Parva Cocina & Tequila Bar closes in Bethesda

Sadly, The Parva has closed in Bethesda. A sign on the front of the shuttered restaurant and bar states that the lease was up. All social media accounts appear to have been shut down, and the website is almost empty of content besides an online ordering prompt.

While it was known that a new landlord had purchased the building at 7904 Woodmont Avenue, and put it up for lease last year (and that the lease was indeed due to run out in 2016), it was surprising it closed so soon. The restaurant opened in May 2011, not January.

The owners say they hope to reopen soon in a nearby location. With all of the shuttered nightspots in Bethesda, there are some spaces available, such as the former Relic on Fairmont Avenue.

This is at least the seventh nightspot to close in downtown Bethesda since 2011.

The restaurant evolved from the South Beach/Miami Vice-inspired lounge it debuted as in 2011, to a Tex-Mex theme in 2014. It was one of only three nightspots to offer bottle/VIP table service in Bethesda.

While the property presents a potential redevelopment opportunity, the most viable scenario would be to consolidate this site with the Jetties/BGR building next door. There's no indication that landowner is interested in doing so at this time.

The owners of The Parva should be commended for bringing something new and unique to Bethesda nightlife, and hopefully they will be starting a new business here soon.

PARVA SPACE FOR LEASE; RESTAURANT STILL OPEN

Parva Cocina & Tequila Bar's building is up for lease by the Papadopoulos Group. The 4278 SF, two-level space at 7904 Woodmont Avenue is available as one building, or as two separate floors. Parva is still operating, and my understanding is that they have a lease that runs until 2016. So it seems somewhat premature to be listing the space. On the other hand, it suggests it is less likely that the lease will be renewed next year, in any case.

That would be a shame, as downtown Bethesda can ill-afford to lose yet another nightspot. Already, we've lost BlackFinn, Relic, Ri-Ra and Roof, after the County's failed "Nighttime Economy" initiative bombed. And Parva is one spot that has put life into nightlife. It is also a rare hub of diversity, bringing Latin sounds and events to Bethesda after hours. I know some nearby residents have complained of noise or nighttime disturbances, but one would hope that these issues could be worked out. After all, the next tenant could be noisier, and the next business owners might not be as attentive to the property as Parva's have been. 

Photo via Papadopoulos Group

PARVA COCINA AND TEQUILA BAR MENU (PHOTOS) + HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS

Here is the menu for the revamped Parva on Woodmont Avenue, now known as Parva Cocina & Tequila Bar. The menu has indeed shifted from the South American cuisine of the original Parva to that of Mexico, in keeping with the name change. Stop by, and you can also check out the newly renovated restaurant and lounge. Click on the photos to enlarge menu pages for greater detail:

Parva Cocina & Tequila Bar

7904 Woodmont Avenue

PARVA COCINA & TEQUILA BAR TO OPEN AUGUST 7 IN BETHESDA

I have a few more details on the Parva Cocina & Tequila Bar story I reported yesterday. The revamped Parva Restaurant and Lounge at 7904 Woodmont Avenue will celebrate its grand reopening next Thursday, August 7.

The renovated Parva's tequila bar will stock over 32 tequilas, and the business has a new logo, as shown above.

THE PARVA TO REOPEN AS PARVA COCINA & TEQUILA BAR IN BETHESDA

The Parva, a Latin American restaurant and lounge at 7904 Woodmont Avenue, is currently renovating its dining room, and will reopen as Parva Cocina & Tequila Bar. During the renovation, the upper level Parva Lounge will remain open for business on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.

While The Parva specialized in South American cuisines, including those of Colombia, Argentina, Venezuela and Peru, the new concept suggests a more Mexican theme. The owners recently opened a Tex-Mex restaurant and lounge in Wheaton, called El Fogón de Wheaton.

Stay tuned for details on the grand reopening.