An esteemed restaurateur is preparing to say “bonjour” to the space that a DC institution recently said “adieu” to. Celebrated hospitality veteran Hakan Ilhan is bringing Le Midi, a French brasserie and bar, to the old home of Capitol City Brewing Co., reports the Washington Business Journal.
Le Midi will be the first new tenant at 1100 New York Avenue NW in over 30 years. Capitol City Brewing Co. closed its doors this summer, and while locals are mourning the loss of that venerable establishment, Ilhan’s latest project promises to bring something new and exciting to the area dining scene.
Ilhan explains that he is not discouraged by the implications of Capitol City Brewing Co.’s closure, saying: “Thirty-three years-plus of Capitol City Brewing, that tells you about the location. When someone stays in a location for more than 10, 15, 20 years, it really becomes the location, but trends do change. The brewing pubs were hot a few decades ago. Not anymore. We feel a French bistro is really what the new generation enjoys.”
The 11,000 square foot restaurant space will be able to seat up to 300 guests inside, with outdoor patio space for an additional 65 customers. Le Midi will attempt to replicate the feel of Southern France through vivid colors and delicious dishes like Bouillabaisse and French onion soup.
Residents will be able to sample Le Midi’s menu in fall of 2026.
