10 Upcoming MoCo Restaurant Openings That Have Created The Most Buzz

Life shouldn’t be about views, likes, and shares, but this article will be as we take a look at the upcoming restaurants that have created the most buzz on our website and associated social media accounts.

A couple weeks back we created a list of all the upcoming restaurant openings in the county, but today we’re going to highlight the ten that have generated the most buzz in terms of views, likes, and shares.

10. Chadol Korean BBQ in Research Row (Rockville)

Rockville is getting a new Korean BBQ restaurant, this time at Research Row (1403 Research Blvd) Suite A-8).

Construction began back in May, and progress has been made, but it’s not ready to go yet. We’ll have an opening date for you as soon as it’s available. It is located next to Robek’s, across from One Life Fitness and the recently opened Grill Kabob. 

Many One Life Fitness members have expressed delight at the upcoming opening. “Great tasting protein right after a workout? It’s a perfect fit.” exclaimed instagram user @FunnyYanni90 in our original post announcing the upcoming restaurant.

 

9. Dog Haus- Downtown Silver Spring

Dog Haus is preparing to open its third location in Montgomery County at 933 Ellsworth Dr. in Downtown Silver Spring, the space formerly home to Lebanese Taverna (now on Fenton Street).

The first Dog Haus opened in Pasadena, CA in 2010. In 2018, they opened their first east coast location in Bethesda (7904 Woodmont Ave). The Gaithersburg location (644 Center Point Way) opened in January of 2020.

Dog Haus is known for its gourmet hot dogs and burgers, as well as a large local craft beer draft list. The cocktails on their menu are created by Bar Rescue’s Phil Wills.

The restaurant hopes to open in the coming months.

 

8. Burton’s Grill & Bar- Kentlands

Burtons Grill and Bar opened its doors back in 2005 and offers “chef-driven, innovative local preparations, and traditional fare.” It was voted Most Allergy-Friendly Restaurant in 2019 by AllergyEats.

In July we spoke with representatives from the real estate agency for Kentlands Market Square and they informed us that Burton’s Grill and Bar was still planning on opening a location across the paseo from MOD Pizza, although not until 2022.

This would be the first Burton’s restaurant in Montgomery County. They have nearby locations in Alexandria, Sterling, and Riverdale Park.

 

7. Gregorio’s Trattoria- Park Potomac

Gregorio’s Trattoria, an Italian restaurant, will open its third MoCo location, and fourth overall, in Park Potomac in 2022. It will be located in the former home of Sugo (12505 Park Potomac Ave), which closed its doors permanently earlier this summer.

Gregorio’s started out in Reston in 2008 and opened a second location in what’s now Cabin John Village in Potomac.

The restaurant opened its second MoCo location last November at the Shops at Sumner Place in Bethesda, in the spot that was home to China Pavilion for over two decades until it closed almost three years ago.

They hope to open the new location in the first half of 2022.

 

6. Sweet Block- Colesville

Signage has been installed for a few months at 24B Vital Way in Silver Spring (Colesville) for carry ou /delivery only restaurant Sweet Block.

Sweet Block will offer tropical desserts along with traditional treats only found in the streets of various Latin countries. The owners told us that they are looking to open this fall and that the one stop dessert shop will feature Latin food, art, and culture from various countries such as Mexico, Colombia, El Salvador, Brazil, Puerto Rico, and Peru.

Some of the menu items will include Mangonadas, Esquites (corn in a cup), in-house ice cream, carved/prepared fruits, and juices/smoothies.

 

5. Èkó House- Rockville Town Square

In August we let you know Èkó House would be coming to the space formerly occupied by Bar Louie at 150 Gibbs St. in Rockville Town Square.

The restaurant was granted its beer, wine, and liquor license hearing with Montgomery County on November 4th, and now signage is up and work is ongoing inside the restaurant.

Èkó House (Èkó), a 6,500-square-foot full-service Nigerian restaurant and will open later this year. The restaurant will offer authentic and delicious fusions of well known and loved Nigerian food. It will have a magnificent ambience, with aesthetics that highlight the rich cultures, people and places of the country. The restaurant will seat 250 people and will include a private room for special events and celebrations.

No opening date has been set yet.

 

4. Kusshi Ko- Downtown Silver Spring

Kusshi ko, a restaurant by the folks who have brought you Kusshi Sushi (Pike & Rose), Hanaro (Bethesda), and Poke Dojo (Bethesda Row), will be moving into the location formerly occupied by Gusto in Downtown Silver Spring (8512 Fenton Street).

For now, management tells us they know that sushi will be part of what the restaurant offers, but they’re looking into doing more than just sushi with the space. “We know it‘ll be more quick service style,” owner Wesley Yao tells us.

