Northwest Standby Cafe Ole Is Closing January 31

Cafe Ole, the self-proclaimed “Mediterranean bistro” that’s provided D.C. diners with a steady supply of mezze, flatbreads, and kebab platters over the past two decades, is closing at the end of the month due to a major shift in the local landscape.

“Fannie Mae is moving downtown and the building is being redeveloped,” Cafe Ole’s management alerted supporters via social media about the imminent departure from its home at 4000 Wisconsin Avenue NW. The owners of the Lebanese restaurant wrote that they’ll be closing up shop on Wednesday, January 31, and expressed gratitude for the warm reception they received from the neighborhood.

“It has been a great run and we would like to thank all of our customers for making it such a success. Please come by for a last meal and a toast to the future!” management wrote online.

During its run in D.C. the restaurant turned out a variety of lamb offerings; featured dishes ranged from seasonal selections (lamb chili) and lunch specials (lamb burgers) to house favorites (lamb stew).