capitol Hill Firehouse. One hundred years ago, the DC Fire Department held a ceremonial Last Run of the Horses to commemorate the service of the great fire horses, which assisted in fire responses before firetrucks came to be. DC Fire and EMS Department, in partnership with the Friendship Fire Association and the DC Fire & EMS Foundation, will re-enact the historic ceremonial Last Run of the Horses, using a cosmetically preserved 1905 American LaFrance horse-drawn steam fire engine. You can cheer on the procession from Rumsey to Lincoln Park, and then join the small reception at the park.
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Leah Daniels: “After 17+ years of owning Hill’s Kitchen, it is time for me to pass the baton. I am thrilled to introduce amazing people to continue the legacy of Hill’s Kitchen. After this weekend, Sarah and Miles will be the new owners of the store.”
Leah Daniels, founder and owner of Hill’s Kitchen’s and dedicated community supporter and advocate, announced today that she has sold Hill’s Kitchen to Sarah Needles and Miles Hamilton. She said her last day as proprietor of the store will be Sunday and the sale goes to closing on Tuesday. She said she has no idea what she will do next – the store has been so consuming: “I’m so in the weeds but I haven’t thought about anything – that’s part of the problem – that the store is everything and all-encompassing that there’s no chance to think about what’s next. There’s no chance to think strategically or plan so I have to let it go to let other opportunities open up.”
She added, “This is a happy moment but I’m devastated,” she said tearfully. “I love this store of course that’s why this is so hard. I’m not leaving the neighborhood…I want people to be able to find me. Maybe I’ll have office hours at Tunicliffs or Peregrine or somewhere else,” she laughs. She says to her customers, “Stop by the store and come say goodbye to me over the weekend.”
Asked why she decided to sell, Daniels says “This is 100% my choice. I don’t know, I’m just looking to open up the world’s other adventures. The community has been amazing and supportive through 17 plus years. I started working on the store – I incorporated the week after I turned 26 – so it’s just time for a new adventure. Sarah and Miles are going to be amazing stewards for the space and hopefully bring new space and life to it. They’ve made it clear to me that it is important to them to keep the keep the emotional heart of the store.” She says, “They’ll certainly focus on cooking classes and events and things – they have to figure out the space upstairs – but they have an energy that will be a wonderful addition to the community.”
Daniels expects that after closing on the sale the store will be closed for a number of days, “because they’ve got to get their sale system going – they need to learn how the lights work and then they’ll be up and running maybe the following Tuesday.”
CHC asked CM Charles Allen for a comment on the contributions Daniels has made to the community. Allen says, “Oh my gosh. Everybody loves Leah. For 17 years she’s been the face of Hill’s Kitchen and created just a beloved local business. I think we’re blessed to have people like her that invest the time. I also think after 17 years of knowing every single person that walks through the door, what they thought, what they like, the allergies they may have, and how they like to cook, I’m excited for her to figure out what her next chapter is going to be. And I know she has she has been very intentional to make sure that the store and what it means to everybody is going to be in good hands with the next owners.”
Statements by Sarah Needles and Miles Hamilton:
As the new stewards of Hill’s Kitchen, we hope that the heart of our store is shaped by the same passion and love for food that has always been at the center of our lives, whether in a bustling restaurant kitchen or around our cozy dining table at home. As former restaurant professionals, we’re here to offer up our expertise, share a few recipes, and provide a space where everyone—home cooks and professional chefs alike—can gather, learn, and celebrate the joy of cooking together. Our mission is simple: to make your kitchen experience richer, more joyful, and a little bit bigger—just like the dining room table we’ve always cherished. – Sarah and Miles
Sarah Needle moved to Washington DC after graduating from Smith College. Like many recent college graduates, she found a need for a part-time job and wound up at Hill’s Kitchen. There, and in her personal time, her cooking hobby turned into a true passion and career. Sarah cooked at A Rake’s Progress under Chef Opie Crooks, Mt. Pleasant favorite Elle, Tail Up Goat, a Michelin-starred restaurant helmed by Chef Jonathan Sybert, and then its sister restaurant Reveler’s Hour. While at Reveler’s Hour, Sarah’s food found its way into the New York Times, The Washingtonian, and the Washington Post.
