If you’re anything like me, walking here makes you anxious.
Crossing where 9th and V streets and Florida Avenue meet is tedious at best, scary at worst. Without a stoplight or a stop sign to slow them down, drivers often speed through the walkway. And although they’re supposed to stop at the crosswalk when pedestrians are crossing, some drivers just don’t, at least not until you step in front of them.
Earlier this week, I posed a question to Twitter: Does this crosswalk freak you out? The responses I got ranged from “yes, always” to one user calling it “terrifying.”
This is hardly a new issue. As outlined by Greater Greater Washington, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has discussed installing a traffic signal at the intersection for years.
Last year, DDOT said the construction of a new stoplight at the intersection could begin between October of this year and May of next year. But as more stores and restaurants open in and around the new Atlantic Plumbing development on V Street, foot traffic at the intersection is bound to increase quickly.
We want to know: Do you think this improvement needs to come sooner than later? Weigh in by voting in the poll and telling us what you think in the comments.
Shaw furniture and homegoods store Simon Vintage (1911 9th St. NW) will close on Oct. 24 to move to a new location in New Jersey.
The store will reopen in Neptune City, N.J., according to the company’s website.
“Steven, Sean and Simon want to say that we have very much enjoyed sharing our venture with you over the past three years,” the owners said in an email to customers over the weekend. “We will miss our little location on 9th Street and all of the great people that have come in to browse and shop with us.”
@JenCVB Neptune, NJ just south of #asburyPark but we will be loading up online store at https://t.co/g3gPNHbUKP so stick with us!!
— Simon Vintage (@littleGuySimon) October 10, 2015
Fans of the store’s eclectic furniture and decorations will still be able to shop online after the D.C. location closes at the end of the month.
The owners behind defunct bar Columbia Room are now one step closer to reopening the popular drinking establishment.
A public hearing notice for a new liquor license application shows that the former cocktail bar’s owners seek to set up shop in a space located in the “Gang of Three” building at 1224 9th St. NW.
The liquor license application calls for a total occupancy of 114 with summer garden seating for 40.
Drink Company CEO Angie Salame wrote about the the forthcoming opening in an e-mail exchange with Borderstan earlier today.
“Derek Brown, JP Fetherston and I are reopening the award winning Columbia Room in Blagden Alley,” said Salame. “We’re bringing back our precisely made cocktails paired with snacks and a focus on classics using local ingredients where possible,” she added.
“We are planning a few extra bells and whistles of course, but we are grounded in the same attention to detail and focus on service we became known for,” said Salame.
Though the bar currently has no opening date set, Salame said that they’re shooting to open early next year.
(Corrected at 10:51 p.m. with proper neighborhood) A man was arrested and charged yesterday in connection with the death of an infant in Petworth, say D.C. Police.
Police announced yesterday evening that they had arrested 28-year-old Robert Smith Sr. from Northwest D.C. and charged him with first-degree felony murder in connection with the death of five-week-old Robert Smith Jr.
Police say officers and emergency personnel from D.C. Fire and EMS responded to the 3700 block of 9th Street NW for the report of an unconscious person two weeks ago on Aug. 4 around 3:43 pm.
Upon arrival, crews found a five week-old infant “unconscious and unresponsive.” The infant was transported from the scene to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Police say the District’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner later determined the cause of death to be a homicide caused by “multiple blunt force injuries.”
Information on Smith Sr.’s lawyer wasn’t immediately available.
A pedestrian was hit by a car and critically injured near the intersection of 9th and R streets NW, D.C. Fire and EMS tweeted around 12:26 p.m.
D.C. Police have since reopened 9th and R streets NW to French Street NW.
@dcfireems UPDATE: 1 pt transported w/critical injuries
— DC Fire and EMS (@dcfireems) August 13, 2015
A man was arrested for attacking another man with a knife and a brick yesterday afternoon in Shaw, say D.C. Police.
According to police, James Jordan, 45, was arguing with another man near the 1800 block of 9th Street NW around 4:45 p.m. yesterday. The argument escalated when Jordan allegedly entered a nearby residence and came out wielding a knife.
Police say Jordan lunged at the man with the knife, but failed to injure him and fled on foot. The man then chased Jordan down the block, and during the chase, Jordan allegedly picked up a brick and hurled it at the man.
Police say they stopped and arrested Jordan near the end of the block.
The victim was treated by D.C. Fire and EMS authorities on the scene but was not transported to a hospital.
