As first reported earlier today by Washington City Paper’s Young & Hungry blog and the Post’s Going Out Guide, the new Dupont cafe/pub/market Duke’s Grocery opens at 11a tomorrow (Tuesday, September 10th). Located in the former Cafe Green space next to Mr. Yogato between P and Church Streets on the 17th Street corridor,  this cozy, neighborhood spot (conveniently across the street from my home) looks to fill the under-served mid-range niche in the area. As noted by WCP and the Post, the menu will be heavy on inventive sandwiches (around $7-13) and sides; fresh produce will also be offered for sale throughout the day.

I stopped by this evening to chat with one of the co-owners, Daniel Kramer, who is the man behind the popular drink-themed multi-bar tour events (DC Beerathon, Whiskey Walk, Bourbon Bash, Margarita March, and the upcoming District Oktoberfest), and is opening Duke’s Grocery with Alex McCoy, the chef formerly of Rugby Cafe and Kitchen 2404.   Kramer showed me around the nicely-lit, two-level space; a bar on each floor will serve a curated list of wines, craft cocktails, and bottles and/or cans of local/craft beers (the latter priced around $6).  He hopes to be open 7 days a week, early and late (though not necessarily tomorrow) and expects Duke’s Grocery to be a versatile spot-welcoming to neighbors casually dressed for a quick bite to eat, couples enjoying a date night, or a destination on a night out for a group of friends-though he certainly appears willing to quickly adapt to the desires of the customers in the coming weeks.  Looking forward to checking it out once it opens.

Duke’s Grocery, website, Facebook, Twitter, 1513 17th St. NW, opens at 11a everyday, est. 2013