Gusto announced its permanent closure in January of this year and the ink is still drying on this contract with plenty of construction likely, so it’ll likely be a while before we see Kusshiko make its Downtown Silver Spring debut.

You can follow the progress on their Instagram account, @kusshiko

 

3. The Salt Line- Bethesda

The Salt Line will be moving in to 4900 Hampden Lane– the space that was formerly home to Kapnos (and would have been home to The Riggsby). We were also told a Ballston, VA location would be opening in 2-3 weeks.

The Salt Line DC location is a waterfront venture that opened near Navy Yard in June of 2017 with a 100-seat patio bar overlooking the Anacostia River. While the Bethesda location won’t be overlooking the water, Bethesda Row offers a highly walkable, bustling downtown experience in Montgomery County.

Per The Salt Line website:

“At The Salt Line, we’re taking inspiration from that magical blend and creating a lively and welcoming experience of classic New England dishes influenced by the bounty of the Chesapeake. Each day The Salt Line features a rotating selection of local Chesapeake and New England oysters.When available, you can find ‘Cthulhu Deeps’, The Salt Line proprietary oyster, on the menu. Hailing from Otter Cove farm on the Damariscatta River in Maine, Cthulhu Deeps are the perfect balance of crisp, briny, and salty with moderate flavor and texture.”

 

2. HalfSmoke- Rockville Town Square

HalfSmoke was the first restaurant of its kind to serve gourmet sausages via an assembly line format. Their sausages and toppings can be fully customized to create over 50,000 variations. Their menu also features craft beer, mac and cheese balls, tater tots, milkshakes, funnel cakes, wine, cocktails, and more.

The new Rockville location will take over the spot that was recently home to Pandora and previously home to American Tap Room and Austin Grill at 36A Maryland Ave.

The 50-employee Rockville location will be 6,000 square feet with 150 seats inside under normal capacity and seating for 30 outside.

We were told by representatives from HalfSmoke that they are now projecting to open at the beginning of December.

 

1.Lapu Lapu Kentlands

Lapu Lapu, which will be the sister restaurant of popular Rockville/North Bethesda/Kensington restaurant Kuya Ja’s Lechon Belly, announced via Instagram that it will be opening in the Kentlands neighborhood of Gaithersburg.

The new restaurant will be taking over the 325 square foot storefront that was formerly home to Tex-Mex restaurant Peppers, located next to Vasili’s.

Kuya Ja’s Lechon Belly started as a pop-up at owner Javier Fernandez’ sister’s bakery– Gwenie’s Pastries (12113 Nebel Street in Rockville) in 2016, before opening at 5268-H Nicholson Ln 240-669-4383. The restaurant is known for its lechon—crispy, bronzed pork belly.

We will have more information on the upcoming Lapu Lapu as it becomes available.

 

 

Honorable Mention: Wawa- Gaithersburg

Wawa has plans for five to 10 new locations throughout Virginia each year for the next several years. (Courtesy Wawa)

Wawa would have come in first, but because it’s more of a convenience store than a restaurant, we’re going to just list it here.

Back in 2019 we reported that Wawa was coming to Gaithersburg and would be taking over the old Becraft Antiques location on 355, across from Gaithersburg High School (405 S Frederick Ave).

The latest we’ve heard is that Wawa is currently working through their final site plan with the City of Gaithersburg in order to present and get approval from the Planning Commission. Once approved, Wawa move forward with construction.

Public opposition to the site led to the development being stalled after a group of 14 community members filed an administrative appeal in the Montgomery County Circuit Court.

The opponents of the site had stated that the Wawa does not align with MoCo’s master plan and would generate traffic and noise annoyances for residents in the surrounding areas.

Back in April Judge Donald Beachley struck down the appeal, clearing the way for development to begin.

Recent Stories

Chief Antonio DeVaul from the Takoma Park Police Department has announced the arrest of Antonio Thompson, 29, of no fixed address, for stolen auto, theft from auto and 1st degree…

A Rottweiler puppy has been reunited with its owner after a good samaritan found the dog in a dumpster near her Silver Spring apartment on Thursday morning.

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation has announced that beginning Friday, March 29, Ride On Route 76 (Shady Grove/Poolesville) will no longer serve The Crossvines Golf Course as a termination point…

According to Montgomery County Police, the coyote that attacked two people on Thursday, March 28, was located along a trail near Dustin Rd in Burtonsville. It was shot and killed…

FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival

Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.

Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.

Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.

Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.

As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.

Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.

LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!

MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME

2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES

KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!

Bethesda Film Fest

The 2024 Bethesda Film Fest will feature five short documentary films made by filmmakers from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Screenings will be held Friday April 5 and Saturday April 6 at Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema.

×

Subscribe to our mailing list