Penn Quarter: The innovative Cranes, a Spanish-Japanese restaurant spearheaded by chef Pepe Moncayo since its launch in 2020, unexpectedly shut its doors on February 18. This striking establishment, featuring a vibrant bar and an open kitchen, had garnered attention for its exceptional gin and tonics, gourmet bento boxes for lunch, a commendable sake collection, and reasonably priced omakase menus. Chef Moncayo, originally from Spain and with extensive culinary experience in Singapore, delighted diners with a diverse array of ever-evolving tapas, such as patatas bravas and duck rillete gyozas, in addition to large servings of seafood-rich paella. In responding to Eater on the day of the closure, Moncayo extended his gratitude to patrons, staff, and the landlord but refrained from offering additional comments. Just before closing, Cranes hosted a lunchtime pop-up called Taco Taco at the end of January, marking one of its final events. Additionally, Moncayo faced another setback when his fine-dining concept, a Singaporean restaurant named Jiwa Singapura, also closed after just ten months in Tysons this year. 724 9th Street NW
Moreover, the future of Moncayo’s nearby Spanish eatery, Arrels, seems uncertain, as it is set to close by the end of March. This establishment, which opened in the lobby of the Arlo Hotel in late 2024, will be replaced by an as-yet-undisclosed concept from NYC-based Renwick Hospitality Group, according to a company representative. Renwick operates various Arlo-affiliated venues, including Soho’s seasonal American restaurant Lindens and Altair in Midtown, and plans to reveal the new culinary venture for Arlo Washington DC in the months ahead. However, both the Art DC rooftop bar and the bodega at Arlo will continue to operate as usual. 333 G Street NW
Arlington: In the Courthouse area, the beloved American eatery Rhodeside Grill, a fixture for nearly three decades, served its final meal on February 21. The location is set to undergo redevelopment. In their announcement, the team stated, “Given the lack of a long-term lease, we’ve made the challenging decision to transition.” The Northern Virginia restaurant group behind Rhodeside Grill also operates other venues, such as Ragtime, William Jeffrey’s Tavern, Dogwood Tavern, and Bear Branch Tavern, which remain in business. 1836 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia
Hill East: The popular sports bar and go-to destination for delicious Duffy’s Irish Pub will close its doors on February 28, citing “unsustainable” conditions within its current neighborhood. This beloved establishment, which has previously relocated from H Street and Dupont, plans to throw a “kick the keg” celebration on its closing day. 1901 C Street SE
Downtown: The French-inspired Michele’s, an on-trend restaurant located in the Eaton hotel and led by renowned D.C. chef Matt Baker since 2021, abruptly closed on January 22 after being seized by the D.C. government due to suspected tax-related issues. As of now, more than a month later, it remains “closed until further notice,” according to an Eaton employee. There is still hope for Michele’s to reopen in the future, although it is currently unstaffed. 1201 K Street NW
Dupont: The charming Zeleno Café, an independent smoothie shop offering coffee, sandwiches, and acai bowls that opened its doors at the start of the pandemic, shut down on February 17. 1605 Connecticut Avenue NW
Tenleytown: The popular local chain Z Burger, a staple for American University students in search of milkshakes, burgers, hot dogs, and cheesesteaks for nearly two decades, appears to have closed its upper Northwest location, and the phone number is now out of service. However, several locations remain throughout D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. 4321 Wisconsin Avenue NW
