WP: U-Turn on H Street

Tomorrow's Post has this story on H Street (which I haven't had time to read more than once). Also see the video featuring Scott (manager of the Argonaut) & Joe Englert talking about H Street. As previously posted, here is the video of Quike Morales (former Argonaut bartender) taking about being shot last fall and his efforts to raise funds for other victims of neighborhood violence (the video accompanies this story, but was posted earlier). Check out the Post's H Street photo set here. Also see the updated nightlife map. Here's my hangouts and haunts post.
A few early comments on the story:
-the Catherine Fuller reference: Catherine Fuller was a a cleaning lady who was raped by a group of young men (there were convictions, but I'm not sure if it covered the entire group, there some issues with the witness reports). She was sodomized with a pipe such that it perferated certain vital organs and she would have died of those wounds, but her then proceeded to beat and kicked her. It's also my recollection that she had a small amount of money (perhaps $50) on her at the time. It happened in broad daylight (in an alley). That was 1984.

-Rae no longer works at the Argonaut, but that's because she got a promotion at her daytime job, and is no longer making the twice weekly commute from her place in Baltimore to DC to pour drinks at the tavern. I don't where that review was posted, but it definitely wasn't here (and I couldn't find it with a Google search). That's the first time I've heard that story, sometimes people suck. Rae was a good bartender.

-An Aquarius party is (I had to look this up) apparently a party for people with the zodiac sign of Aquarius.

WBJ: Englert Transforms H Street

I haven't seen the full article (you need a subscription for this one [but here's a free version]), but I'm going to try to grab a paper copy (and you might want to as well because this looks like a big one). Washington Business Journal: One Bar at a Time, Englert Transforms the Spirit of H Street.

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UPDATE
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I've since purchased a paper version of the WBj annd it is a big article (the cover story, no less). There's a large photo (on the cover, and appearing again on pages 28-29) of Joe Englert inside Dr. Granville Moore's (which is to feature Belgian beers, mussles, and other light fare). It's an interesting read on the ambitious gamble one businessman (Mr. Englert is the focus of the artilce, even though it does discuss others) is taking in creating a destination district on H Street. Notably, Englert calls for additional parking (not instead of a streetcar/courtesy shuttle, but in addition to these accomodations). if you are puzzled by a statement (near the conclusion) by one of Mr. Englert's sons (it isn't a negative statement), he says it refers to his son using Dupont as a reference point for typical DC.
Paper readers will also find a sidebar piece titled H is for History that mentions the riots and focuses on area development over the last 6 years, and an opinion piece (p.36) called It Takes a Block: Grassroots-Style Gentrification Requires the Cooperation of Everyone. The opinion piece calls for cooperation among merchants, and with the City Council to revive H Street through a concerted effort. The Robeys and the H Street Playhouse (along with others) garnered mentions for their contributions.

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2nd Update
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Here is a free version of the article.

R&R Hotel in DCist

Ok, so it's hardly the first time the Rock & Roll Hotel (1353 H Street) has caught the attention of DCist writers, but it's more the amount of attention this time.
Check out the post anticipating Sunday's punk extravaganza featuring the Queers, Riptides, Ripouts, and Heart Attacks. Doors open at 7, and show starts at 8. $10 cover.

The second mention is for Saturday's DJ set ($10 cover, but it's FREE if you show up before the clock strikes 10pm). Nick Zinner, gutarist for the Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs, will be spinning.

As always, The first floor (where they have shows) is 18+. The upstairs (where they have all the cool little rooms, and the main bar) is 21+.

Hangouts & Haunts (Updated)

This is a brand spanking new version of my list of hangouts and haunts (both current, and anticipated) in the area (H Street, and its surrounding neighborhoods to the north), but it doesn't include every restaurant. I've omitted most carry-outs since you can't technically "hangout" in them (unless you're talking shooting dice in Crown Chicken). This post is updated semi-regularly (so if it says opening "any day now" you should measure that from the time of the last update, not the date at the bottom of the post). At times this post may be slightly out of date, so please take that into account. Last partial update: 8/31/2011.

Benning Road

1800 block

Photo provided by Langston Grille

Langston Grille (link plays music): an intimate soul food restaurant and bar.

1831 Benning Road

Bladensburg Road

1100 block

Jimmy Valentine's Lonely Hearts Club: Bottled beers and mixed drinks are on offering in this out of the way tavern. They offer frozen pizza for those experiencing emergency late night munchies. Cash only, but they have an ATM. Now serving brunch on Sundays.

1103 Bladensburg Road

Florida Ave

1300 block

Connor Contemporary: A commercial art gallery.

1358 Florida Avenue

Industry Gallery: A gallery focused on 21st century design.

1358 Florida Avenue (second floor)

G Fine Art: A gallery dedicated to International art from the 1960s to present day

1350 Florida Avenue

Open Studio DC: A screen printing studio and gallery
1348 H Street

H Street

1400 block

(patio photo provided by the Argonaut)

The Argonaut: A neighborhoody restaurant and tavern. Fully recovered from the fire in the summer of 2010, and back better than ever. Don't miss the patio.

