RSS FeedWrecking Ball No More (475 H St NW) *updated*
UPDATE (evening of July 16): We found the CCC flickr photostream updated as recently as today with lots of interior shots here and here. This forum is reporting the opening date “should be by next Tuesday (July 21).”
The brown wrap is off the windows portending a not too distant opening for the Chinatown Coffee Company (CCC) at 475 H Street, NW. The coffee bar is installed and tables and chairs litter the inside. We’re really glad the name Wrecking Ball Coffee got the proverbial wrecking ball – our sources tell us this DC opening is three to four weeks away, barring any unforseen circumstances which arise from time to time in the restaurant/food service industry [tic]. And so the Penn Quarter/Chinatown’s retail expansion continues despite the economic doldrums. Logo close up is after the jump…
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Comments
The folks opening the business live above it. Can’t wait to have a great coffee roaster run by some neighbors to serve all of us. They are located in Chinatown. The name leaves no question about how to find them since they are just slightly off the beaten path. Can’t wait to go there. When I peaked inside, the finish out looked extremely high quality.
I’m just happy there’s a coffee place there. I don’t care what they call it. And I’m happy it’s not Starbucks.
Let’s be clear on the person(s) who are opening this business………Nick Cho and his girlfriend, Trish Rothgeb Skeie. You know…….Murky Coffee…..forced to close for not paying 427K in sales and franchise taxes. Yeah, that one. So enjoy your coffee and our new neighbors who will appreciate your business but may not give a penny back to the community or DC. Sip sip.
Sorry Anonymous 10:30 p.m. — My understanding is that the Murky Coffee folks will run the coffee end of the business (which is something they know quite well) but the business end will be run by the current residents and owners of the building who have lived and been committed to the area for many, many years. Please don’t be snarky and please do support our neighbors.
I guess it would be tough to get a business license after stiffing the city for almost a half million. Finding a front to put their names on the business is so much easier. Snark Snark
How can the owners live above it? My apartment looks down into that space and there’s this great open space with a glass roof, nice wood floors and a back patio. At least, that’s how it was set up when it was a gallery.
Can’t say I’ve looked lately.
it’s a multi story building. the coffee shop is only on the first floor at street level. that leaves the other stories for the owners.
They’ve lived in that building for years. Married couple with two boys and a dog — true urban pioneers.
Sign is up for Smoothie King in G Street alley; signs are up for Ping Pong restaurant in IBEW buidling.
Hopefully Rita’s Ices on H Street will be open sometime during the warm weather months.
Why does “Chinatown Coffee Co.” sound like a front for an opium den? Too suspiciously straight forward? Does Pizza Hut strike you as a chain of bordellos?
I stopped by on Thursday and Nick was kind enough to pull a shot for me, even though they hadn’t opened yet. I don’t think they are going to do on-site roasting there, that will be a different operation in another place. This place is a great score for Chinatown!!! Can’t wait for the City Vista sushi to come either, and Taylor’s Deli to boot???
Murky coffee remnants. Great coffee. But what I still can’t figure out is how they can get so pompous about a cup of coffee AND not pay their taxes. What kind of mind is that? Kind of anarcho-Republican-libertarian. Something funky. Good luck, you’ll need it.
We’re coming down to DC (from the coffee wasteland of Connecticut) on the 23rd. Always liked Murky, so we plan to head straight for Chinatown Coffee. Hope it will be open, cause it looks as if Peregrine will be something of a trek from there.
I stopped by there this morning, they said it will be open Thursday or Friday and that the food will be much better then Star$.
My wife Katie and I are really excited about bringing Chinatown Coffee Company, to, well, Chinatown. This is our neighborhood (we live here too) and think that this coffee bar will really add to all of our quality of life (and have killer coffee to boot! :)). We will have amazing coffee and tea; super talented, hard working and really cool baristas; great space (designed by architect Robert Gurney) in which to hang out; and awesome baked goods and special treats. Looking forward to seeing everyone as soon as we open, which should be in the next week or so. Check us out on facebook and become a fan! Thanks.
I’m super excited about this! Nick’s done a lot for improving DC coffee and whatever problems and unfortunate bits of junk punching aside, I’m glad he’s sticking with it and carrying on .
Went to try it out this morning, but not open until Monday (according to a sign on the door). Alas. The connection to Murky seems like a mixed blessing. Always liked the coffee, but could have done without the attitude and (of course) the unpaid taxes.
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Eh. Chinatown Coffee Co. sounds like a chain name. I suppose that fits with Fuddruckers, et. al. in that area, but Wrecking Ball Coffee is a lot more original (regardless of whether you like the name or not).