Compass Rose transforms into an all-day cafe and wine bar
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Grab a bottle of natural wine and "European nachos" at Sook. Photo: Courtesy Jen Chase
Fun, affordable, homey — that's what Maydan restaurateur Rose Previte wanted with Sook, her new all-day cafe and wine bar now open on 14th Street.
Why it matters: It's built for the neighborhood and WFH life: You can telework over Lebanese breakfast plates, then roll straight into spritz hour.
State of plate: Once Previte closed Compass Rose after 11 years, she reimagined the historic townhouse she previously lived in.
- Out: a lengthy menu, spendy cocktails and full-service — though thankfully, the iconic khachapuri remains.
- In: counter service and cozy corners for lingering over fig leaf lattes or natty wines with toum fries.
The menu: Daytime brings pastries, sandwiches and labneh-ranch chopped salad. Most dishes land between $6–$20; wines start at $12.
- After 3pm: fun bites like mini mortadella sandwiches, Syrian seven-spice wings, a smashburger and "European nachos" (potato chips piled with charcuterie, olives and parm).
To drink: Spritzes and natural wines — many from small or women-led producers, echoing Previte's "Go There Wines" company ethos.
Between the lines: "Sook," from the Arabic word for "bazaar," doubles as a marketplace for Maydan spice rubs, ceramics and bottles to go.
The intrigue: Co-founder Sashi Jayatileke, a former USAID staffer, brings her development-world experience supporting female entrepreneurs into hospitality.
- Previte says the cafe is already popular for networking and meeting.
What they're saying: "What we're seeing now is people just wanting to gather," says Previte. "It's not like the food isn't important — it can be fun and delicious — but people need an affordable night, or day, out."
If you go: Sook. 1346 T Street Northwest. Open daily 7am-3pm. Until 10pm, Weds-Sun.