Welcome to Eater’s comprehensive roundup of restaurant, bar, and café closures in the D.C. area for this month. For the previous list detailing closures in July, you can check here. If you are aware of a closure in your area, please contact us at dc@eater.com.
Hyattsville, Maryland: After a successful four-year operation, the renowned Chef Tobias Dorzon will close Huncho House in his hometown of Hyattsville on Sunday, August 30, as he prepares to move his upscale dining establishment, which uniquely blends Italian and Asian dishes, to Miami. Dorzon, a former NFL player and a familiar face on Food Network programs like Guy Fieri’s Tournament of Champions, has crafted a menu inspired by his culinary experiences in Sicily. Highlights include spicy crab with jalapeño parmi rigatoni and snow crab garlic noodles, alongside seafood selections such as whole fried red snapper, lobster jollof, and suya-spiced branzino. He expanded his culinary footprint within University Town Center with the launch of 1123, a West African-themed lounge and brunch venue featuring Asian influences, which opened in 2024. Dorzon garnered national attention in 2024 when he survived a robbery shooting, recovering fully afterward. His new venture in Florida, to be renamed 1123 The Huncho Experience, is expected to debut this fall. 6450 America Boulevard, Hyattsville, Maryland
Adams Morgan: Since its debut in 2019, Hilo Poke & Sushi has now served its final Hawaiian-inspired rolls and bowls this August. The restaurant, located on the second floor in a 1,400-square-foot space with large bay windows and bar-style counter service, is currently available for lease here. Meanwhile, the brand maintains its presence in Baltimore. 2439 18th Street NW
Ballston: The taqueria El Rey, founded by the Hilton hospitality brothers, has officially closed its Arlington location after five years of service this week. In exciting news for the area, Virginia-based Solace Brewing Company will be taking over the vacated space, as reported by ArlNow. El Rey will continue to operate its other locations in Shaw and Navy Yard, while the Arlington site featured a vibrant 50-foot bar. 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia
Bethesda: The wood-fired pizza establishment Alatri Bros. has closed its doors after a decade of operation, as reported by Bethesda Now. Roberto Pietrobono, one of the brothers who founded this Italian favorite, cited the increasing costs of food and particularly harsh winter weather as significant factors in the decision to shut down. The brothers still have a foothold in Maryland with their Italian restaurant, Olazzo, and a Mexican dining concept named Gringos & Mariachis. 4926 Cordell Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland
Clarendon: The all-you-can-eat Japanese street food restaurant Sakaki Izakaya, which opened in 2023, abruptly ceased operations on Wednesday, August 20, as reported by ArlNow. This venue offered a diverse menu featuring sushi rolls, sashimi, nigiri, hand rolls, noodles like ramen and udon, wagyu fried rice, desserts, and a late-night option. Dinner at the restaurant was priced at $45 per person, while lunch came to $29. The company Ivea Concepts is still operating the adjacent dim sum restaurant Tiger Dumplings. Notably, a new all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant, MoMoGoGo, has recently opened in Arlington this month at Penrose Square. 3227 Washington Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia
Dupont: The Central and South American dining venue Selva, located on the ground floor of the Mayflower Club, has closed its doors after just one year in operation. Executive chef Giovanni Orellana created dishes that paid homage to his Salvadoran roots, reflecting his extensive culinary experience in various Peruvian, Italian, and Mexican kitchens. Notable items on the menu included Peruvian chicken, a variety of ceviches, and inventive twists on classic dishes such as patatas bravas featuring crispy yuca. Named after the Spanish term for “jungle,” Selva also featured liquor tasting flights from across the Americas. The Mayflower Club’s owner, Antonis Karagounis, who also operates the Rewind Diner next door, has recently expanded to the Virginia area, launching an American restaurant called Boulevard, which features a rooftop bar named Solset. The vibrant green-and-velvet space that previously housed Selva will now be utilized for private events and pop-up concepts. 1223 Connecticut Avenue NW
