FYI – Hamburger Hamlet is closing this week, if it hasn’t already. The parent company in California went bankrupt earlier in the year. The Bethesda location had its equipment liquidated at auction. Now the Crystal City location will be cleaned out. The online auction closes on Thur. All items must be removed by next Sun.
Du-par’s, another California restaurant co., wanted to take over the space and convert it into a 24-hr diner, but the deal didn’t go through. I guess someone can always try to start up a new restaurant in that space, 24-hrs. or not. Or maybe the landlord has other plans. In any case, I hope it doesn’t remain empty for too long. If a new restaurant does move in, they should be a little more modern than Hamburger Hamlet. That might have been an exciting concept in 1950’s Los Angeles, but not really in Arlington VA of 2013. I’d suggest that they add a street-side entrance. Or at least update that stodgy facade. “Hamlet Bar & Restaurant” in plain letters, with a view of the back of some booths? Not really a way to attract passersby. They looked busy at happy hours, but there never seemed to be many people at other times.
I don’t think too many cyclists stopped there, even though it’s close to the MVT connector. They did host some of the post-race parties for the 5K races in Crystal City.
NOTE: Apparently that location was formerly Amelia’s Restaurant, named after Amelia Earhart. Did anyone ever dine there when it was called Amelia’s Restaurant? When did it close and when did Hamburger Hamlet move in?
This is the only webpage I found:
http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/16c12/500/2/
.
