How's the bartender we like (Gary?)

He's okay. Obviously, he was in a bit of shock when he heard. M & I were with him, and we were at the Belltower when he got the call, so Barbie kept pouring drinks into him.

However, he's in the middle of trying to move his wine bar, so this might work out to the net good. New location (Polk & Broadway), updated decor and menu, longer hours - so this will give him the kick needed to focus on this project. Hopefully.

No way! That place is an institution! I remember reading Herb Caen's stories about long late lunches with friends at the Washbag when I was a freshman in high school, and it was a long-established institution even back then.

I...just... closed? How is that even possible?

Poor Gary.

Didn't that happen a few years ago? they close and then reopenned ? I may be remembering wrong.

Didn't that happen a few years ago? they close and then reopenned ? I may be remembering wrong.

You're probably correct - I know the current/previous owners were most definitely not the original owners. It may rise again, but with a different cast.

No way! That place is an institution! I remember reading Herb Caen's stories about long late lunches with friends at the Washbag when I was a freshman in high school, and it was a long-established institution even back then.

I know! And he'd write about all the games of liar's poker. (Unless I am misremembering and that was at Le Central.) ::sniff:: I miss Herb Caen.

But! But! But! Poor G!!

I'm checking in to say that I had a fantastic time at the DC brunch! It was a nice sized group--small enough for good conversation and large enough to feel festive. Thanks to Vortex for organizing our fun and choosing such a great locale ('cept the part where they tried to starve Sparky!).

And yeah, Washbag did close down in the late 90s and reopen as Washbag in early 2000s. In fact I was there for NYE of 2001/2002 and I think it was called the Green Light or something.

ETA: It was the Cobalt Tavern.

Washington Square Bar & Grill (aka Washbag) closed on New Year's Day.

Oh, no!

What the crap?! The same day I learn that one of our old regular Rice restaurants is also closed? I do not approve of this business.

OK, Baltimore-ista(s) and DCistas - officially announcing my impending presence!

I'll be flying in to Baltimore 1/16 and leaving again on 1/22. Actually staying in Pasadena (apparently, they have one in Maryland, too.)

Tentatively planning to do DC on 1/18 and/or 1/19.

Would looove to see any and all of you, and also welcome advice on tours, will probably beg for help figuring out transportation on the days my friend can't play chauffer (sp?), and might, possibly, beg for a couch or piece of floor upon which to rest my weary head if I do 2 days in DC instead of just the one.

Who's in?