Information on Jordan’s lawyer was not immediately available.
Image via Google Street View
From Cara Scharf. Email her at cara[AT]borderstan.com.
Philanthropub on 9th Street NW. (Luis Gomez Photos)
A few weeks ago I wrote about Borderstan’s charitable bar, Cause, the Philanthropub, starting Sunday brunch service with a few trial menu items. Now that they’ve had success with the first few brunches, they are rolling out a permanent brunch menu, which features an interesting twist on a morning favorite: “Adult Cereals.”
Yes, alongside the French toast, omelets, and Huevos Rancheros, you’ll find cereal and alcohol combos such as the “Silly Sloe Rabbit”, made with Trix, Sloe Gin, lemon syrup, and Half & Half. See the full menu here.
I encourage you all to go to Cause’s brunch and try the cereals because, well, where else in the city can you simultaneously day-drink and donate to worthy charities? For me, though, I have to admit that a boozy breakfast just makes me think of the immortal words of Lethal Weapon character Roger Murtaugh: “I’m too old for this.”
Am I aging out of DC drinking culture at just 28-years-old?
A couple weekends ago, a friend of mine came to DC for his bachelor party. I’m female, but this was a non-gendered affair, so I trekked out to H Street and tried to work up a healthy buzz with beer and wine. We played mini golf at the H Street Country Club until 1 am and then moved on to the Rock and Roll Hotel to dance to some songs that were popular when I was in middle school. Everyone seemed to be having a jolly-good time and I was glad to be part of it, but mostly I just wanted to stop drinking and go to sleep.
I often joke that DC is full of “perpetual college students”, people who still act like they’re in college well into their 30s. It’s understandable: this is a great place to be a young professional and, with myriad opportunities to integrate drinking into activities like sports and brunch, it’s easy to keep the buzz going. But I think everyone hits a point where they’re not into it anymore. Sometimes, I feel like an outsider because I’ve reached that point a bit earlier than others.
It would be great to know I’m not alone: any of you in your late 20’s feeling the same?
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June 8: Shaw Main Streets Roaring 20’s Bar Crawl. (Luis Gomez Photos)
From Mathew Harkins. Email him at mharkins[AT]borderstan.com.
You’ve read the book and you’ve seen the movie(s), so now it’s time to “Get Your Gatsby On” with the Shaw Main Streets Roaring 20’s Bar Crawl. Happening this Saturday, June 8, from 1 to 7 pm, this is a fun way to explore your local bars and restaurants while also supporting the preservation and restoration of the Shaw neighborhood.
Organized by Shaw Main Streets, they promise “an afternoon of cocktails, friends, and fun, Gatsby-style.” This is the third bar crawl that Shaw Main Streets has put together and given the theme of the crawl, they encourage period costumes, though they are definitely not required.
Where To Be And What To Expect
There are six different locations participating in this event, all located in lower central Shaw. Each will have on hand signature drinks, cocktails and food specials. There will also be raffled prizes at each stop along the way.
The venues/arrival times are:
- 1 – 2 pm: Bar 7, 1015-1/2 7th Street, NW
- 2 – 3 pm: Queen of Sheba, 1503 9th Street, NW
- 3 – 4 pm: Old Dominion Brewhouse, 1219 9th Street, NW
- 4 – 5 pm: A&D, 1314 9th Street, NW
- 5 – 6 pm: The Passenger, 1021 7th Street, NW
- 6 – 7 pm: Penthouse 9, 1318 9th Street, NW
Tickets are $15 in advance and $25 at the event.
Purchase tickets for the bar crawl here.
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From Willis Shawver. Follow him on Twitter at @WShawver or email him at Willis[AT]borderstan.com.
Beats Venue is at 1219 9th Street NW. (Luis Gomez Photos)
Need to get your live music fix this Thursday? Well, the Beats Venue (1219 9th Street NW) has you covered and then some.
Catch the NYC based indie rock band The Dig, as they kick off their summer tour in support of their newly released EP, Tired Hearts. With two full length albums already under their belt, this up-and-coming foursome from Brooklyn has a vintage rock sensibility that is guaranteed to rock DC.
The show tomorrow night also features two opening bands from the Washington, DC area. The high-energy group Brett will get you moving with their up-tempo dance mixes, and the performance by experimental pop trio Wheelie will feature costumes, props and dancers.
