Nearly four years after Donburi launched its pilot location in Adams Morgan, the rice bowl restaurant is readying to open its doors in Dupont. The second location debuts Monday at 1134 19th St. NW, which used to be Sophie’s Cuban Cuisine.

To start they’ll serve a limited menu, according to owner James Jang, including pork katsudon (panko-covered pork loin), ebi katsudon (panko-covered shrimp), and sakedon featuring slices of salmon sashimi. These proteins are all served over piping hot rice with pickles, savory sauces, and more.

The full menu should be available after Labor Day, with some dishes like pork belly donburi and a vegan mapo tofu donburi. “I’ve been trying hard to find a good vegan dish that everybody is asking for,” Jang says. See a sample menu from the Adams Morgan location below.

Donburi’s Dupont location is a full three stories, two of which will be utilized for the beginning. The first floor will mirror the Adams Morgan location in that it will feature an open kitchen and bar seating. The second floor will have additional seats, and Jang says they’re still deciding what to do with the third floor. (Please consider karaoke.)

Because there’s significantly more seating in Dupont, Jang says they’re putting together a menu of small dishes that pair well with beer and sake. But don’t expect these dishes right away either because Donburi won’t start serving alcohol for a couple of weeks. 

Starting Monday, the hours are from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. 

Donburi, 1134 19th St. NW; facebook.com/pg/donburidc