🍸 3 new bars that tap into DC nostalgia

My Big D.C. Obsession

Once a week, I'll dive into the latest trends in D.C. food and culture, plus whatever's catching my attention online.

Nostalgia, attachment, and the world’s biggest Commander’s superfan

When choosing the films I wanted to see at this year’s annual DC/DOX Festival, I was immediately drawn to “The Custodian.” It’s a short film about Samu Qureshi, a Washington Commanders superfan who spent 57 years tracking down items to build the world’s biggest collection of Washington Football memorabilia and put them in an unofficial museum.

I was drawn in by the sheer spectacle of it (the man kept John Riggins's jockstrap for God’s sake!). But after watching the film and chatting with Qureshi and the director, Khaula Haider Malik, what I found was something much more nuanced and relatable.

Between collecting items, giving impromptu tours, and facing his wife’s pleas to declutter, the film shows Qureshi as he confronts the contradictions in the legacy he holds dear. The film made me question what it means to be a Washington Football fan and if we have a right to feel nostalgia for a team with such a controversial past.

Now, Qureshi wants to sell the collection to the team's new owners and establish an official museum and hall of fame. But preserving the past proves difficult — both financially and politically.

On My Radar

My singular and opinionated observations of D.C. life, from restaurant openings and viral trends to that one cool bug I saw.

Three bar openings, one night, and the search for my 2018 self

Well friends, I partied this Tuesday like I haven’t since 2018. And, it might as well have been 2018 because all three new bars that opened in D.C. this week are blasts from the past.

My first stop of the night was Techo Palma, a covered rooftop oasis on Florida Ave. It’s the revival of the late El Techo but only barely recognizable from its former self. The DJ was pumping out lo-fi beats while $10,000 of tropical flora and orchids hung in the air above. My orange Juaritos cocktail was topped with a hot pink foam that was half-beguiling and half-concerning.

A $2.14 CaBi ride later and I was plunged into a windowless but cozy room and a beer and shot combo appeared in my hand (who did that?). This was my most highly anticipated opening of the night; Frank’s Wild Years, a new dive bar on 14th St by the creators of Snappy's Small Bar. “Open everyday, except when we ain’t,” reads the menu which is barely legible under the neon circus lights. It’s a new bar, but an old school vibe.

I was lagging at this point, but the last one was an old friend and I couldn’t leave her hanging. The Riggsby 2.0 was having a gathering before its official reopening on Wednesday. The cozy velvet corner booths and icy martinis hit just as hard at its new P Street location as they did seven years ago in its Dupont hotel location.

Do I recommend these new bars? Absolutely. Do I recommend doing them all in one night? Absolutely not.

DC, Honestly

Every week, I’ll answer a reader question on how to navigate D.C.’s food and events scene. What do you want to know? Fill out this form to get it answered!

A great biscuit sandwich is first and foremost about the quality of the biscuit, which can vary wildly in D.C. Try the daytime menu at La Betty in Mt. Vernon. It’s the reincarnation of A Baked Joint whose biscuits got me through many a desperate Sunday morning. They are baked fresh and served with just a fried egg and mayo. They also have some incredible fried green tomatoes.

Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken in Metro Center has an egg royal sandwich served on a beautiful cheddar biscuit. It does come with bacon, but has an option to remove it. The Meats and Foods egg biscuit in Shaw is also top-tier, but it’s only available on Sundays.

Finally, if you are willing to go on a pilgrimage, try District Biscuit Company in Alexandria. The fluffy, buttery biscuits surpass even my own mother’s. Have them slap on an egg and cheese and that’s *chefs kiss.*

Can’t Miss Events This Weekend

My top picks for events in the District this weekend. Become a member to get our full event guide in your inbox every Monday.

🤘Unity Fest: Free Rock Concert at Transmission

Saturday, June 6 | H Street Corridor | Free

My favorite underground music venue, Transmission in the old Rock and Roll Hotel, is throwing a huge free rock show from 6 -10 p.m. this Saturday with music from Unity for the Outcasts and other local bands.

📚Foggy Bottom Book Crawl

Saturday, June 6 | Foggy Bottom | $10 Suggested Donation

Spend the afternoon strolling from venue to venue listening to readings, meeting authors, and perusing books. I am admittedly most excited for David Keplinger who I’ve been a stan of since he released his “Ice” poem in 2023.

🎵 Local Tunes: Niiasii w/ Shelley Star, Ari Voxx, and grlztoy at The Pocket

Saturday, June 6 | Truxton Circle | $19

Alt-pop artist Niiasii from Southeast Virginia is teaming up with D.C.’s hottest indie-pop girlies for what's shaping up to be an absolute banger of a show. Come for Niiasii’s Willow-esq vocals and stay for Shelley Star’s alien glam pop.

🛼 50th Anniversary of the Anacostia Skating Pavilion

Saturday, May 9 | Anacostia Community Museum | Free

Celebrate 50 years of the Anacostia Skating Pavilion at this presentation on the rink’s creation and community significance. Expect old photos, oral histories, and excerpts from an upcoming documentary, “DC Skate Story.”

🔥 Heat Wave DC at Lost Generation Brewing Company

Sunday, May 10 | Eckington | Free

This hot sauce market is a celebration of all things spicy. Sample hot sauce vendors, test your palate in the Hot Sauce Challenge, listen to live music, and cool down with a beer from Lost Generation Brewing Company. Don’t forget the Pepto.