Burger Tap & Shake is located at 2200 Pennsylvania Ave, NW. When we judged District Commons earlier this week a few folks mentioned that Burger Shake & Tap was actually their sister restaurant. Their Website says:

It shares kitchen, keg space, and restrooms with District Commons, the Passion Food Hospitality restaurant now anchoring the CIrcle, but takes the casual vibe to whole new realm.

We grind – on premise – throughout the day a custom blend of 3–day aged, naturally raised Pineland Farms beef chuck and brisket. Char-griddled and served on a buttered, toasted, house made bun. By focusing on premium sourcing and in-house production – from pickles to ice cream – we are able to serve a great burger at a great price.

BTS is a counter service, seat-yourself burger joint with an atmosphere of no-nonsense industrial chic: light cement floors, an exposed black ductwork ceiling, and a cement bar faced with rough-hewn reclaimed wood. The walls of the open stainless steel grill-kitchen are lined with work-a-day subway tile. When your burger is ready, it is presented on a quarter-size metal sheet pan topped with a sheet of paper – no fuss, no muss, no plate!

How do the burgers compare to some other burger spots around town?

This rental is located at 825 New Hampshire Ave NW:

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The Craigslist ad says:

“• Foggy Bottom Metro out our back door
• View of the Kennedy Center & the Potomac River
• Close to GW and Georgetown
• Classic Parquet floors
• Controlled access building
• Laundry facility on site
• Parking available
• Utilities Included!
• Cable ready
• 24-hr. emergency maintenance
• Easy access to I-66, Rte. 50 & 395″

$1625 sound right?

District Commons is the new Foggy Bottom spot at 2200 Pennsylvania Ave, NW. Their Website says:

District Commons epitomizes cool comfort on Washington Circle. Passion Food Hospitality’s newest venture is a 21st century take on the traditional American tavern. This space stands the traditional dark wood tavern on its’ head, updating it with dynamic and stylish verve!

The space is anchored by a monumental raw bar and an open hearth oven for flatbreads and savory tarts. A ‘Pig Board’ of ham and biscuits will showcase a selection of America’s finest hams. Chef/Owner Jeff Tunks serves up classic American cuisine in this gorgeous setting. Chili Glazed Duck, Brick Pressed Chicken, Classic Hanger Steak – these choices and more! Freshly baked breads and desserts round out your meal.

Every night at 10 pm we ring the Dinner Bell for that evening’s Family Meal – each night a different offering. Fried Chicken, Meatloaf – even Pupusas – all for $12 per person. Try one of our regional American drafts or exquisite wines, or sample from the 99 Beers on the Wall!

You can see their menus here. Anyone check them out yet?

Thanks to a reader for sending word that Juice Zone had closed at 1921 I St, NW. And nearby by at 1911 I St, NW BonMi is opening up on Monday.

Since we were talking about the former Cities space in Adams Morgan, I figured it was time to judge the newly reopened location at 919 19th St, NW downtown. Their Web site says:

“Welcome to Cities – where getting away is just steps away from the outside world. A restaurant and lounge experience like non other, Cities offers a unique approach to international dining – guests are transported to exotic and far away destinations through eclectic and meticulously crafted menus and a stunning setting that is beyond compare in Washington, D.C. Located at 919 19th Street, NW, in the heart of mid-town, our 140 seat dining room and 100 seat outdoor patio and lounge beckon for lunch, dinner, drinks, brunch, private parties or casual gatherings with friends. On the menu, small plates provide an array of flavors and fresh options for lunch or dinner, late night or lite fare. Great service and attention to detail are the priority, to help transport you to a different place – from the far reaches of China, to the rich culture of Cuba – and from the ancient magnificence of Athens to the truly international city of Washington, D.C. – each element brings you closer to an experience that is at once inviting and exciting. Enjoy an extensive and finely crafted menu for a unique dining experience, for lunch or for dinner. Our small small plates menu celebrates distinctive and fulfilling flavors from great culinary and cultural destinations.”

You can see their menus here. Anyone check them out yet?

