MJM says: (3/21/13 11:22 AM)

And don't forget first come, no zoned, free parking (4hr limit though) around Canal Park for everyone driving in from other parts of DC, Maryland, and Virginia. says:And don't forget first come, no zoned, free parking (4hr limit though) around Canal Park for everyone driving in from other parts of DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

Eric says: (3/21/13 11:54 AM)

Doesn't the parking say "except on game days" around Canal Park? says:Doesn't the parking say "except on game days" around Canal Park?

Eric says: (3/21/13 12:40 PM)

Also should have included Lot 38 with existing establishment list =) says:Also should have included Lot 38 with existing establishment list =)

MJM says: (3/21/13 2:12 PM)

Except on game days till 10:30pm (normal time is 6/6:30?) or maybe its just one of those confusing signs. says:Except on game days till 10:30pm (normal time is 6/6:30?) or maybe its just one of those confusing signs.

(3/21/13 3:20 PM)

One would think that having these options will help with the Metro crush, in that some folks will now arrive earlier, so they can eat and drink before the game - any maybe also on the other end of the game. Jaybird says:One would think that having these options will help with the Metro crush, in that some folks will now arrive earlier, so they can eat and drink before the game - any maybe also on the other end of the game.

Eric says: (3/21/13 4:21 PM)

But how do we get you average Nats fans from outside DC to know about these places? I met so many fans last season who had NO IDEA there was Justin's, Lot 38, or even the YARDS PARK.



I guess if they just wanna get in and out that's their perogative, but you'd think the BID would try to launch some sort of advertising campaign.



Announcing all the places during the ball game would be cool, but I have a feel the stadium, directly competing for food and drink, would not allow that. says:But how do we get you average Nats fans from outside DC to know about these places? I met so many fans last season who had NO IDEA there was Justin's, Lot 38, or even the YARDS PARK.I guess if they just wanna get in and out that's their perogative, but you'd think the BID would try to launch some sort of advertising campaign.Announcing all the places during the ball game would be cool, but I have a feel the stadium, directly competing for food and drink, would not allow that.

(3/21/13 6:58 PM)

I think the word will get around pretty quickly about Biersch, especially since it's at such a central location. People may then actually see Justin's when they are trying to get into GB. Bluejacket will first draw the hipsters and the beer fanatics, then you assume at some point when more shops are open at Boilermaker the sight of crowds along Tingey may draw others. Plus there's all the people on foot coming down from the Hill or the distant lots, who will see Park Tavern or Boilermaker if they cut down behind DOT.



But for the people who park right by the ballpark and tend to just come in and get out, it might take some guys wearing sandwich boards at Half and N to get to them. :) JD says:I think the word will get around pretty quickly about Biersch, especially since it's at such a central location. People may then actually see Justin's when they are trying to get into GB. Bluejacket will first draw the hipsters and the beer fanatics, then you assume at some point when more shops are open at Boilermaker the sight of crowds along Tingey may draw others. Plus there's all the people on foot coming down from the Hill or the distant lots, who will see Park Tavern or Boilermaker if they cut down behind DOT.But for the people who park right by the ballpark and tend to just come in and get out, it might take some guys wearing sandwich boards at Half and N to get to them. :)

Gamble Rogers says: (3/21/13 8:44 PM)

"Bluejacket will first draw the hipsters and the beer fanatics..."



What about hipster beer fanatics? Do they count twice?



I only hope that the Bluejacket crew doesn't get carried away with soured, fungal, Trippel-inspired peppermint-and-thai-peanut-toast beer. For the love of Jabu -- let's hope they brew at least one mildly approachable brew.



Once the Boilermaker Shops and Lumber Shed get built out, the Yards Park area will crawl with hipsters/beer fanatics/cornhole lovers. The skinny jeans and neck tats are coming! says:"Bluejacket will first draw the hipsters and the beer fanatics..."What about hipster beer fanatics? Do they count twice?I only hope that the Bluejacket crew doesn't get carried away with soured, fungal, Trippel-inspired peppermint-and-thai-peanut-toast beer. For the love of Jabu -- let's hope they brew at least one mildly approachable brew.Once the Boilermaker Shops and Lumber Shed get built out, the Yards Park area will crawl with hipsters/beer fanatics/cornhole lovers. The skinny jeans and neck tats are coming!

