The Hawk 'n' Dove, the iconic saloon on Pennsylvania Avenue SE that has served politicians — including an "up and coming" Marion Barry — and Capitol Hill locals for decades, has been sold to D.C. restaurateur Xavier Cervera (of Chesapeake Room, Senart’s Oyster and Chop House, Molly Malone’s, and Lola’s). HillRag has more about the sale and Cervera's plans, but the origin story is more interesting:

On December 23, 1967, the Hawk and Dove opened its doors. The name? The bar opened during the depths of the Vietnam War, but [44-year owner Stuart] Long, a staunch anti-war Democrat, wanted both Democrats and Republicans to spend their money at his establishment — a stroke of business savvy that has continued to pay off over the years. Of course, the Hawk became a headquarters for people coming to Washington to protest the war, so crowded on demonstration days that one early bartender recalls crying on the job because so much tear gas had permeated customers’ clothing.

The Hawk will close in October. With the change in ownership, patrons can expect a new menu, decor, and name when the space reopens next spring. He plans to use a "locally-sourced, seasonal bistro menu prepared in an open kitchen," along with 25 beers on tap and 16 wines by the glass. The small rooms will be replaced by an open space, and he "will open three hitherto hidden fireplaces."

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At least on thing won't change, though: Cervera says the bistro will remain the home pub for those insufferable Cheeseheads.