Exclusive: Bub and Pop's will soon reopen in NoMa with spiked sodas and bowling
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Bub and Pop's O.G. Italian hoagie. Photo: Astrid Riecken for The Washington Post via Getty Images
Beloved sandwich shop Bub and Pop's will soon open in a new, larger location in NoMa after a decade-plus in Dupont Circle, the owner exclusively tells Axios.
Why it matters: Bub's seemingly abrupt shutter last week sparked fear of a permanent closure among its fanbase, but don't worry — the new version in the former Eleanor space promises to be bigger and better than ever.
State of play: Chef/owner Jon Taub tells Axios he's aiming to open in about two weeks. He's keeping the bones of the Eleanor's barcade, meaning plenty of room to settle in with a beer and play throwback games or duck pin bowling.
- And the core menu of Philly-style hoagies and cheesesteaks will live on, as will the "Lil' Petey" sandwich-eating challenge.
Dig in: Taub tells Axios he's looking forward to expanding the offerings — with plenty of nostalgic nods to his favorite hometown Philly spots.
- A custom soda fountain inspired by Nifty Fifty's will turn out egg creams, floats and malts, which customers can spike with booze (also look for wine, Champagne and beer).
- Taub is working on a new pizza menu, as well as fun bar snacks for game days. Diners will also have a few lighter options for times when a huge Italian hoagie or braised beef brisket sandwich won't fly.
Context: Taub says the move has been in the works for a while after their landlord decided to double the rent on the small, mostly takeout shop. "It would have shuttered our business overnight," he says.
- The landlord filed an eviction lawsuit earlier this year, seeking nearly $250,000 in unpaid rent and fees, which Taub tells Axios is erroneous, and that they've been "following legal counsel" since.
Between the lines: Taub has been making his own breads and hoagie rolls for a year-plus — which, along with homemade pickles and sauces, sets Bub's apart.
- Now he's upping the game with a new Polin oven. "It's how Angelo's in Philly achieves that perfect crust and bronze color," he says.
- All of the homemade accoutrements will be available to take away. "I know Trader Joe's is right down the street, but I wanted people to be able to come home with a container of our marinara and have a nice dinner."
If you go: Bub and Pop's, 100 Florida Avenue Northeast.