While we wait ever-so-patiently for October’s promise of “beer paradise” on 14th Street, a new spot catering to my other favorite vice—coffee!—will open its doors Sept. 8th on P Street.
Commissary replaces Merkado, which called off its Latin fusion offerings just last weekend. The EatWell restaurant owners, who are also responsible for neighboring Logan Tavern, told the Washington Post’s Tom Sietsema they decided for change because Merkado “never realized its potential given its dynamic location.” I can testify to that: Noah and I all but direct-deposit our paychecks to most of the rest of the businesses along the P Street strip, but Merkado failed to entice us inside even once.
Described as an all-purpose cafe, lounge, coffeehouse, and wine bar with Wi-Fi, Commissary will feature “honest prices” (presumably lower than Logan Tavern’s) and serve breakfast until 5 p.m., pizza for lunch and dinner, and plenty of desserts. (Note: I’d be willing to look past the weirdly patriotic aesthetic if that meant their dessert menu included homemade pie.) Of course, their aspirations draw easy comparisons to Tryst in Adams Morgan. I hope they live up to the hype, but either way I’m just psyched to have a non-chain coffee shop on the block. Plus, Commissary is marketing itself as “super green”—wind energy credits, recycled decorating materials, and biodegradable products throughout.
Bottom line: Life in the neighborhood is good!
Photo via Flickr
Next time I’m in DC, I want to go! Sounds like my kind of place!
Thanks for leaving the link over on my Coming Soon list. I agree that this seems like a much better use for the space.
Also, on Birch and Barley, I’m hearing post-October, unfortunately. =(
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