17-03-2025
The best cherry blossom pop-ups around D.C. this spring
Cherry blossom pop-ups are sprouting faster than the blooms at florally festooned bars and restaurants around the city.
Why it matters: Cherry blossom season is like D.C.'s Super Bowl, and local spots are going all out with spring decor and enticing menus.
🌸 What's new:
Hiya Izakaya (East End): The izakaya at Japanophile destination Love, Makoto launches a cherry blossom pop-up with pink blooms and specialty cocktails, plus a regular happy hour and sushi boats. Guests can order hanami picnic baskets ($55) for dine-in or takeout at the adjoining Love on the Run food hall.
Open March 20-April 13
Blossom omakase bar (West End): If you're more foodie than floral, check out chef Masaaki "Uchi" Uchino's pop-up at The Watergate. The Kyomi sushi master leads a 10-seat omakase through 15 courses with seasonal spring fish.
Open Mondays only starting March 17-April 14 ($130 required reservations)
Bloomroom at Hi-Lawn (Union Market): The 50-foot spherical dome atop Union Market turns from Alpine motifs to florals for spring. A 90-minute immersive dining and drinking experience includes a visual tour through flowering environments with refreshments like fruity spritzes and spring plates to match.
Open April 4-May 18 ($35 entry tickets available now)
Sakura Soirée (Logan Circle): The new Barrel House Cafe & Bar goes all out for its cherry blossom pop-up including floral décor, Japanese-inspired cocktails, a new patio ringed with freshly planted cherry blossom trees, and eats by Little Miner Taco.
Open March 20.
Meanwhile, some of D.C.'s most popular cherry blossom pop-ups are back with fresh floral themes.
All are free admission unless noted. (Many take reservations, and it's a good idea to book in advance.)
💮 Ciel Social Club (Mount Vernon Triangle): The scenic rooftop lounge is filled with locally designed blossom installations and twisty faux branches indoors and out, plus Japanese-inspired cocktails like lychee martinis. Open: Now
🌸 Mercy Me (West End): A "secret" blossom garden is tucked away in the rear restaurant patio with pink blooms, bamboo accents and a seasonal sakura menu that blends the Nikkei flavors of Peru and Japan. Open: Now
🍹 Residents Café and Bar (Dupont Circle): Sip a floral spritz on this café's blossoming patio, where there's a new spring brunch and dinner menu. Open: Now
🍷 Lulu's Winegarden (U Street): The Southwest-inspired wine bar debuts a "Flora Garden" theme on two outdoor patios and indoors with specialty floral cocktails, bubbles and rosé, and pink treats like rosy cakes and seasonal toasts. Open: March 18-May 4
🐈 Calico (Shaw): The urban backyard bar covers its large greenhouse in blossoms — good for groups who fancy floral spritzes or cherry ciders. Open: March 20-April 13
🦁 Silver Lyan (Downtown): One of D.C.'s best cocktail bars celebrates the blossoms with a Japanese-inspired hanami pop-up — now in its intimate "Dishonesty Bar." Groups of two or four can book the experience that includes a welcome sake, two cocktails of choice from the specialty menu, and bar snacks ($75, including tax and gratuity). Open: March 21-29, reservations required.
