Tuesday, June 12, 2007

New Tavern Proposed for Florida Ave

A notice recently appeared in the window of 1006 Florida Avenue. The space has long been vacant. A few years back (perhaps 5 years) it was the home of Cuppa Joe, a coffe house that was partially staffed by7 Gallaudet students, and had really good carrot cake. The new application is for Capitol Hill Premium Cigars and Tobacco. The first floor would be retail, but their would be a lounge upstairs that would serve drinks. They would offer pre-packaged foods such as chips, pretzels, nuts, pub mix (whatever that is), and desserts. This is a tavern license. Notice was posted June 8th. The petition deadline is July 23rd, and the hearing is August 8th.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

I saw a big Open sign on the Clothing Cafe in the 1200 block of H. Anybody checked this out yet? I hate to say I'm not even sure if its a clothing store, restaurant, or something else entirely.

inked said...

Thanks for the reminder Chris. I haven't checked it out yet, but a friend did tell me it was up and running (with a small crowd outside) on Saturday. No word on if they are currently offering both food and clothing, or just one of the two. I will have to check it out. If anyone makes it in please let us know.
Ultimately the Clothing Cafe hopes to sell clothing and serve light fare.

Mark said...

Is it on the same side as R&B, Martini Lounge, and Pug? I must have walked right by it Sat. night ;)

Elise, do you know anything about police activity at the RnR Hotel Sat. night? I heard that it was 'on lockdown' until 4am Sunday. I had left there around 12:30 am.

inked said...

I didn't hear anything about the Hotel (buit I was in another part of town that night).
and the new tavern is on Florida Ave, not H Street. 1006 is on the north side of Florida. It is the first rowhouse next to the building that holds a locksmith, a store selling accessories to the deaf community, and a corner store.

Also new on Florida Avenue is the Florida Market and Deli (which is just a small corner store) located at the intersection of Florida and Trinidad.

Unknown said...

I live pretty much nextdoor and from what I hear it's going to be run by a cop and is going to be more of a private club. What I hear - for whatever that's worth.

Anonymous said...

>> it's going to be run by a cop and is going to be more of a private club

Hmm...sounds like the Onyx Nightclub that was in the Phish Tea building several years back. I wonder if it is the same cop/club owner.

inked said...

Jon,
my only source for this info is what is posted in the window. It might be a private club, but its seeking a tavern license.

PalacePool said...

I am a big fan of taverns, and booze for that matter, but how about more restaurants and other type places that will make the street more resident friendly?

If pubs are the start, the other stuff hopefully will be rolling in soon after.

Anonymous said...

I don't know if this question has been answered recently on this blog, but does anyone know the status of the abandoned fast-food joint on the corner of 7th and Florida? With its Galludet proximity, I'm surprised someone hasn't opened something there in teh last couple of years.

Anonymous said...

It sounds like a bar where it will be legal to smoke.

If it is the same guy that owned the Onyx, and ran the same way, then it will be an illegal night club with loud music and no consideration for the neighbors. I'm surprised though that that Onyx would be able to get a licence because I believe that the city actually shut the Onyx down.

Richard Layman said...

Re other types of retail businesses. You have to look at the revitalization of commercial districts in phases. H St. is still in the emerging phase. The demographics don't support the kinds of other businesses such as family friendly, books, etc., that people say they want. You need a lot more people (with money) sampling the street and starting to feel comfortable with it, before other demographics will start spending their money there. Until the area is nicer, people will continue to shop where they feel comfortable doing so.

It's hard for such businesses to bootstrap because the rents are (punishingly) high. Much more successful commercial districts like South Street in Philly or Carytown in Richmond have much lower rents.

Anonymous said...

lower rents, but good business ideas, and an ability to change/grow with the community.

lower rents right now on the corridor would just bring in a bunch of trash businesses like the ones we see know.

there needs to be a concerted effort and a level of accountability, which sadly, is lacking throughout dc.

other successful areas have accountability written in to their permits.

Anonymous said...

I think that more energy should be focused on finding out factual information about the business. It is sad that it is always believed that a new business/owner is going to do something illegal. It is nice to see that there are business owners that want to invest in our community that isn't opening up a run down LIQUOR store or a BAR.