After fifteen successful years, the beloved downtown restaurant Lincoln will serve its final meal on Saturday, December 20. This tribute to former President Abraham Lincoln, featuring a signature burger and fries, opened its doors in 2011 and quickly garnered acclaim from then-Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema. The restaurant has become a staple in the area, known for favorites such as mac and cheese, kale salad, deviled eggs, butternut squash soup, and the Freedom Manhattan, a popular cocktail that matures for 30 days in an oak barrel. The unique decor, particularly the countless pennies that adorn the space, has also become a distinctive feature.
What does owner Alan Popovsky plan to do with all those coins?
“I’m going to collect the floor pennies and distribute them to our guests,” shares Popovsky, humorously taking on the role of a coin Santa, with nearly 996,000 pennies at his disposal, amounting to about $10,000. “It’s noteworthy that this year also marks the last time the penny was minted. All great things eventually reach their close.”
Even a restaurant with the motto “Food of the People, by the People, for the People” since its inception couldn’t navigate the recent challenges faced at 1110 Vermont Avenue NW.
“The area surrounding Lincoln has been hit hard,” Popovsky explains to Eater. “The Homeland Security building, a source of visitors for Lincoln, has been closed since COVID, making the location a place for loitering at night.”
With Lincoln’s lease ending, he felt it was time to close this chapter on a positive note.
Popovsky notes that his building, which has been impacted by foreclosure, currently faces an 80-percent vacancy rate, with plans underway to convert it into rental units in the upcoming year.
“[Lincoln] opened during a time of optimism for D.C., when people were eager to visit downtown and enjoy everything this vibrant city offered. The reality today is starkly different,” he reflects.
Lincoln’s location has often struggled to define itself, oscillating between downtown, Dupont, and Logan Circle, leading to numerous changes over the years. The block where Lincoln resides witnessed the popular nightclub Josephine transition into the Living Room lounge, which too closed its doors after nearly ten years in 2023. Moreover, the new Wawa at nearby Thomas Circle has not improved nighttime safety issues in the vicinity since its opening in 2020.
“The increased presence of ICE and federal responses back in August severely impacted many local independent eateries,” he adds.
In better times, one of his most cherished memories at Lincoln is the occasion in 2012 when he, his then 8-year-old daughter, and Lincoln’s interior designer Maggie O’Neill had the honor of hosting then-President Barack Obama.
“It was a remarkable experience, especially for someone like me who is a fan of the Presidency,” he shares.
Popovsky’s D.C.-based Presidential Restaurant Group has faced similar endings in the past, having permanently closed its two Declaration pizzerias in Shaw and Navy Yard in 2021. However, Teddy & the Bully Bar, Lincoln’s sibling restaurant located a few blocks away, is thriving and “not going anywhere,” he assures. The area, once quiet, has seen a revival thanks to new establishments like the popular Greek restaurant Balos opening across the street.
For his next venture, Popovsky is setting his sights on northern Virginia, confident that suburbs and proximity to residential neighborhoods will be the future of dining. He aims to launch his next presidential-themed restaurant by early to mid-2027.
Lincoln will forever be a cherished memory for him, a pivotal place where he deepened his love for the hospitality industry. “Collaborating with Maggie, my late business partner Mel Estrin, [chef] Demetrio Zavala, and numerous local artists has elevated my creative expression,” he reflects.
To celebrate Lincoln’s final night, Popovsky is planning an extravagant farewell event on December 20, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. This gathering will feature a range of passed hors d’oeuvres and a special “Final Penny Mule” cocktail available from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., as well as an opportunity for guests to capture a moment on its iconic “Lincoln” chair.
