A tipster alerted GM to the fact that the Philadelphia Cheesesteak Factory is all boarded up. There haven’t been any rumors about the historic space, so it was a bit of a mystery why the successful restaurant would close up so abruptly. A call to the restaurant, however, revealed that they aren’t closing down. They’re just performing some renovations and will remain a Philadelphia Cheesesteak Factory when it reopens.
As long as we’re talking about that building, it’s worth pointing out to those that don’t know that it once hosted the legendary music club the Cellar Door.
Image courtesy of the Washington Post
The Cellar Door hosted a who’s-who of American music in the 1970’s. From James Taylor to John Denver to a legendary recording session of an electrified Miles Davis, the Cellar Door was the place.
But even a legendary recording session by Miles Davis may not have been the coolest thing to happen at the club. Check out Mark Seagraves first-person account of one incredible night on the 3400 block of M St.:
And then, at about 11 p.m., Segraves says, “[George Thorogood and the Nighthawks] both got the cue at the right time. Each band broke into ‘Madison Blues.’ Jim Thackery of the Nighthawks busted off the stage out into the middle of M Street. George Thorogood came out of the Cellar Door into the middle of M Street.”
The soundman from the Cellar Door was standing in the middle of M Street, stopping traffic.
“They traded licks for what seemed to be forever, but I’m sure was only a few minutes. They then traded guitars, and took each other’s place back on the opposing stage.”
Crazy stuff.
The Georgetown Metropolitan 