3000 Connecticut Ave, NW via Duke’s
From a press release:
“Duke’s Counter is going all in for the return of pandas to Washington, D.C. by introducing “The Bamboo Bar,” a panda-themed pop-up debuting on Friday, January 10. The Bamboo Bar at Duke’s Counter will be fully dressed in décor inspired by their new giant neighbours and will feature a panda-themed drink menu suitable for all ages. A neon panda clutching a burger in one paw and a drink in another will welcome visitors into The Bamboo Bar, which will don floor-to-ceiling forest backdrops, panda displays, and of course, bamboo.
Guests can enjoy drinks served in an assortment of panda drinkware furnished with edible garnishes and sustainable bamboo straws, with alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, as well as hot beverages, and kid- friendly offerings. Featured drinks include the “Panda-Colada”, a piña colada riff made with silver rum, coconut, and pineapple, topped with chocolate shavings, served in a tall panda-branded glass with green bamboo straws, the “Bao-zy Hot Chocolate”, a hot chocolate with amaretto, cayenne, and cinnamon, served in a color-changing panda mug, and more! Duke’s Counter’s regular menus will also be available during the pop-up. Full menu provided upon request.
“Pandas are the universal awesome,” says Duke’s Counter Managing Partner Daniel Kramer. “We are beyond excited to have Bao Li and Qing Bao at the zoo. It’s a giant positive for our city and the entire region. The Bamboo Bar is both a welcome for, and a celebration of, DC’s most popular new residents!”
The sister restaurant of East London-inspired Duke’s Grocery, Duke’s Counter is located at 3000 Connecticut Ave NW, across the street from the main entrance of Smithsonian National Zoo. The Smithsonian National Zoo’s Giant Panda Exhibit opens exclusively to members of the zoo from January 10 to January 19 and opens to the public on January 24. The Bamboo Bar at Duke’s Counter kicks off January 10 and will run indefinitely. Reservations are not required, but strongly recommended via Resy for indoor dining and patio tables; bar seating is limited and available on a first-come first-served basis.”