It appears the Crystal City space formerly occupied by Memphis Barbeque will be getting a new tenant.
A recently-filed permit application says that Bar Louie is planning to open at 320 23rd Street S. The Texas-based bar/restaurant chain has more than 40 locations across the country, including two nearby locations: next to the Gallery Place Metro station in D.C., and in the Rockville Town Square development in Maryland.
Bar Louie also has restaurants in Miami, Tampa, Chicago, Milwaukee and Pittsburgh. It describes itself as “an eclectic urban bar made famous for our signature martinis, cocktails and dynamic beer selection.”
Memphis Barbeque, which opened in December 2011, suddenly closed in January. Its phone number was disconnected around that time and its website has been taken down, despite indications it may reopen.
So far, no word on when Bar Louie is expected to open.
Update at 5:15 p.m. — A Bar Louie spokeswoman denies that a final location has been chosen for the restaurant.
“We are continuing to review locations in Arlington, Va.,” said Bar Louie marketing manager Amanda Utter. “At the present time nothing has been finalized.”