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Ever since we moved to Shaw nearly a year ago, we've been waiting for Azi's Cafe, on the corner of 9th and O St. NW, to open. Though we love our neighborhood, the lack of any sort of restaurants or independent shops has been getting on our nerves; a Giant full of sketchy produce leaves something to be desired. Nearly every day we'd walk past Azi's, but the windows remained covered with paper and no activity seemed to be taking place. A sign promised "coming soon" -- for months upon months. Was Azi's Cafe to be to Shaw as Bodo's Bagel was to the Corner in Charlottesville? We nearly gave up on the dream of having a coffee and sandwich shop less than a block from our house. Caribou Coffee on 14th would have to do.
Then we returned from vacation, and without warning, Azi's Cafe was alive and bustling. The paper was off the windows; the interior was decorated; and people were streaming in and out of the door, taking coffee, sandwiches and pastries with them. Turns out that contractor delays and other issues had postponed the opening much later than planned, but now everything is officially up and running smoothly.
We stopped in Azi's Cafe, owned by Azeb Desta, a former Ritz Carlton food service director, last Monday to check things out and pick up a cappuccino and sandwich. In the middle of the day (we were home from work due to jet lag and, um, laziness), things were hopping. The bright interior was painted a warm orange and the floor was covered with clean black and white tiles. Service was friendly and quick with tables aplenty. Our cappuccino was quite good; however, at over five bucks, we expected a bit more from our routine chicken salad sandwich. (There are also salads, croissants and a slew of other pastries available.) But no matter! No more terrible homemade cappuccinos or $6 cups from the local Starbucks for us; central Shaw has its first coffee shop, and we'll definitely be hanging out there in the future.
Azi's Cafe is located at 1336 9th Street, NW.
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I was also very happy to see Azi's open. I can't comment on the coffee as I don't drink the stuff but the sandwich was good not great and the chocolate croisant was delicious. Very cool and nice interior and service as well.
Any intel as to when that Bodo's is going to open? I've half a mind to drive down there the day it finally does.
fuck a coffee
Ha! Nice Bodo's reference. It's still sitting there, "Coming Soon" signs in its forlorn front windows. The latest rumor is this spring sometime. Like hell.
the hook reported that it was opening this spring (can't find the story though), but i have my doubts...
Ha! I was in cville for Foxfield, and I'm afraid no, Dan, it's not "coming soon." Just "coming." I think they took the "soon" part down years ago. [sigh]. I with DCeiver, though, I want to be there for the release of 8+ years of anticipation.
Speaking of independent coffeeships, does anyone have any information when (or if) Cafe Collage on 14th & T is reopening? Or why they closed down in the first place?
Went to Azi's today for a Saturday lunch... The staff is extraordinarily polite, but the food, as others have posted, isn't that special - a turkey sandwich that I could have made at home. Still, the atmosphere is bright and welcoming, and I'll head back for coffee/soda/Sunday paper.
I love that the mythical Bodos on the Corner got more reaction than the rest of this story...
My wife and I moved to the neighborhood several weeks ago and have been going to Azi's every couple of days. The Illy coffee is outstanding, the pastries are great and the service is really friendly. They have a hearing coming up in July to let them place tables on the sidewalk, so show your support. I'm really excited for more gathering spots like Azi's and the as-yet-unopened Vegetate to keep coming into central Shaw.
I have an important announcement regarding Cafe Collage, the African art space and Ethiopian coffee house. Supporters of Cafe Collage are holding a fundraiser on Monday June 26th at U Turn Restaurant which is located on the corner of 11th and U Northwest starting at 7pm. There will be a minimal door charge ($5) and 40% of all the drink receipts will be donated to the fundraiser. We are also having an auction of fine art, goods and services, including some really exquisite donations of paintings from artists like Asefa Yeshwawaork and Daniel Taye. There will be performances by Ethiopian folk singers, The Rosemont Family Reunion Band and the new Reggae Gogo band Ras Lidj and Deep Band ( if you haven't seen this band you really should drag yourself away from the couch, they are very fun).
For those of you unfamiliar with what transpired with Cafe Collage, in a nut shell, they came under very hostile and blatant racist attacks and through a series of underhanded tactics a very small (literally like 3) group of people were able to get them shut down. But there are literally hundreds of people in the neighborhood who adore Collage, the people who run it and the amazing artists they have brought in.
We invite and encourage everyone to come out for the event and take this opportunity to show support against the evil side of gentrification in DC. For more information or to donate a piece of art, goods, or service please contact Ray at urbanink@yahoo.com.