Jared Mockli at 15th Avenue Coffee and Tea
- Capitol Hill joined in on the speakeasy trend with Knee High (March 2009) and Tavern Law (August 2009) – we knew we were tardy to the party when the New York Times published a trend piece on Speakeasies (June 2009)
- The Living Room(October 2009) and The Lobby Bar(December 2009) are examples of drinking establishments naming themselves after spaces they attempt to recreate, while (CHS sponsor) The Lookout (June 2009) finally gained access to the patio in their backyard and retooled their menu to focus more on drinks and pub fare
- Passings to note in 2009: Pizza Fusion (March 2009), Siam on Broadway (May 2009), Cafe Stellina (June 2009), Satellite Lounge (September 2009), Pho Lotus (October 2009) and soon Cafe Septieme (December 2009)
- 2009 openings of note: Anchovies & Olives just selected as top 10 best new restaurant by GQ (Feb 2009), (CHS sponsor) Healeo (May 2009), Captain Blacks (June 2009), Huiyona (June 2009), Meza Latin Fare (July 2009), Plum (July 2009), Chao Bistro (September 2009), and Zhivago’s (November 2009)
- KFC morphs into Rancho Bravo (March 2009) and the CHS community couldn’t be happier
- 15th Avenue Starbucks was replaced by “Inspired by Starbucks” 15th Avenue Coffee and Tea (July 2009) and joined by another “street level coffee” Roy Street Coffee (November 2009)
- (CHS Sponsor)Twilight Exit moved off the Hill to the Central District (February 2009)
- Porchlight Coffee (June 2009) established itself on 14th Avenue
- Sweets stormed Capitol Hill: the onslaught began with Molly Moon’s (April 2009) and continued with Old School Frozen Custard (May 2009), Bluebird Ice Cream and Tea Parlor (July 2009) and Cupcake Royale (July 2009)
- We said goodbye to Wandering Wieners(July 2009) and hello to (CHS Sponsor) Po Dog(November 2009)
I wonder….was this level activity unusual for a year on Capitol Hill, or does this kind of turnover always happen?
If I get really bored (or really drunk) this holiday, I’ll try to compile an open/close list for 2008. Or not. Happy holidays!
Wasn’t there a big brunch expansion this year?
I’m too lazy to check, and my memory is shot, but I felt like quite a few places added brunch (Olivar, Dilettante, Jai Thai…).
Still a few places I haven’t had a chance to try yet!
Please Justin – do get really drunk in the best way – relax, have some real fun, tad crazy, you know champagne and cognac high.
You work too hard. And, then you can post about the hangover, big news!!!
Mike, Happy to ALL, and hang on, 2010 will not be a picnic ….
so happy kfc is replaced. i never really liked cafe septieme
You’re right Olivar introduced brunch this year – originally both sat & sun – now just Sunday. Not familiar with the other two – would you recommend either?