The latest on Dizzy Issie's
I've been getting worried e-mails from customers of Dizzy Issie's in Remington. Apparently the owner sometimes closes for vacation for a few days, but she always comes back. Now, though, the popular bar been locked up for a longer time than usual, and rumors have been flying.
I know something, but not much: ...
Dizzy Issie's has been sold, I learned from the liquor board. The new owners are Darlene Basta and Angela Kelly. It may or may not be renamed The Dizz. The owners are in the process of getting a liquor license from elsewhere, which is a little odd, but there seem to be tax issues involved with Dizzy Issie's license.
I have a call in to Ms. Basta, but so far I haven't heard back.
(Karl Merton Ferron/Sun photographer)
Comments
Ahhhhhhhh,
I've been waiting for Dizzie's to open. Best place in town. And now, what is going to happen. Plz don't change. Please.
Elaine made it like you were drinking and eating in her dining room in her house and you were her guest, and everyone felt at home. I'll miss her. I just hope that the place remains the same.
Posted by: Wino | June 12, 2008 8:13 PM
There is a 3 page petition posted to allow live entertainment and outdoor seating in addition to the Public Notice to allow change of ownership and liquor license.
Not to be a grump, but as a resident of 30th St., I (like many of my neighbors) think the "activity" produced by Dizzy Issie's has been sufficient before this new proposal. The regular late night shouting, public urination, drunken squealing of wheels, etc is part of our existence, but we pride ourselves as a peaceful community and perhaps bands and outdoor seating will be a bit much...
I hope the new owners keep our beloved corner bar as close to the old Dizzy Issie's as possible.
And rehire Larry the Chef who had a great deal to do with those longed-for juicy burgers :).
Posted by: TheMightyBoog | June 12, 2008 9:20 PM
Tragic. I hope the new owners preserve at least some of the wonderful atmosphere that was Issie's. I still have the umbrella the Chef lent us the last time we were there. When we returned (remembering the umbrella) we were shocked to find it dark.
Posted by: Food Addict | June 12, 2008 11:02 PM
When and if the new owners get their act and liquor license together, we Dizzy denizens will give it a shot. If they still have the fabled burgers (like the amazing "black and blue,") the best chicken salad sandwich in the mid-Atlantic and congenial staffers like Kim, terrific. Otherwise, outdoor seating and live entertainment won't lure us back. Ms. Basta and Ms. Kelly, you've got a tough act to follow. So why not indulge in a little early customer relations by returning Elizabeth Large's call?
Posted by: Michael A Gray | June 13, 2008 7:44 AM
I guess this figures. The wife and I walked in, apparently a week or so before they closed, and the place felt very different. The waitstaff were hurried and surly, and the atmosphere wasn't welcoming.
Posted by: Bob UU | June 13, 2008 8:33 AM
I second Michael #1's comment about bartender Kim. She's the best example of how the staff personifies the personality of a place.
Other than that, here's hoping the food's still homey & good, and that the beer's still cheap.
Posted by: mike | June 13, 2008 9:45 AM
Anybody know anything about Elaine? I wonder if she just decided to retire, or if she has health issues. I first met her 100 years ago when she tended bar at Howard's. Some years later she opened Buckley's at Remington & 29th, which eventually became Dizzy Issie's. She was fun and I wish her well.
Posted by: Dottie | June 13, 2008 10:41 AM
I am so sad right now. Dizzys is an institution.
Posted by: adam | June 13, 2008 12:32 PM
i saw elaine on saturday -- her daughter (angela, i think) is the new owner, and elaine will still be running it. she told me that everything will be the same. they are trying to get permission to build a rooftop deck and have live music. she is planning to reopen in august.
Posted by: joncylus | June 16, 2008 11:32 AM
Matt the bartender!!! You musn't forget him!
Posted by: Marie Fortuno-Shifflett | June 16, 2008 3:19 PM
The awesome bartender's name is KELLY as any real Dizzy's regular would know. And, yes, she is the best bartender in town.
Posted by: D.I. Regular | June 16, 2008 11:14 PM
Reopening can't come fast enough for me. Cooking for myself is not a good thing. (And by the way, Mighty Boog: Larry the chef was very nice and very talented. But there were some issues that could not be overcome.)
Posted by: CharlesV | June 19, 2008 1:22 PM
thanks so much for all your wonderful comments. hope to see everybody on septemper 2nd everything will remain the same same menue and prices miss everybody lots sorry for the inconvenience i will be the over all manager for the dizz i can assure you that the wait will be worth it miss and love you all elaine
Posted by: elaine | August 3, 2008 3:26 PM
I am the new owner of "The Dizz".
My name is Darlene and I am Elaine's sister-in-law. We decided to keep the business in the family. Elaine will still be there as General Manger.
Let me reassure you that everything is remaining the same.
From the prices,the menu,the character of the bar and resturant,and the Great food and cheap beer will be the same. We just gave the place a touch of newness.
We installed all new Glass front windows,new paint,new furniture,new kitchen equipment,refrigiration,new 2-zoned AC and Heat system,new roof,new mini bars seating,ect.
Come and see for yourself on September 2,2008.
Posted by: Darlene Basta | August 6, 2008 6:42 PM
Just a note of gratitude for all the love and support for all those who came to the opening day of "THE DIZZ" formerly known as Dizzy Issies.
Again we say Thank You.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Darlene Basta,Elaine Stevens, & Angela Kelly
Posted by: Darlene Basta | September 3, 2008 9:57 PM