Adams Morgan Gets a Tropical-Themed Getaway for Rum Cocktails This Summer

Between the Wharf’s Polynesian-themed rum distillery and bar, Tiki TNT, and the Union Market-adjacent Coconut Club, D.C. has no shortage of new tiki destinations. Now it’s about to get another island-inspired option with July’s arrival of Tiki on 18th in Adams Morgan.

The colorful second-story hideaway (2411 18th Street NW), situated above The Game Sports Pub, comes from Jonathan Peterson (co-founder of Rum Day DC, Rum Cocktail Club, and the Rum Block Party in Baltimore) and Saab Harrison, who formerly stirred drinks at Shaw’s Service Bar and Drink Company.

Jo-Jo Valenzuela, the D.C. bar vet behind the critically acclaimed, Filipino-focused restaurant that replaced Ventnor Sports Cafe in February, will do double duty manning the kitchen for his new upstairs neighbor. He plans to pair its rum-heavy tiki drinks with dinner and Sunday brunch items that fuse Polynesian and Mexican cuisines (think tacos and enchiladas).

Roam Interior outfitted Tiki on 18th with pricey resort-friendly accents from lauded French furniture designer Philippe Starck. Modern pieces from his Kartell collection at Tiki on 18th include sage green stools and woven yellow pendant lights hovering from a patterned metal ceiling. A palm leaf wallpaper design further aims to create a slice of paradise along the Northwest nightlife strip.

Classic cocktails in the works at the new drinking perch include a minty Missionary’s Downfall and the Trinidad Sour, with modern tiki interpretations in the mix. Service Bar’s Glendon Hartley consulted on on the bar’s design and beverage menu.

A rotating spirits list on-site will also help fill flights of rum, tequila, and mezcal. To drum up buzz around its opening month, Tiki on 18th is running a social media competition for $500 gift card giveaways. Hours are scheduled for 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thursday to Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Stay tuned for a projected opening date.

Nearby, Adams Morgan recently saw a mezcal-themed taqueria from Pint Size Hospitality Group come and go in a matter of months.

• Tasty Philippine dishes make this Adams Morgan sports bar a standout [WaPo]
• Revived Adams Morgan Sports Bar Opens This Week With Filipino Barbecue Bowls [EDC]
• A Taqueria Is Replacing Short-Lived Italian Eatery Rosario [EDC]