Miles Hamilton cut their teeth in the New York dining scene when a nannying job serendipitously turned into their first cooking job at Houseman, under the guidance of Chefs Ned Baldwin and Adam Baumgart. After cooking at a number of beloved restaurants in New York City (Diner, Cervo’s, and Hart’s), Miles moved to Washington DC in 2019 to cook at Tail Up Goat and Reveler’s Hour, where they eventually made the switch from back to front of house. Miles managed the floor at Tail Up Goat before ultimately becoming the Service Director of Reveler’s Hour, where they were awarded the 2024 RAMW RAMMY Award for Best Service Program.
Union Kitchen Distribution and Construction Manager Keith Chapman (left) and Union Kitchen Director for Union Markets, Matt Behringer.
Union Kitchen – Barracks Row – Opens Thursday
by Larry Janezich
Posted February 10, 2025
The long-awaited opening of Union Kitchen at 430 8th Street, SE, is scheduled for 7:30am on Thursday, February 13, according to Union Kitchen Store Director Matt Behringer who adds, “The first 100 customers will receive a free freshly baked cookie.”
The Union kitchen concept is modeled on the small NYC bodega – a combination café and grocery story. It will open daily from 7:30am until 9:00pm for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The store will also offer specialty grocery items including beer, wine, and sake as well as housewares. An application for a sidewalk café – which would open in the spring – is in the works.
The opening will also feature several vendors whose products – many of them local – are found on Union Kitchen shelves. They will be there to interact and to introduce their brands to the neighborhood.
Reflecting store’s strong neighborhood orientation, Behringer says the Order Here counter will feature a QR Code soliciting photos of pets and neighborhood life for posting in a gallery on Union Kitchen’s wall. Wiki says of the NYC bodegas, “they are renowned for their convivial culture and colorful character.”
Capitol Hill’s Acqua al 2, which closed in September of 2020, is returning to its former location at 212 7th Street, SE, across from Eastern Market. A placard for a liquor license in the window signaled the return, and an employee at work inside said that the restaurant would reopen in a couple of months with the same menu and the same owners as before, Ari and Stacy Gejdenson.
After Acqua al 2 on 7th Street closed, the space was occupied by a surf and turf restaurant – Harvest Tide – which closed in March of 2024. Meanwhile, Acqua al 2 continued to operate at other locations, including Annapolis and Florence, Italy.
Restaurateurs Ari and Stacy Gejdenson were owners of the Mindful Restaurant Group (MRG) which at its peak had eight restaurants and bars operating in the DMV. The businesses struggled during the pandemic and the Gejdensons dissolved MRG in 2020, closing some restaurants and turning others over to employees, though the Gejdensons remained involved as investors.
It may be a sign of the times – The Lobby Bar (formerly Boxcar) is opening a few doors away in the space formerly occupied by The Hill Restaurant Group’s Boxcar.
Here’s a link to the Annapolis restaurant where you can take a look at their menu: https://acquaal2.com/
The Week Ahead – Restaurant Updates … & Some Photos from Last Week
by Larry Janezich
Posted November 24, 2024
The Salty Doughnut looks to be headed for Barracks Row. According to a source, the popular national doughnut chain has purchased the three outlets formerly owned by District Doughnut. Last September, a sign announcing the “temporary closure” of the three District Doughnut shops (Barracks Row, The Wharf, and Union Market) was posted at the shop, along with the promise that “District Doughnut has some exciting news to share in a few weeks.” There have been previous press reports that The Salty Doughnut Restaurant chain was moving into the DMV – the opening of an outlet has been announced in the Fairfax County’s Mosaic District off Route 29 outside the beltway. Until now, the locations of potential sites in DC have not been made public. For more info on The Salty Doughnut, here’s a link to their website: https://www.saltydonut.com/ And their Instagram link is here: https://www.instagram.com/thesaltydonut/?hl=en
Barracks Row Joey’s has been bought by Teds’s Bulletin owner, Salis Holdings. Back in 2011, a NYC entrepreneur named Steve Salis appeared before ANC6B proposing to open a “high end pizza outlet” on Barracks Row called Ima Pizza. Later, the name changed to &Pizza and Salis cofounded the local chain. Salis sold out his share of the company in 2019 and subsequently acquired Ted’s Bulletin (six locations), Kramers Bookstore (the former Kramer Books and Afterwords), the Fedralist Pig, and Honeymoon Chicken (12 locations). No hints yet on Salis’ plans for Joey’s.
