Colada Shop at the Wharf “plan is to open the first week of July.” Take a look inside the sweet new space

10 Pearl Street, SW photo by Rey Lopez

From a press release:

“The team at Colada Shop is proud to announce the opening of Colada Shop in the District Wharf, a concept that has captured the hearts of Washingtonians by blending together the contemporary lifestyles of the city with the Cuban traditions of starting and ending the day. Paying homage to this Caribbean way of doing coffee, food, cocktails and social lifestyle, Colada Shop is a casual café and eatery where guests come for the quality of offerings and the unmatched hospitality. The third location of Colada Shop will open the first week of July, at 10 Pearl St SW, Washington, D.C.

“We are beyond excited to come to the District Wharf -one of D.C.’s most exciting neighborhoods”, said Daniella Senior, CEO of Colada Shop. “This new outpost will bring a more dynamic interpretation of our sister locations, but will have the same energy, vibrancy, and – of course – incredible Cuban bites and drinks.”

Seating 45 guests indoors and additional 40 patio seats , guests will be able to delight in an ingeniously crafted menu by Executive Chef Mario Monte and an exceptional beverage program conceived by Daniella Senior & Juan Coronado.

Photo by Rey Lopez

Like the other two locations, this menu will include a wide variety of year-round classic and reinterpreted Cuban bites complemented by new dishes like a selection of Calderos – rich and hearty egg stews. An array of healthy and freshly made rice bowls and salads, as well as original sandwiches, empanadas and pastelitos, will also be included in the repertoire of favorites. Food items will be priced between $3.50 and $14.50.

Enthused by the rich history of Cuba, the beverage program will feature rum focused classic and original cocktails priced between $10 and $12. Guests can anticipate a selection of favorites such as the Piña Colada (white rum, coconut cream, pineapple, lime); Mojito (white rum, lime, cane sugar syrup, mint, soda); Cascara Cuba Libre (dark rum, Mexican coke, cascara bitters).

Central to Colada Shop will be the Cuban-inspired coffee menu which will include an array of caffeinated drinks such as the typical Cuban coffee, the Colada, which is 4oz of Cuban-style espresso traditionally meant to be shared. Sharing a colada remains a prominent social and cultural activity and is customary of workplace breaks in Cuban communities. Other coffee drinks offered include Café con Leche – a Latin Latte with a shot of Café Cubano and hot steamed milk; Cortadito – an espresso with a splash of steamed evaporated milk and foam. Coffee drinks will be priced between $3.50 and $6.50.

Photo by Rey Lopez

Weaving together a talented collaboration, the team collaborated with Dominican artist, Kilia Llano to develop the signature outdoor mural and with California-based firm Design, Bitches, whose multidisciplinary approach to architecture create an eclectic and welcoming space layered with enjoyable meaning for guests.

“Our aim is to design each Colada Shop with a distinctive environment, using gears and materials that are complementary to the neighborhood location so that guests can feel more engaged”, said Senior. “Working with these talented individuals was a great opportunity to create and execute a unique environment that offers a fun retreat from busy work schedules and daily routines, where our team is ready and eager to welcome guests and make their visit an absolute pleasure.”