Many of our readers are shocked (shocked!) to find out that we at DCist are ardent supporters of independent retail establishments in our fair city. Sometimes we’re even capable of overreaction to the threat of national chains on our beloved mom ‘n pops. Remember when so much doom and gloom followed a Washington Post story on the changing nature of retail on Connecticut Ave? But you’ll have to forgive us if each of our hearts hasn’t warmed—just a little bit—to the recent developments on 18th Street, on the few blocks where Dupont careens up into Adams-Morgan.

The three-block strip of 18th spanning from S Street to California Street already teems with established neighborhood spots, from Rosemary’s Thyme and Dupont Market on up to Duplex Diner and Cafe L’Enfant (with some Tex-Mex place in between). Now a host of new indie restaurants and shops are joining the fray.

Neighbors have recently noticed the unassuming new storefront of Bobby Lew’s Saloon, a watering hole nestled into the tiny space formerly occupied by Staccato. The pub is a new venture by Bobby Lewis and Martin Corboy and though it just opened last Friday, the little place instantly feels a little shabby. That’s potentially a very good thing in a city where the pub scene often has more style than substance. Inside, a PBR mirror, a stuffed buffalo head, and flat screen TV’s all share the limited wall space and classic R&B croons from the speakers. If it seems like the bartender is genial enough to run for Congress, he already has. The bar also plans to add a BBQ menu, adding some more diversity to Adams-Morgan eateries.