(3/21/13 10:27 PM)

And I should mention that I'll probably always forget the coffee places, because I don't drink the stuff. Don't drink tea, either. And can't fathom the whole sitting-in-a-shop-using-the-wifi, since I prefer my hermit-like existence at home. JD says:And I should mention that I'll probably always forget the coffee places, because I don't drink the stuff. Don't drink tea, either. And can't fathom the whole sitting-in-a-shop-using-the-wifi, since I prefer my hermit-like existence at home.

JES says: (3/21/13 11:06 PM)

@JD, for the record, I don't think more people need to learn about Justin's... the place is packed before and after games, almost unbearably so. If anything, GB might siphon off some of the crowd, instead of the other way around says:@JD, for the record, I don't think more people need to learn about Justin's... the place is packed before and after games, almost unbearably so. If anything, GB might siphon off some of the crowd, instead of the other way around

NatsFan says: (3/22/13 2:00 PM)

FYI. not a place to eat...but running by the Boilermaker shops yesterday, I saw signs posted in the windows with "Elite Fitness Pro" on it. I guess it was once going to be the Diner. Not sure.



says:FYI. not a place to eat...but running by the Boilermaker shops yesterday, I saw signs posted in the windows with "Elite Fitness Pro" on it. I guess it was once going to be the Diner. Not sure.

(3/22/13 2:03 PM)

I would find it really hard to believe that any sort of fitness center would be going into Boilermaker with Vida going into Twelve12. Clothes? Equipment? Just someone posting their signs there for the heck of it?



JD says:I would find it really hard to believe that any sort of fitness center would be going into Boilermaker with Vida going into Twelve12. Clothes? Equipment? Just someone posting their signs there for the heck of it?

JES says: (3/22/13 3:12 PM)

Vida is incredibly expensive for a gym... maybe another company's trying to target a more middle income market? I dunno... says:Vida is incredibly expensive for a gym... maybe another company's trying to target a more middle income market? I dunno...

(3/22/13 4:16 PM)

Could someone really fit a decent gym in that space? With changing rooms and showers, it seems like they could fit little more than a workout room. Maelstrom says:Could someone really fit a decent gym in that space? With changing rooms and showers, it seems like they could fit little more than a workout room.

(3/22/13 5:09 PM)

I checked with Forest City, and this is a temporary ("pop up") use, not a long-term tenant. Elite Fitness has been doing early morning boot camps in the neighborhood for a few years, first on the Canal Park site and then I guess in the space where Desi is going in. Their web site:



link







JD says:I checked with Forest City, and this is a temporary ("pop up") use, not a long-term tenant. Elite Fitness has been doing early morning boot camps in the neighborhood for a few years, first on the Canal Park site and then I guess in the space where Desi is going in. Their web site:

(3/23/13 11:03 AM)

And, with tables and chairs now starting to be placed outside of the Park Tavern on the patio, and with a certain high-attendance event just about a week away, it would not surprise me if Xavier's unstated plan all along was to not open until right around Opening Day.



JD says:And, with tables and chairs now starting to be placed outside of the Park Tavern on the patio, and with a certain high-attendance event just about a week away, it would not surprise me if Xavier's unstated plan all along was to not open until right around Opening Day.

Eric says: (3/23/13 12:52 PM)

PT vs GB for opening day crowds? GB has been doing a better job promoting themselves, that's for sure.



Although I'll probably always default into supporting locally owned establishments over chains...plus I've always wanted to try Allagash curieux, which is apparently a world class beer. says:PT vs GB for opening day crowds? GB has been doing a better job promoting themselves, that's for sure.Although I'll probably always default into supporting locally owned establishments over chains...plus I've always wanted to try Allagash curieux, which is apparently a world class beer.

VelocityChris says: (3/23/13 4:40 PM)

Staff was in GB today (Sat.) training! says:Staff was in GB today (Sat.) training!

Eric says: (3/23/13 5:23 PM)

I talked to the general manager of Park Tavern today. Very cool guy. I'm excited with what they're doing. says:I talked to the general manager of Park Tavern today. Very cool guy. I'm excited with what they're doing.