The show starts at 9 pm and tickets ($10) can be purchased online or at the door. For more information about Beats Venue DC, check out their website.
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City Market at O. (Luis Gomez Photos)
From Mathew Harkins. Email him at mharkins[AT]borderstan.com.
Whether you’re interested in renting a brand new apartment, looking forward to shopping at the new Giant grocery store, concerned about the neighborhood or just generally curious in local development, you’ve likely been paying attention to the news about City Market at O.
We’ve been reporting on the groundbreaking, the incremental updates and, as of just a few weeks ago, the new opening date for the Giant.
And now City Market at O is revealing the floor plans for some of the apartments that will become available this fall. On their Facebook page, you’ll find floor plans for three-bedroom penthouse units and for studios in the East building. Meanwhile, in the photo gallery at the City Market at O website, there’s a floor plan for the one bedroom apartment and for the two bedroom apartment.
It can be difficult to get a good sense of how apartments will actually look based solely off of floor plans but these are a good start. All of them appear to be spacious and airy with good windows for bringing in natural light. The website has a pre-leasing list that you can sign up for and as of a few weeks ago, the City Market at O leasing office was scheduled to open in June. If you like what you see, you’re probably not alone, so best to sign up while you still can.
Stay up-to-date on all these developments by following the coverage at Borderstan, checking out the City Market at O website, and by catching up on their Facebook page.
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From Cody Telep. Follow him on Twitter @codywt, email him at cody[AT]borderstan.com.
Crime news from Dupont-Logan-U Street.
A man was robbed at gunpoint in the 1700 block of 9th Street NW just before 7 pm Monday night, according to a tweet and Crime Alert from the Metropolitan Police Department.
The victim was uninjured, but his iPhone was stolen. The suspect is described as a black male between 17- and 20-years-old, and about 6 feet tall was last seen wearing all black clothing.
Anyone with information in the case is asked to call the Metropolitan Police Department at 202-727-9099.
From the Police Alert: “Robbery Gun, UNIT 3072 CONFIRMED A Robbery in the 1700 blk of 9th St, NW. LOF a B/M, 5’11-6′, 17-20 yoa, all blk clothing. DO NOT TAKE ACTION CALL 911 W/EVENT #I20130227965, Sent on: 05/13 21:01”
From the DC Police Twitter feed: “Robbery Gun in the 1700blk of 9th St, NW. 1852hrs. LOF a B/M, 5’11-6′, 17-20 yoa, all blk clothing. 6972”
Police Alerts, More Information
- You can sign up for alerts through Alert DC and get alerts by e-mail, cell phone, pager or wireless PDA. When signing up, you can select alerts on crime, transportation, utility outages/issues, government closings, breaking news, DC-sponsored events and Amber Alerts.
- You can follow the DC Police on Twitter @DCPoliceDept.
- You can get more information about crime in the Borderstan area through the MPD listservs for the Second and Third Districts on Yahoo! Groups.
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From Cara Scharf. Email her at cara[AT]borderstan.com.
Philanthropub on 9th Street NW. (Luis Gomez Photos)
Brunch now has a meaning. Now you can add Cause, the Philanthropub (1926 9th Street NW) to your list of Borderstan brunch joints. Starting this Sunday, May 5, the socially conscious bar and restaurant will be open from noon to 8 pm, serving food and traditional brunch-time drinks.
Opened last October, Cause is the first restaurant in DC to donate all profits, after expenses and salary, to charity. The self-professed “philanthropub” features four nonprofit beneficiaries each quarter, chosen by Cause’s advisory committee. Diners can choose one of the four by marking their bill.
Doing good isn’t the only reason people are going to Cause. The seasonal, creative dishes are also top-notch. One of Cause’s founders, former Peace Corps volunteer Nick Vilelle, cites the positive response and requests from patrons as the reason the restaurant has expanded into brunch territory.
Cause’s chefs are still working on a set brunch menu, but in the interim Sunday brunches will feature weekly specials. This Sunday’s menu includes Huevos Rancheros, homemade cornmeal pancakes, and breakfast sammies. You can also enjoy $15 bottomless mimosas or Bloody Marys between noon and 4pm.
Vilelle is open to hearing menu suggestions from the community, so feel free to get in touch through the website.
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Crime news from Dupont-Logan-U Street.
DC Police reported a robbery with the use of force and violence shortly before midnight at 11:45 pm, April 5. The robbery occurred at 9th and U Streets NW; more details are below..
