Washington's Last Best Kept Secret Gone: A Capitol Hill Institution Fades Away

DC Restaurants Continue to Struggle, With 15 Closures in March Alone

Washington, D.C. - The nation's capital is experiencing a wave of restaurant closures, with 15 eateries shutting their doors in March alone. The latest numbers bring the total number of closures in the first quarter of 2025 to 40, a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by the city's dining scene.

According to Eater DC's latest tally, the list of shuttered restaurants includes:

• The popular Adams Morgan spot, Tacos Neumos, which served up creative tacos and burritos
• The Georgetown institution, The Old Ebbitt Grill, which has been a D.C. staple for over 150 years
• The modern American bistro, The Pig and The Lady, which brought a touch of elegance to the U Street Corridor
• The beloved Ethiopian eatery, Etete, which served up flavorful injera and wats
• The trendy coffee shop, Bitter & Sweet, which offered a unique blend of coffee and craft beer

The reasons for the closures vary, but many restaurants are citing increased costs, declining sales, and a lack of qualified staff as major factors. The ongoing pandemic, which has left many restaurants with lingering debt and reduced capacity, is also taking its toll.

"It's a tough time for restaurants in D.C.," says local restaurateur, Michael Landrum. "The pandemic has left a lot of us with a lot of debt, and it's hard to recover from that. Add in the rising costs of goods and labor, and it's a perfect storm for closures."

Despite the challenges, many D.C. restaurants are finding ways to adapt and thrive. Some are turning to delivery and takeout services, while others are offering unique experiences and promotions to attract customers.

As the city's dining scene continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the love of good food and drink will always be a driving force in D.C. Here's to hoping that the next quarter will bring more openings than closures.