Photo by cerotio.

The short-term booze outlook along Pennsylvania Avenue SE keeps getting darker, at least in the short term: Hill Rag brings news that Capitol Hill institution Hawk ‘n’ Dove will close down this fall, bringing an end to Stuart Long’s 44 years of ownership.

The bar will apparently reopen in a few months’ time, under the hand of Xavier Cervera, whose cache of Hill joints like Molly Malone’s and the Chesapeake Room will at least mean that the bar is remaining in the hands of a local:

The new face of the Hawk is Xavier Cervera, another impresario of Capitol Hill eateries, The Hawk will join the Chesapeake Room, Senart’s Oyster and Chop House, Molly Malone’s, Lola’s and a host of other in-the-works establishments in Cervera’s portfolio. He waxes enthusiastic about his plans (closing in October and re-opening in about six months), and has not only purchased the name, but a good deal of the memorabilia (including the clock, some wall sconces and photographs) which will be returned to the walls. But he adds that it will be a “100% renovation.” He will open three heretofore hidden fireplaces, and plans to panel the walls and bar with the 30,000 pounds of dark mahogany he has already purchased. As for the exterior, he has consulted with Nancy Metzger of the Capitol Hill Restoration Society, and the Historic Preservation Office, for their advice prior to a September 6th CHRS hearing, and looks forward to the façade being an asset to the Avenue.

The Rag also reports that Cervera will be making some skeletal changes to the interior of the bar, including the installation of a “welcoming, open space overlooked by a mezzanine, and featuring a 50-foot exhibition bar, dispensing 25 beers on tap and 16 wines by the glass.” That doesn’t sound like the kind of change that will appeal to those who prefer their beer accompanied by the dank, dark corners the bar currently boasts, but hey, we’ll reserve full judgment until we can lay eyes on the place.

On the whole, it’s not like there’s any shortage of options to get a drink in the neighborhood. But losing both the Tune Inn and Hawk ‘n’ Dove in the span of a couple months — however temporarily — definitely presents a bit of a crimp for those who prefer to do their drinking in the shadow of the Capitol building.