(3/23/13 9:21 PM)

Biersch is having test seatings at lunch and dinner on Thursday and Friday, and then the VIP reception on Saturday. So don't be surprised to see people in there, but then they turn you away if you try to come in, too. :-)



JD says:Biersch is having test seatings at lunch and dinner on Thursday and Friday, and then the VIP reception on Saturday. So don't be surprised to see people in there, but then they turn you away if you try to come in, too. :-)

Eric says: (3/24/13 3:09 AM)

GB only chose boring "uhh I've been to all your breweries" responses as winners. I wanted to ironically joke about the race card considering they only chose white people for invites, but I didn't think they would appreciate it. We'll see if I luck out and get in the last round of drawings.



PT is already miles ahead in my book since I've basically already got an invite. Greater appreciation for the neighbors. says:GB only chose boring "uhh I've been to all your breweries" responses as winners. I wanted to ironically joke about the race card considering they only chose white people for invites, but I didn't think they would appreciate it. We'll see if I luck out and get in the last round of drawings.PT is already miles ahead in my book since I've basically already got an invite. Greater appreciation for the neighbors.

Shogungts says: (3/24/13 5:56 PM)

@Eric - I am all for local and GB would not usually be very high on my list of places to go, but considering how mediocre the rest of Xavier's places are, I don't have my hopes very high for PT. says:@Eric - I am all for local and GB would not usually be very high on my list of places to go, but considering how mediocre the rest of Xavier's places are, I don't have my hopes very high for PT.

ZoolanderANDtheBoYz says: (3/25/13 12:32 PM)

Not all Xavier places are mediocre. There are some places that are great and there are some of his restaurants that are horrendous. I always liked Lola but I can't stand Pacifico. says:Not all Xavier places are mediocre. There are some places that are great and there are some of his restaurants that are horrendous. I always liked Lola but I can't stand Pacifico.

Eric says: (3/25/13 1:06 PM)

Park Tavern has so much potential with the great location, rink, outdoor seating, and the roof space.



I hope the food is good. Doesn't have to be amazing, just good. A few of the draft list beers I really liked, so they've got that going. A happy hour, too, maybe? Kruba has no happy hour (bad decision), and GB's only goes until 630.



Gonna take a lot to beat Justin's great HH. says:Park Tavern has so much potential with the great location, rink, outdoor seating, and the roof space.I hope the food is good. Doesn't have to be amazing, just good. A few of the draft list beers I really liked, so they've got that going. A happy hour, too, maybe? Kruba has no happy hour (bad decision), and GB's only goes until 630.Gonna take a lot to beat Justin's great HH.

(3/25/13 3:45 PM)

I'm hearing from a third-party source that Park Tavern got their liquor license this morning.

JD says:I'm hearing from a third-party source that Park Tavern got their liquor license this morning.

(3/26/13 9:57 AM)

And, the Fairgrounds has officially announced they are reopening for the 2013 season on Friday (March 29) at 11 am.

JD says:And, the Fairgrounds has officially announced they are reopening for the 2013 season on Friday (March 29) at 11 am.

Kitty Loyd says: (3/27/13 11:06 AM)

Eric, the BID has some new and bright signage in the Metro station inviting people to come before and stay after the games, and they list the new establishments. I haven't noticed them before this morning, so maybe they're just starting their advertising push and we'll see more displays elsewhere. says:Eric, the BID has some new and bright signage in the Metro station inviting people to come before and stay after the games, and they list the new establishments. I haven't noticed them before this morning, so maybe they're just starting their advertising push and we'll see more displays elsewhere.

MJM says: (3/27/13 3:20 PM)

They started to appear on the platform at least on Monday am but its tough to stay late when 90% of those places aren't open. Just hope people don't go looking for them next week. Maybe they mean 'late' summer. says:They started to appear on the platform at least on Monday am but its tough to stay late when 90% of those places aren't open. Just hope people don't go looking for them next week. Maybe they mean 'late' summer.

58Model says: (3/28/13 3:43 PM)

If you're going to list 'hood eateries, don't forget the original: Sizzlin' Express! says:If you're going to list 'hood eateries, don't forget the original: Sizzlin' Express!

(3/28/13 3:45 PM)

I'm pretty sure you're the first person to ever mention it. (It is on my food map, at least!)

JD says:I'm pretty sure you're the first person to ever mention it. (It is on my food map, at least!)

Mere says: (3/31/13 10:06 AM)

From the rumor mill: We were walking around Canal Park yesterday and from the top of Park Tavern overheard a worker say that they are opening on Wednesday! says:From the rumor mill: We were walking around Canal Park yesterday and from the top of Park Tavern overheard a worker say that they are opening on Wednesday!

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