Drinks just taste better when sipped out of a pineapple, or a coconut, or a funky glass garnished with fruits and flames. Tiki cocktails are fun, and perfect for summer. Get your fill at these pop-ups (or one of these great year-round tiki spots).
1539 Seventh St., NW
This “tiki nuevo” pop-up on the Passenger’s second floor may become permanent (fingers crossed). Regardless, you’ll want to spend a summer evening chilling in the AC with one of Tom and Nick Brown‘s creative cocktails—any can be served in a pineapple for an extra $5—or a whole scorpion bowl. In addition to rum drinks, you’ll also find sips made with mezcal, tequila, and pisco. To pad the stomach there’s Hawaiian diner food like spam musubi balls and loco moco. Tuesday through Saturday
2007 18th St., NW
Jack Rose slings some seriously great drinks, and the seasonal terrace tiki bar is no exception. A bigger-than-ever menu includes tropical libations (all $13), fruit-infused beers, and island-style snacks like salmon poke bowls and tacos from new chef Jon de Paz. The best time to drop by are “Tiki Thursdays,” when all food and drinks—including the rum-apricot Millionaire’s Cocktail—are half-off. Thursday through Saturday, through early fall.
251 Florida Ave., NW
Shaw’s new hotel-inspired bar is going tiki for July and August, with a cooling menu of drinks from barman Brian Nixon (and a little tiki-kitsch decor to offset the vintage lobby bar feel). Drinkers can pick between classics like mai tais or crafty riffs such as the Aloha Shirt with rum, amaro, Cotton & Red allspice dram, and house-made coconut cream. Order any in a group-size pineapple for $30. Through August
7134 Main St., Clifton
Clifton, Virginia may feel far from the ocean, but Trummer’s is channeling an island vibe with a two-story outdoor tiki deck that opened Tuesday. Drinks range from individual rum-filled coconuts ($11) to booze boats for two-to-four like the Lua with watermelon, yuzu, rum, and cachaça ($35). Chef Jon Cropf created a special menu with dishes like tuna poke and various meats (pork belly, teriyaki steak) charcoal-roasted at the table. Through August 17th
4000 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Mike Isabella’s Ballston cantina throws tiki time every Thursday, with a full menu of classics, frozen cocktails, and house creations like a tequila colada with coconut and lime. Drinkers can hang on the outdoor patio and order pupu platters with tuna poke, wings, and grilled skewers. Thursdays only
Anna Spiegel covers the dining and drinking scene in her native DC. Prior to joining Washingtonian in 2010, she attended the French Culinary Institute and Columbia University’s MFA program in New York, and held various cooking and writing positions in NYC and in St. John, US Virgin Islands.