1433 H Street

1300 block

Slice of Life (coming soon): Formerly a largely unused building that boasted a small corner store (the Sun and Moon) on the first floor, this space will, after much renovation, be home to a local gourmet pizza chain.

1387 H Street

Rose's Dream: Bar with live music (jazz, r and b, and go-go) and karaoke nights. No food, but you can carry up food from the Caribbean carry-out downstairs. Full bar with bottled beers. Moving down a few doors soon.

1370 H Street

H Street Playhouse: Live theater, home of Theater Alliance, and a number of award winning shows.

1365 H Street

Pho Bar & Grill: a Vietnamese restaurant with full bar. Open late.

Sova Wine and Espresso Bar: a loungy coffee spot. Serves limited food [pastries, muffins, sandwiches, and some desserts]. Free WiFi. They have a liquor license. They have a rotating beer and wine list, for upstairs. They also do craft cocktails.

1359 H Street

Impala* (coming soon): a northern Mexican restaurant from the team behind Tacos Impala.

1358 H Street

Biergarten Haus: a beer garden serving a traditional German menu. Massive outdoor patio.

1355-1357 H Street

Gallery O/H: an art gallery specializing in folk and outsider art.

1354 H Street

Rock and Roll Hotel: Focus on live music (like a smaller 9:30 Club). The first floor is a straight-up performance space where you can get right up against the band (the stage is truly thisclose to the audience). The upstairs is more loungy and attention was obviously given to decorating the space. There are lots of little rooms where you can sit and drink with friends, or the rooms can be rented out for private parties. Now serving food. The menu offers an assortment of light fare. Plenty of vegan options here. Thursday is Drunken Jenga night, and you can stack -em up and knock 'em down from 8pm-2am. They also host a drunken spelling bee.

1353 H Street

The Star and Shamrock: a Jewish deli inside an Irish pub. Live Irish music Thursdays and Saturdays.

1341 H Street

H Street Country Club: 9 putt-putt holes with a Washington/historical/political theme. A pool hall serving serving Tex-Mex with a kick downstairs and Mexican food upstairs. Chef Teddy Folkman from Granville's created the menu [with consultation by Ann Cashion].

1335 H Street

Dangerously Delicious Pies:

Originally hailing from Baltimore, this pie shop serves up a variety of sweet and savory offerings, including quiche. They are working on a liquor license.

1339 H Street

The Atlas Performing Arts Center: Live theater, musical performances, and dance. Home of African Continuum Theater Company, Capital City Symphony, and Joy of Motion dance studio. They also have a regular comedy night.

1333 H Street

1200 block

Smith Commons: an upscale bistro with craft cocktails.

1245 H Street

Da Luft* (coming soon): a restaurant serving seafood.

1242 H Street

Dr. Granville Moore's: Belgian beers (four rotating drafts --one is always Stella-- and plenty of bottled brews) and food delight in this two-level tavern. Patio out back. Wednesdays they play the Dead. Serving brunch once a month.

1238 H Street


Atlas Arcade: An old school arcade, but with beer.
1236 H Street

Church and State: An ode to the American craft cocktail.

2nd floor of 1236 H Street

Toki Underground: a dumpling and ramen bar.
1234 H Street (2nd floor)

The Pug -short for the pugilist: A boxing themed bar serving hot dogs and panini, and assorted other bar food. The bottled/canned beer list changes from time to time. A few beers on tap. A short menu of bar food. Also serving a bar brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Now open at noon daily.

1234 H Street

Photo provided by Sticky Rice

Sticky Rice: An Asian restaurant serving sushi, pan-Asian fare, as well as tater-tots. Vegan and vegetarian options. Featuring karaoke, and other events. They serve lunch daily, and lunch and brunch Saturdays and Sundays.

1224 H Street

[Untitled Greek restaurant]: Serving mezze, wine, and dessert late into the night.

1220 H Street

Red Palace: A merger of a Palace of Wonders and the Red and the Black. Live music, freak show stuff, and burlesque. Kitchen opens soon. Back patio.

1210/1212 H Street

Souk (link plays music): a Morrocan restaurant with a liquor license.

1208 H Street

The Queen Vic: A British style pub serving pasties, curries, wild game, and more.

1206 H Street

Philadelphia Water Ice Factory: A carryout with, arguably [argued by someone who knows, not by me], the best Philly cheesesteaks in DC. I've never had one in Philly, but the ones served at the Factory are definitely very tasty. Of course, they serve water ice, burgers, and other fare.

1204 H Street

Untitled hooka bar: From the owners of Souk.

1200 H Street

Horace and Dickie's: The famous fried fish carryout. Try the fish sandwich with hot sauce and you won't believe how much greasy whiting they hand you. They were a runner up for the Best Fried Chicken in the South award from Southern Living a few years back. Carryout only.

