Iconic Washington, DC, Bar To Close Its Doors After 26 Years

The life of another iconic bar has come to an end as Capital Lounge in Washington, D.C., has announced that it will be closing its doors on Sept. 20.

The bar that had a simple motto – “No Politics, No Miller Lite” – was a landmark on Pennsylvania Ave. It served hearty food and provided a socializing spot for many visitors. Capital Lounge, much like many other bars and restaurants, had been temporarily shut down during the outbreak to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

In a message to its customers, Capital Lounge wrote on Twitter, “It is with the heaviest of hearts to report that our last day of service will be Sunday, 9/20. It’s been a great 26-year run, and we’re most proud of the way our management and staff have handled incredible adversity over the last 6 months. Thanks to all for the love and support.”

The news of the permanent shuttering of Capital Lounge comes just days after it was denied for a Facebook small business loan that may have helped it weather the pandemic and stay afloat a little longer.

In recent months, Capital Lounge sought revenue from t-shirt sales and cocktail concoctions.

The closing of Capital Lounge follows a trend of many small businesses that have shuttered amid the pandemic. The Washington Post reported in May that over 100,000 small businesses had permanently closed. Bloomberg reported in August that the restaurant industry had the most local business closures.

Indeed, restaurants across the U.S. continue to file for bankruptcy and shutter locations at a rapid pace. A big reason for the bar and restaurant industry closures involves small-business owners forced to rethink their operations when faced with capacity limits and new safety measures.

Boston is another area that has seen landmark bars close. The "Cheers" replica bar in the Faneuil Hall Marketplace and the Fours Sportsbar outside the TD Garden Arena both closed their doors amid the pandemic.