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Northern Virginia’s Front Page, a Ballston mainstay that’s served countless Washington Capitals players as well as bloody mary-loving weekend warriors over the past few decades, is closing at the end of the month.
The neighborhood watering hole’s final last call is slated for midnight on Sunday, December 31, a current employee confirmed to Eater Tuesday, December 12. ARLnow first reported news of the imminent departure from its long-time home at 4201 Wilson Boulevard.
The reason for the popular brunch spot’s closure stems from a lease issue, not a lack of business, says the employee. “They are renovating the building and we are not coming back,” he added.
The bar sits at the base of Stafford Place I, which lost the headquarters of the National Science Foundation to Alexandria, and is destined for a revamp. The entire neighborhood is in the midst of a full-blown makeover, which includes next year’s incoming Quarter Market — new food hall that’s carved out room for 18 new restaurants.
About a dozen employees’ jobs at Front Page will be impacted, the existing staffer estimates. A Dupont Circle location that carries the same name is not affiliated, nor will it be affected.
It does not appear there’s going to be an official goodbye party or invitation to drink the bar dry, which was the case this summer at downtown’s Boss Shepherd’s.