809 12th Street [immediately off H]

1100 Block
Khan's: a Mongolian bar-b-q spot with a full bar and outdoor seating.
1125 H Street

The upstair bar at XII [photo provided by XII]

XII Restaurant and Lounge: featuring live and recorded entertainment. Serving classic American food, plus a little extra. They've got a small space downstairs, and a much larger lounge space upstairs. The many windows make for a nice vantage point at night. They have happy hour specials. Sometimes there is a cover. Look for sidewalk seating and a rooftop terrace in the future. Now serving lunch.

1123 H Street

Taylor: an Italian deli. They deliver and are open until 3am Thursday-Saturday.

1116 H Street
Chow* (coming soon): An Asian restaurant. Currently seeking an entertainment endorsement for live bands and a DJ. Occupancy of 99.
1110 H Street

Miss Whiskey's Golden Dollar: a full bar with an impressive bottled beer selection. No drafts. Frequent dj nights upstairs. Cash only, but they have an ATM.

1104 H Street

1000 block

Liberty Tree: a restaurant serving New England fare and brick-oven pizzeria. Outdoor seating.

1016 H Street
The Atlas Room: New American Cuisine with a French twist. The menu changes with the seasons.

Rita's: a water ice, and frozen custard spot.
1014 H Street

800 block

City Gallery: a gallery representing over 20 local painters, sculptors, photographers, engravers, and printmakers.
804 H Street #1

600 block

Hikari sushi* (coming soon): a sushi bar.

644 H Street

500 block

British Ink Tattoo Studio and Gallery: A tattoo parlor and art gallery hosting occasional events.

508 H Street

400 block

The Big Board* (coming soon): a burger and salad joint with a full bar and beers on tap.

421 H Street

Sidamo: An Ethiopian coffee house serving breakfast foods, salads, sandwiches, and soups. Featuring shadegrown organic fair trade coffees roasted in house and a wide variety of teas. Open mornings, afternoons, and evenings, but not nights. Patio out back. Free Wifi.

417 H Street

Dissident Display is located next door. This is just a sign from an event posted on a neighboring building.

Dissident Display: A gallery and performance space hosting occasional events.

416 H Street

Boundary Road* (coming soon): a restaurant serving regional cuisine.

414 H Street

Studio H: a local art gallery.

408A H Street

Ethiopic: an Ethiopian restaurant with outdoor seating.

401 H Street

Did I miss anything?

Phish Tea to Become Golf-Themed Tavern??

A patron waits for her drink at Phish Tea.
This interesting little item appears on the 6A ABL agenda. It appears that Joe Englert has plans to purchase the massive Phish Tea building & transform it into some sort of golf-themed club. No word on what sort of food he'd likely serve there, but since he plans to seek a CT license he'd need to serve some food. This golf thing isn't knew. Rather, it has repeatedly popped up as a project Mr. Englert would like to take on. At one point there was word that he might plan to open a miniature golf course a bit further up Benning Road. This sounds like a more viable option.
The meeting will be at 7PM at Sherwood Recreation Center (10th & G) on Tuesday, January 16.


The site of the proposed restaurant/tavern.
There will also be a representative speaking about the restaurant and tavern that Bernard "Cluck-U-Chicken" Gibson plans to open on the 2nd floor of a building on the corner of 12th & H.

Update on Unopened Englert Sites

According to a comment that appears to have been left by Joe Englert:


The Beehive, which was originally going to be a gourmet pizza place, then was slated to become a tex-mex burrito spot, is now going to serve sushi and other Asian food. The new restaurant (1224 H Street) will be called Sticky Rice.


The Pug, a boxing themed bar located at 1234 H Street, will open shortly (hopefully by February 1st).


Dr. Granville Moore's (1238 H Street), which will serve Belgian beer and food, is expected to open sometime in late spring/early summer.

The comment also said they were trying to lure a Two Amys/Pizza Paradiso type place to H Street.

GoG: Bars, Clubs, Cocktails & Hype

The Post's Going out Guru's look back at 2006's nightlife scene, and give credit where credit is due. The breakdown (though you want to see the full write-up here):
H Street took home awards in 4 of the 11 categories (2 of the categories H Street didn't get were dubious awards for things like "weirdest theme bar (NOT in a cool way)"). A fifth award is associated with H Street right now in that the DJ (Jessie Tittsworth, winner of the Favorite Local DJ award) is spinning at the Rock & Roll Hotel on New Year's Eve. Here are the other results:

In the category of 6 New Venues Worth Visiting
-Rock & Roll Hotel (one of 6 winners in this category)

For Weirdest Theme Bar (in a COOL way)
-Palace of Wonders

For generating the Most Pre-Opening Hype
-H Street NE (beating out Fly, which was featured in both Vibe & Details & has notoriously long lines)

Biggest Myth About DC Nightlife
-"H Street Isn't Safe" (the Gurus then proceed to spill the numbers)

The response from the DCeiver?

Palace of Wonders in Going Out Gurus

The bar, which is located at 1210 H Street, merited a few mentions in today's chat. Palace is holding a crafts show this Sunday from 7-11pm.