From DC Police Alerts: “ROBBERY FORCE & VIOLENCE 2345 HOURS 9TH & U STREET NW LOOKOUT FOR A B/M, WEARING A BLACK V-NECK T-SHIRT, BLUE JEANS, AND A WAVE CAP WITH SHORT BRAIDS DO NOT TAKE ACTION CALL 911 W/EVENT I20130153949, Sent on: 04/06 00:14.”
From the DC Police Twitter feed: “Robbery F&V //9th & U Street NW //LOF B/M, wearing a black v-neck t-shirt, blue jeans, and a wave cap with short braids //6559.”
Police Alerts, More Information
You can sign up for alerts through Alert DC and get alerts by e-mail, cell phone, pager or wireless PDA. When signing up, you can select alerts on crime, transportation, utility outages/issues, government closings, breaking news, DC-sponsored events and Amber Alerts. You can follow the DC Police on Twitter @DCPoliceDept.
You can get more information about crime in the Borderstan area through the MPD listservs for the Second and Third Districts on Yahoo! Groups.
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From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com.
Thally at 1316 9th Street NW. (Luis Gomez Photos)
The 9th Street corridor NW has become a new destination for restauranteurs and retail as the city continues to grow and develop.
Seasonal Pantry’s soon-to-be new neighbor will bring contemporary American cuisine to Shaw. Maple barman Sherman Golden and New Heights chef Ron Tanaka are joining together to bring a new restaurant venture to 1316 9th Street NW, Washingtonian reports. The restaurant, named Thally, is scheduled to open this spring.
“The idea is to create a neighborhood restaurant — like a bistro, but not with French food — that also has a great bar scene with a constantly changing selection of wines and beers on tap and in bottles,” reports Washingtonian.
Thally’s menu will change seasonally and will include locally sourced ingredients. There is no set opening date, as of yet.
Other restaurants coming to the area include Mockingbird Hill and O Street Market. Table and A&D recently opened in the neighborhood.
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From Aparna Krishnamoorthy. Email her at aparna[AT]borderstan.com. Follow her on Twitter @aparnakris.
Philanthropub on 9th Street NW. (Luis Gomez Photos)
Cause, the Philanthropub opened a few months back bringing a unique concept to DC – operating just like any other bar, but donating their profits to various charitable causes.
But even if you completely ignore all the good charitable things they do, this place is still delicious and a great addition to the area. Why?
- ‘Cause they have awesome cocktails and a great beer selection. I got the “Madiba” — South African Pinotage, cognac and ginger. Refreshing and delicious. My friends had the Mahatma and the Truth, and claimed both to be very good.
- ‘Cause of the service. The service has always been attentive, friendly and prompt, even if the place is full. The owners even set aside tables specifically for us when we were a large group, without us specifically requesting it.
- ‘Cause they have great food. We got to try an assortment of the menu. To start with, we got the duck hearts on toast. I am not particularly an adventurous eater, but I loved this dish. Crusty bread with buttery duck hearts. Yum. I love wings, and really enjoyed the General Tso style chicken wings. My vegetarian friend got the “Quentil” burger — Quinoa and lentil burger. When a place offers not one but two vegetarian burgers that are not the standard “Boca” burger, I am way more than impressed. The African chicken groundnut stew with chicken confit and ground peanuts is warm and filling. Prices are reasonable and the portions are plentiful.
- ‘Cause of the dry erase tables, which provide for hours of entertainment. They are meant for “brainstorming” while eating, but serve just as well for Pictionary.
- ‘Cause you feel better about paying your tab when you know there’s some money going to charity. At the bottom of the receipt, you check off the charity that you would like your contribution to go to.
At the end of the day, Cause is a great neighborhood bar. I will definitely go back to try some more of the innovative cocktails and interesting menu items.
If you have been, what did you think?
The Details on Cause
- Where Am I Going: 1926 9th Street NW (just south of U Street)
- When Am I Going: Sunday to Thursday, 5 pm to 1:30 am; Friday and Saturday, 5 pm to 2:30 am.
- Paycheck Pain: Cocktails are about $9, beers average $6 to $8, $10 bottles of wine between 7 and 9:30 pm, Food prices range from $8 to$12 on average, with large portions.
- Say What?: Loud, but fun.
- What You’ll Be Eating: Eclectic, but something for everyone. Vegetarian friendly.
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