Hillcrest’s most popular restaurant bar has been transformed. The crazy-packed Hamburger Mary’s is now Urban Mo’s. Longtime businesssmen Chris Shaw and Doug Snyder opened the franchise in 1992 at the fomer site of the Mandolin Wind (’70s-’80s). Co-owner Matt Ramon who’s been a part of Mary’s success since the beginning gets credit for the name change (first used on Will & Grace). The boyz also seized the opportunity to create a new decor and menu. Dinners now feature steaks, fish and a yummy barbecued meatloaf.
• Across the street 301 University has gotten the ‘go ahead,’ but last week’s GLT readers’ poll showed 59% against the 12-story tower. HillQuest’s poll continues to run over 56% against. What’s next? Within the next week, Save Hillcrest will need to make a major decision whether to exercise a legal obligation or to allow the City Council vote to stand. Will they find the funding needed?
• Sumptin exciting is coming to Hillcrest (and it’s only one story). PB’s James Brennan (who created Gaslamp’sStingaree) is moving forward with plans for Universal on the northeast corner of University and Vermont. A hip supper club and lounge has been designed for the building that has been a x-rated movie house and an F Street video business for decades. The upscale Universal will be a great asset to the neighborhood.
• We were sad to see Sue Palmer, San Diego’s Queen of Boogie Woogie, recently end her great run at Martinis Above Fourth, but in her place Dale, Chaz and Johnny have launched Date Night every Thursday thru October. Sue andCandye are off to entertain Europeans at the end of the month.
• Hash House owners Craig “Andy” Beardslee and Johnny Rivera have secured the former location of Rice Jones on Fifth Avenue just south of Pennsylvania for their new eatery which is expected to open the first week of October. The Tractor Room, across the street from the construction work on the new Atlas Hillcrest condos, will feature late night dining and cocktails.
• Have you seen the new hot dog cart under the Hillcrest sign? Grab a vegi-dog! We hear a new gelato storefront will be opening nearby on Fifth Avenue quite soon.
