It was a late August day that we heard the news -- the Capitol Lounge had burned down. Capitol Hill residents and socialites alike mourned the loss of one of the area's better-known bars, but owner Joe Englert vowed to see the bar back to its old self, writing exclusively to DCist:

...this place is something I love too dearly not to mend, fix up and reintroduce to the Hill. I really appreciate all the generous offers I have had from people all over town to help employees, to paint, to get the word out when I reopen, etc. It may only be bricks and mortar but the place has a soul and we will not let it die.

But, we'd like to hope for the best, so stop on by and report back.

A full set of pictures from the day of the fire is available here.

Update: Word up -- Capitol Lounge will officially re-open today.