Murky Coffee, R.I.P. 2002-2008

Washington City Paper is reporting that Murky Coffee here in the Capital Hill neighborhood may be permanently shut down:

''As reported previously in this space, Murky in late February was shut down by D.C. tax authorities over an unpaid tax bill tallying roughly $220,000.''

Nick Cho, president and head barista of Murky, posted a note on the store window making it sound like the it was The Man screwing with them. Hmm, you don't pay over $200,000 in back taxes and the D.C. Government shuts you down? Yes, definitely unfair. As I said before, Murky I love you but you're bringing me down.

And it gets worse, a note from the attorney representing the landlord of the space (which I didn't see posted on the glass when I walked by tonight after work-- but there were new address labels on the windows) means business:

''This is your official (30) day notice to quit and vacate the premises at 660/666 Pennsylvania Avenue, S.E. Washington D.C. 20003. Due to expiration of your month to month lease term. If you do not vacate or[sic] before May 1, 2008, the landlord/owner will file an action for possession in the Landlord and Tenant Branch of the District of Columbia Superior Court.''

That sounds like a curtain call to me. Murky, I loved the times we spent together and will miss you, R.I.P.

P.S.- I don't know how or if the shutdown of the Capital Hill location has affected the Arlington location, haven't seen any news on that. If you know something, leave me a comment or email me, cpherbert [at] gmail.com.