Now and not so long ago: Stoupsy’s Cafe
Today, the northeast corner of N Street and Wisconsin Avenue NW houses Paolo’s Restaurant, but in 1993 it was Stoupsy’s Cafe. Actually, Paolo’s was there too, but only occupied part of the space they have today.
Stoupsy’s Cafe was a Greek restaurant. There is a Stoupsy’s restaurant in International Square downtown and one out at the White Flint Mall. I’m not sure when Stoupsy’s closed or when Paolo’s took over the space, or if the Stoupsy’s are related. Does anyone know?
Prior to being Stoupsy’s, this space was a Little Tavern burger shop, a now-gone Baltimore-based chain. You can tell that it was once a Little Tavern since it has the distinctive architecture of the chain.
It’s funny, because I never realized that Paolo’s was once a Little Tavern, but as soon as I saw the photo of Stoupsy’s, with the old paint job, I knew immediately that it must have been a Little Tavern. According to one account, the Little Tavern closed down in the late 80’s.
Georgetown’s Sweetgreen. Photo by M.V. Jantzen on Flickr.
Georgetown is home to another old Little Tavern shop. Today, Sweet Green on M Street is in its building. The renovations done to that location kept more of the Little Tavern features, probably because the color scheme works for Sweet Green. It’s great that where one old treasured regional chain once stood, another popular homegrown chain took root.
Finally, it’s interesting to see that the trompe-l’oeil on the wall next to Paolo’s is at least 18 years old. What a great addition it was, whenever it was painted.
Cross-posted on the Georgetown Metropolitan.