DC Falafel on Pennsylvania Avenue– Down Pennsylvania Avenue at 1123 next to Frager’s, Capitol Hill’s only falafel outlet has been getting favorable reviews from patrons. Here’s a link to the carryout’s menu which features falafel wraps and platters as well as wraps and platters for chicken, lamb & beef sharwarma. Here’s a link to their website and on-line ordering info. https://www.dcfalafel.com/ Inexpensive.
New Greek Restaurant – Word on the street is that a new Greek restaurant is coming to 315 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, Spike Mendelsohn’s old Mexican Restaurant Santa Rosa Taqueria. This is a developing story.
Southeast Library Modernization. Here’s a recent photo of the on-going modernization of Southeast Library showing the excavation and bracing of the lower level.
And here’s a Design Phase Rendering illustrating the new lowest level. Next month will see the demolition creating a roof opening for the new skylight.
Coldwell Banker’s Holiday Animated Window display at 350 7th Street, SE, across from Peregrine Espresso, returns to celebrate the season – a nostalgic and transporting delight. The display was designed by Manuel Cortes of Groovy Cards and Gifts – see here: https://groovydc.com/
The Week Ahead….
Monday, November 25
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6A Community Outreach Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00 pm.
Announcements & Updates – Reminder of Sunday morning cleanups on I Street – People’s Front of H Street Group – How to join the 6A list serve.
Rat Race: Supervisory Code and Rodent inspector Andre Pitman
Community Comments & Concern
Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:
Brent Elementary Holiday Greenery Sale from December 5th- 8th.
The Brent Elementary School Parent Teacher Association will hold its 14th annual Holiday Sale from December 5th- 8th. Proceeds are used to provide critical resources to students at this public elementary school on Capitol Hill.
Fraser fir trees, greenery, Hanukkah items, and more are available for presale until December 3rd at http://www.brentholidaysale.org . In addition to trees the outdoor on-lot sale will include wreaths, garland, poinsettias, winterberry, and Hanukkah items. All customers will also have the popular option to have their trees delivered on the day of purchase and the option for in-home setup.
Photo Essay – The Folger’s New Quill & Crumb Café Opens
by Larry Janezich
Posted November 22, 2024
Quill & Crumb – the new Folger Library Café – opened at 11:00am on Friday. The café, located in the Library’s Great Hall, is all about space and light. Patrons will feel welcome despite being in a somewhat formal atmosphere with dark wood paneling, huge windows and a soaring ceiling. The entrances to the café are through the east and west lower terrace entrances.
The new café will offer lunch, baked goods, snacks, and savories alongside coffee and tea service. A bar offering beer, wine, local cider, and assorted seasonal cocktails will also be a part of the menu.
Chief Financial Officer Ruth Taylor Kidd, who oversaw the project says, “Since we reopened the building in June, people have congregated in the Great Hall to work or meet with friends. We love seeing this, and we know the café will enhance how we welcome people to spend time at the Folger.”
Quill & Crumb will keep the same hours as the rest of the Folger Shakespeare Library. The café will be open on Tuesday-Sunday beginning at 11:00am. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday, the café will close at 6pm. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday it will stay open until 9pm. On evenings when there are performances in the theatre, the café will stay open through intermission.
Menu highlights include salads, tartines, shareable snacks, wines on draft, seasonal cocktails, and house-made lemonades and iced teas. For more information about Quill & Crumb, including the latest menu, go here: https://www.folger.edu/visit/folger-cafe-quill-crumb/
The west entrance to Quilll & Crumb just off the theater lobby. Photo from circa 12:15pm on Friday.
Photo, walking from east to west through the Great Hall. This is the lounge area catering to socializing over drinks or a light bite before a performance in Folger Theatre.
The middle area with high-top tables for coffee or a quick snack.
Constellation Culinary Group will manage Quill & Crumb.
The company also manages a number of restaurants and eateries at cultural institutions in the U.S., including Merriweather Café at Hillwood Estate and Stir Restaurant at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
The menu features pastries like Lavender Blackberry Financiers and Pain Au Chocolat.
Approaching the east entrance to the cafe – tables and banquettes for leisurely lunches.
Space and light.
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