Dacha Shrinks Logan Circle Beer Garden to Silence Noise Complaints

Shaw drinking spot Dacha Beer Garden hopes to quash opposition to a new Logan Circle outpost by spending millions more than originally planned on soundproofing. Dacha founders Ilya Alter and Dmitri Chekaldin just revised what was originally pitched to the public as an open-air drinking haven for 600.

To muffle booze-related noise, now nearly two-thirds of the projected space will be fully enclosed. The massive build out has raised construction costs by $3 million, according to the owners. The building, slated to replace a vacant lot next to newcomer Chicken and Whiskey, will stretch across S Street NW and along the back alley:

And there’s more: The new plan will delete DJs and live music from the equation (with “background music” only, promise the owners).

The approvals process has been especially tedious because the site falls under the purview of three Advisory Neighborhood Commissions — U Street, Dupont Circle, and Logan Circle — which all need to sign off for Dacha to secure the necessary liquor license.

Dupont ANC missed the deadline to weigh in, so now the remaining step is to persuade the Logan Circle and U Street ANCs to negotiate a licensing settlement agreement with the new plan in mind. One campaign sweetener: An online poll seeking input on the “iconic female figure” to grace the new building, with Hillary Clinton and Audrey Hepburn as contenders.

Dacha debuted its first location in Shaw four years ago, becoming an airy destination for neighbors and their furry friends to down German, Belgian, and American craft beers in huge glass boots.

Dacha is close to clinching final approval for a third venue at the new Dock 79 development next to Nationals Park.