Sonoma owners to open new restaurant in old Pour House space

We’ve got some more intel on what the future holds for the Pour House bar space at 319 Pennsylvania Ave. SE after the Capitol Hill institution  closes next month

The owners of Sonoma, an upscale restaurant a block away, have leased the space for a new restaurant, according to John Gogos with Papadopolous Properties, who represented the landlord, Kodiak Properties, in the deal. Charlie Papadopolous of the same firm represented the tenants. 

The new spot will take over all 6,000 square feet of the existing space, which is divided on three levels. Sonoma has no plans to close, so we’d imagine that the new restaurant will be something that wouldn’t compete with the higher-end restaurant and wine bar at 223 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. 

We’ve reached out to Sonoma owners Eli Hengst and Jared Rager for more on their plans. Rager is also the owner of Redwood restaurant in Bethesda. 

“I think it’s always great when you have someone local and who knows the neighborhood to stay there,” Gogos said of the new lease. “A lot of the potential tenants looking at it were national chains, and I’m not sure that would have resonated as well with Capitol Hill.” 

Pour House, a Capitol Hill dive bar that has been open for 11 years, said Tuesday it  would close April 30. There was no word on where D.C.’s chapter of  Steeler Nation would relocate for their Sunday services. 

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up