Buzzy pop-up bars have joined the annals of things that Washingtonians are willing to wait (and wait) to get into. Next up is a cocktail tribute to cherry blossoms and Japanese culture and nostalgia, all from the minds behind one of the most popular pop-up bars in D.C.
The Cherry Blossom PUB (pop up bar) will open March 1, taking over Southern Efficiency (1841 7th St. NW) and the Mockingbird Hill space (1843 7th St. NW) in Shaw. It’s the latest project from Drink Company and owner Derek Brown, who struck bartending gold in 2015 with the sparkly and whimsical Miracle on 7th Street holiday bar. The seasonal hotspot opened again in 2016 with triple the space (and a Stranger Things addition). Lines stretched up the block for weeks.
Brown, a native Washingtonian, says he was inspired to create something around the spring ritual that is cherry blossom season. But the bar will be about much more than just pink petals.
“Just imagine our Miracle on 7th Street pop-up with a mustache and horde of hand-waving, lucky cats,” Brown said, in an announcement for the project.
There will be nods to Japanese culture throughout the two restaurants. Mockingbird Hill will get the pink treatment along with decor such as an origami crane chandelier, waving cats, and a blossom backdrop from local artist Maggie O’Neill. Southern Efficiency will go heavy on nostalgia from Nintendo’s Mario character and his Mushroom Kingdom friends. A Mario Kart contest is planned, and staff will don red caps and overalls.
Decor aside, the Cherry Blossom PUB also promises an adventurous and thoughtful menu of cocktails and bar bites drawing on Japanese spirits and ingredients.
Drink Company Senior Bar Manager Paul Taylor has drinks fit for both themes, with a dozen libations (available at both locations) priced at $13 each. Examples include the Press Start + A, a blend of Japanese whiskey, Cardamaro, and Cynar. There’s also the I Call Yoshi!, with unfiltered sake, Midori, Green Charteuse, cucumber melon, and lime. A few theme-appropriate beers will make the menu as well, as will a selection of sake and whiskey.
When it’s time for food, snack on Japanese-inspired dishes such as pork gyoza ($7), seaweed salad ($4), or sticky rice arancini ($6). Larger appetites can tackle mid-sized plates like spaghetti with Sunday gravy ($10) or a caprese grilled cheese ($10).
If the success of Miracle on 7th Street (not to mention Iron Gate’s recent Valentine’s Day pop up) is any indication, these bar stools may be some of the hottest in town come March. Still, it might be less crowded than the Tidal Basin during peak cherry blossom bloom.
The Cherry Blossom PUB is located at 1841-1843 7th St. NW. It will open March 1 through April 15 from 5 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
