Likely recipients of new Georgetown liquor licenses revealed

Yesterday’s Georgetown Current contained an article discussing the decision by the ABC Board to expand the available liquor licenses within the Georgetown Moratorium by seven. ABRA officials had previously stated that the licenses would be issued on a first-come-first-served basis. The Current listed the seven parties who have applications pending and thus who are likely to take home the new licenses. Some are familiar faces, some are new, and others just left GM a little confused.

Bill’s Bar & Burger – 3347 M St.

That’s the old Philadelphia Cheesesteak Factory Building, so it would seem a new tenant has been found. It also seems that this is related to a bar with the exact same name in the Meat Packing District in New York. So like Serendipity 3, it would be a DC outpost of a NYC establishment. Given the lackluster appearance of the burger on the restaurant’s own website, GM is not too excited for this arrival.

Tackle Box – 3245 M St.

This is no surprise. Jonathan Umbell has been trying to secure a license for Tackle Box for quite some time. Hopefully you’ll be able to enjoy a beer with your lobster roll soon.

Puro Cafe – 1529 Wisconsin

A recent arrival to the upper Wisconsin Ave. neighborhood, Puro Cafe has received positive reviews. The only sticking point GM can foresee is if they want to serve drinks in their backyard late at night. Since that backs up to residences on Q St. and 32nd, those homeowners might object.

Hu’s Wear – 2906 M St.

Huh? Why is a clothing store seeking a liquor license? They seem to hold events every once in a while, but do they really need a liquor license for that (instead of using the caterers)?

SPINDC – 1010 Wisconsin Ave.

Another mystery. That address is basically an office building with a couple street level stores, including a high end furniture gallery. Nothing comes up in Google under that name. Weird.

Paul Bakery – 1078 Wisconsin Ave.

GM has covered this one before. It’s another chain-that-you-wouldn’t-really-think-is-a-chain. In this case a French bakery that is going into the old kitchen of the City Tavern Club (the front door will be just south of the Banana Republic).

Zenobia Lounge – 1025 31st St.

Relatively new Middle Eastern bookstore-cum-lounge, Zenobia Lounge appears to be branching out into liquor sales. It was actually the subject of some noise complaints at a recent ANC meeting, so GM foresees at least some bumps on the way.

All in all, this list is a little underwhelming. Three of the establishments already exist, two are a mystery, and the other two are chain outposts. Not bad, but not exactly the type of new and interesting restaurants that GM was hoping for (like those that seem to sprout up overnight all over U St. and H St.).

Oh well…