The Latest D.C.-Area Restaurant Closures in July
Bethesda, Maryland: Gluten-free and vegan bakery Josephine GF will close on Thursday, July 31. Per an announcement on social media, the team opted to not renew its lease after nearly three years in the Woodmont Triangle neighborhood. Over its short run, Josephine GF says it served 'thousands of customers' from Miami to New York City, L.A. to Alaska, who are celiac (and not). The gluten-free and vegan cafe is best known for its sweet-and-savory waffles, along with bread loaves, cookies, brownies, and baguette sandwiches. The team, which is actively looking for a new space, is also open to options like franchising or commercializing its proprietary gluten-free flour mixes. 4927A St. Elmo Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland
Columbia Heights: Promising Mexican restaurant (and once-Eater 38 spot) Cinco Soles held a farewell party on Monday, July 14, ahead of its impending closure after a short, two-year run. Salvadoran chef-owner Mauricio Arias turned his former Italian eatery Ossobuco into the color-soaked destination for vibrant ceviches, al pastor tacos, mahi mahi tostadas, churros, bright salads, and spicy margaritas. A bar splashed with 'Soup of the Day: Tequila' neon signage sent out a 'Naked in Tulum' with Aperol, mezcal, and passionfruit. Arias will continue to run El Rinconcito Café and Tortino in Shaw. 3418 11th Street NW
Cathedral Heights: Italian newcomer Talea Ristorante suddenly shut down this month after just a year in business. The team behind Georgetown's popular Flavio brought pillowy ricotta gnocchi, branzino, lobster diavolo, and other familiar favorites to the upper Northwest neighborhood last June. Located in the former Cafe Deluxe space, the sleek setup with a green-lined patio out front featured mod prints of a spaghetti-twirling Frank Sinatra and Sophia Loren. A last-minute liquidation sale was posted online last week. 3228 Wisconsin Avenue NW
Chinatown: Full Kee, D.C.'s 40-year-old staple for Hong Kong-style soups, lo mein, and lunch specials, was forced to vacate on Tuesday, July 1, in order to make way for a new high-end commercial building. The Gallery Place-Chinatown Task Force, created to preserve the neighborhood's character and its legacy Asian restaurants, condemned the cause of the closure. 'When establishments like Full Kee, so core to the story of a place, are forced to close – the damage is immeasurable,' per a statement. 'If city government wishes to subsidize or otherwise support luxury development, they MUST take concrete actions to protect small businesses.' 509 H Street NW
Woodbridge, Virginia: After a nearly decade-long run, Brew Republic Bierwerks will serve its last beer on Sunday, July 27. 'Our landlord is forcing us out,' alleges Brew Republic in a Facebook post. 'Given the high costs of relocating and the distressed nature of the brewery and restaurant industries, we've decided that it's best to shut down and close.' Along with its award-winning ales and lagers brewed on-site, the South Beach-styled space hosted comedy, trivia, and live entertainment throughout the week. Brew Republic, co-founded by former state Del. Jeffrey Frederick (R-Woodbridge), offered its 'beer commission' members bigger glasses of beer and discounts on growler refills. A weekend closing party (July 25-27) calls for karaoke and bands from over the years. Kimco Realty bought Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center in 2023. 15201 Potomac Town Place, Woodbridge, Virginia
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