Raze Notices for Adams Morgan Storefronts

The buildings that formerly housed Payless Shoesource, Old City Cafe, and Radio Shack have been labeled with Vacant Property Notices as well as Raze Notices from the District of Columbia. The three business vacated months ago, and this strip of storefronts in Adams Morgan has four properties that were purchased in order to possibly make way for a residential building.

Image of possible residential development above 1777 Columbia via Streetsense.

However, two businesses remain on this  strip (1777-1767 Columbia Rd NW); Burger King and Pho 14. Their leases appear to be safe, as they rent from a different property owner than the soon to be razed businesses. I'm really curious to see what comes of this. Razing could mean a complete tear-down, partial tear-down, or one in which only the facade is saved, or any number of outcomes. Just expect this block to look different by year's end. A lot different. 

Pho 14 Opens Adams Morgan Location

Owners of the Columbia Heights restaurant Pho 14 have opened a location in Adams Morgan, with the same name. I stopped by briefly last night and of course, every seat was occupied. The address is 1769 Columbia Rd NW, which formerly housed a Pizza Hut. This location may be closer to some of us in Mount Pleasant, but the original location near 14th and Park is well within walking distance, too. Very cool. I'll report back after they get it all together and tweak the new menu. Cheers, Pho 14 folks.

Pho 14 in Adams Morgan Adds Signage

Last May we learned that Columbia Heights Vietnamese restaurant Pho 14 was opening a new location on Columbia Road in Adams Morgan. I'm still very excited about the new location, as I've become a fan of the very vegan friendly banh mi sandwiches, veggie pho and other noodle dishes. the staff is just great, too.

They're getting closer to opening g at 1769 Columbia Rd NW. The new awning is up outside, and all signs of Pizza Hut, the former, tenant are gone. Chairs and tables have been delivered and are on the floor. Very cool stuff. Still no word on opening date, but all signs ae pointing to sooner than later. Good news to end the week on. Have a great weekend.

Pho 14 for Adams Morgan

1769 Columbia Rd NW will house Pho 14

The Pizza Hut at 1769 Columbia Road NW closed last fall with little fan fare. In two words: not missed. The space has been vacant since. Recently there has been activity and I always get curious when the windows decide to paper themselves, obscuring views inside. Sure enough, a DCRA Building Postcard Permit soon followed. The listed applicant: Tommy Hoang, the founder of Pho 14 in Columbia Heights. Hmmmmm....

CityPaper confirmed it yesterday: Pho 14 is coming to Adams Morgan. Great news for those of you in that neighborhood; and all of us in Mount Pleasant, too. This is not to diminish the original Pho 14 location on Columbia Road. I love that place! And it will be closer to me than the new location.

Sakuramen (so awesome, btw) and Mellow Mushroom precede Pho 14 in a mini wave of new restaurants coming on line as the 18th St streetscape project winds down. I have no doubts that a Vietnamese/pho restaurant as good as Pho14 will thrive in this location. Good luck!

Pho 14: Living Up to Expectations

First, I wish this place was actually in Mount Pleasant. Second, I'm glad we can walk; it's just beyond our borders, over in Columbia Heights. Pho 14 is a vegetarian and yes, vegan friendly Vietnamese restaurant at 1426 Park Rd NW. Since opening in the spring of 2009, this has been one of the go-to dinner spots in Columbia Heights. Rare is the night in which this restaurant is empty. More commonly, you endure a wait for a seat. Even during the snowstorms people like myself were willing to wait our turn in the freezing cold, standing on snow mounds since the waiting area inside the restaurant is virtually non-existent.

Pho 14 has gone out of the way to list ingredients, identify which items are vegetarian, which use fish sauce, et cetera. And VegDC gives them the thumbs up, which is pretty much worth gold.

The staple, pho, is available vegetarian and is great! But so far my favorite dish is the vermicelli, or bun. It's make with, of course, vermicelli noodles, and heaps of vegetables including green onions, thin cucumber slices, carrots, lettuce, sprouts and crushed peanuts. it's topped with sliced, fried tofu that is quite flavorful. I choose the sweet chili sauce to top. This bowl will fill you and more, but there's no need to take the leftovers home. You won't have any. The food is that good. If you're really hungry, get the appetizer of vegetarian spring rolls.

Pho 14 is just the kind of establishment I wish would open doors on Mount Pleasant Street. But, I see the advantages of the Park Road location as well. I can and will be making the walk there this summer, no doubt.

Park Road Again: Pho 14

Park Road between 14th and 16th Sts NW is constantly changing. Before DCUSA opened we were wondering if the mall would kill small businesses on that block. Well, over the past two years, several businesses have opened, including Simply Soles, a shoe boutique.

Well, get ready pho fans of DC. Looks like a Vietnamese restaurant by the name of Pho 14 will be opening there soon. Construction permits were issued for 1436 Park Rd NW in December and a sign went up a few days ago, pictured. No details yet. Its a small space in between Simply Soles and Pollo Sabroso.