The wave of new openings in Foggy Bottom continues. The positive growth here is fantastic. Devon & Blakely, Roti, Sweet Green, Circa have all recently opened. Filter Coffeehouse, District Commons, Burger, Shake & Tap are all on the way and now Whole Foods opens Sept. 6th. Sweet.

For some reason many of us in PoPville are obsessed with grocery stores. And for those that are – this new Whole Foods will not disappoint. Ed. Note: Full Disclosure after the preview we all received gift bags including a liter of olive oil and sweet potato, potato chips – 2 known weaknesses of mine. The two level 36,000 square feet Whole Foods Foggy Bottom is located at 2201 Eye Street, NW. From a press release:

“The new store offers a host of exciting features, including a vast produce section with seasonal and local offerings; indulgent bakery section serving fresh-made cakes and pretzels, breads and gluten-free options; guaranteed fresh seafood bought straight from local boats and a meat department with over 80% of the meat sourced locally; and more.”

At the end of the day, it’s just a grocery store, but it’s an awesome grocery store.

Lots of photos after the jump. (more…)

This rental is located at 1010 25th Street at Pennsylvania Ave, NW:

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The Craigslist ad says:

“Charming studio in great Foggy Bottom location at 1010 25th Street, NW (The Swarthmore). Three blocks from the Foggy Bottom metro station. Two blocks from Trader Joe’s Market. Loads of charm and character! Arched doorways. Hardwood floors. Pull-down full-sized bed leaves lots of open living space. Big walk-in closet. Separate kitchen with full size refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, stove and disposal. Approx. 350 sq ft. Secure building with porter. Laundry facilities in basement. Fitness center. Roof-top sun deck. $1400 per month, not including electric, phone, internet and cable. Parking not included. Minimum 9-month lease.”

$1400 sound right for this studio?

A. Xian Food Factory is located at 1915 I St NW. It’s easy to walk right by it because it’s down a few stairs but I’m curious if this is a good lunch option for those that work nearby?

“Dear PoP,

I heard Filter Coffeehouse was expanding to Foggy Bottom by the World Bank. It would be a great addition to that area that is currently somewhat of a coffee desert.”

Back in March ’10 Filter Coffeehouse opened up in Dupont Circle at 1726 20th St, NW. Since that time Filter always comes up when we talk about good coffee options around town. So the folks in Foggy Bottom should be pretty psyched. I spoke with some of the folks at Filter Mon. afternoon and they confirmed a 2nd location would be opening after a significant build-out somewhere around 19th and I St, NW. It should take around 4-6 months to open. Stay tuned.

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Friends Kabob is located at 1195 20th St NW. Their Web site says:

“At Friends Kabob you will enjoy delicious international cuisine, served in a family friendly environment. Authentic food cooked daily, fresh tandoori bread baked in our traditional clay oven. All of our dishes are prepared to order, using only the finest fresh ingredients.”

You can see their menu here.

Any fans?

This beauty is from GW university. I know it’s some sorta document in his hand but I choose to believe he is hoisting a beer which is what it looks like from a distance.

Pizza Autentica opened up last Thursday at 2121 K St, NW. And next door (though the photo below doesn’t show it) Bobby’s Burger Palace has completed a ton of it’s build out. It looks very close to opening also at 2121 K St, NW. Stay tuned.

This rental is located at K St NW & 25th St NW:

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The Craigslist ad says:

“First floor efficiency available for move-in August 4, 2011. Convenient to the newly renovated main floor lobby and exercise room. Washer and dryer on every floor. The building manages 24-hour front desk and a roof-top swimming pool overlooking D.C. 24 hour accessible exercise facility one floor away. Located within walking distance to Foggy Bottom metro station, Trader Joes, World Bank, IMF, GW University and Georgetown University, State Department, and the Kennedy Center. Monthly rent includes water, gas and electric. $350 building move-in fee.”

I’m a sucker for pools. $1425 sound right for this efficiency?

I wonder what they’ll pull out of the escalators this time…

I’m always curious about these two spots every time I pass them. The Library bar has been on my list for a while now. The Melrose Hotel and it’s bar and restaurant are located at 2430 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.

You can find more info about the restaurant and the bar including the menu here. Any fans of either the bar and/or the restaurant?