Downtown Bethesda: Where did it all go wrong?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I lived there from 2010-11. I remember going to jaleo for happy hour and enjoying walking around. It seemed more lively than what you’re describing now. I don’t remember other specific stores, but there was a bar we’d frequent

It's still incredibly lively. This thread is really divorced from reality.

[Anonymous]

There's 2 Bethesdas -- old and new. New is Bethesda Row area, and that's mostly chains becasue the landloard (Federal Realty) does not take risks on new lessees.

Old Bethesda is Woodmont Triangle area. Those are older buildings, many owned by Greenhill but with lower rents for sure. There is where you'll find more character and nightlife. Try eating at La Catrina, Gringo's, Hanaro, Alatri, Bacchus. All are local, not chains. Decent food.

What Bethesda lacks is a good high-end cocktail bar. Marriott is doing well with Hip Flask on the roof -- there can be a 1-hour wait to get in on Saturdays -- but they also close at midnight.. and it's a hotel so not exactly local flair.

[Anonymous]

It's a bit odd to look at the list of restaurants in Bethesda Row and say they're all chains. There are some fast casual places that are chains (Sweetgreen, Five Guys), but those types of places are everywhere. This thread makes it sound like if you want s nice sit-down meal, your choices are PF Changs and Cheesecake Factory -- those places exist in downtown Arlington but not downtown Bethesda.

You can see all the options here:
https://www.bethesdarow.com/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We live in a Bethesda neighborhood, just near the DC line. We love the neighborhood, community pool, schools, etc.

But downtown Bethesda really is a disaster. Very few good restaurants, most of the independent shops have closed, and there is generally not much going on. It feels like a cultural vacuum.

We were in Frederick, MD last week and it is the total opposite. It is vibrant, with independent stores, excellent bars and restaurants, diversity. We loved it.

So my question is how did Bethesda end up like it is now? Was it ever anything lie Frederick? Did it have rowhouses that were demolished?

Where and when did it all go wrong?

It’s always been a traffic nightmare, but now it’s way worse. Can’t even get out of the neighborhood streets to activities north, south, East or west.
Wisconsin and Connecticut are always clogged and it takes 10+ traffic lights to get to a parkway or freeway. Living off Massachusetts or MacArthur looks way saner, and can cut over to downtown Bethesda in 5 minutes.

[Anonymous]

Pikes and rose got overbuilt too. Not enough parking for workers or patrons.

[Anonymous]

I loved Philz. Once they left, I basically stopped going to downtown Bethesda.