PAUL USA Opening Soon in Georgetown

by Samantha Grieder
Captial Cooking Contributor

For more than two decades, the space at 1078 Wisonsin Ave. NW has been unoccupied. Until now, that is. PAUL USA has taken up residence at the location, conveniently found at the intersection of M St. and Wisconsin, right in the middle of Georgetown. This comes after the French bakery opened its U.S. flagship store in Penn Quarter back in May.

Downstairs PAUL take-away counter

It took two full years to renovate the Georgetown shop to become what it is now. The space was originally built in 1889, the same year the original PAUL opened in Lille, France. All the original bricks were taken down, saved, and placed back into positioning, one-by-one. Recycled wood was imported from the north of France and used for extra detailing. Exposed beams and a beautiful skylight enliven the second floor dining area. And it seems that all the hard work is finally about to pay off. Though small, the new shop is impressive.

Second floor skylight and decoration

Guests enter downstairs and, like other locations, can order at the counter for take-away. This new Georgetown PAUL, however, will offer something new: full, sit-down service. Travel up the wooden staircase and grab one of the 36 velvet seats. There are kitchens on both floors to service the needs of all guests.

Second floor seating area, overlooking Wisconsin Ave.

Though this location is new, it shares the same quality that has sustained PAUL since the original opening in the 19th century. From baguettes and sandwiches to tarts and macarons, all the food and drink will be just as familiar and lovely as ever.

Excited patrons can expect a soft opening on November 14 or 15th, with a hard open on Monday, November 21st. One thing is for sure, any guest who likes PAUL will love the new Georgetown location.