Bars

“KATA – A New Experiential Cocktail House Coming to Penn Quarter This Winter”


rendering courtesy KATA

Check out their menu here.

From a press release:

“This January, KATA (600 F Street NW) emerges as an experiential cocktail house, its name drawing from both Japanese martial arts and Chinese traditions of pattern and transformation. Known for producing sought-after experiences on a global scale, DC powerhouses Mike and John Burns, celebrity restaurateur Tim Ma, and expert broker LaMean Koroma unite to establish a seductive hideaway poised to become the District’s premier see-and-be-seen nightlife destination.

“KATA embodies the disciplined pursuit of perfecting form until it becomes art,” says Koroma. “Here, the vibe is everything. Our collective journeys converge in this site for communal exploration—both intimate and vast in equal measure.”

The venue, formerly occupied by the Oriental Building Association, blends rich heritage with Eastern precision. Original terracotta, buff brick, and limestone elements serve as the foundation for an otherworldly space transforming centuries-old influences into a contemporary masterpiece.

KATA’s design intertwines history with modernity, employing textured facades, mirrors, and LED accents to create a portal that blurs the boundaries of space and time. Dramatic archways crown private dining chambers, while transparent glass reveals the culinary theater within. Like movements in a martial arts sequence, each experience flows through orchestrated sensory levels, inviting shared moments of pure indulgence.

The kitchen delivers standouts like the Miso-Garlic Crusted Sea Bass (rich with umami depths), the elegantly crafted Kata Pearl Sushi Roll, and the Thai Pesto Risotto fusing Italian creaminess with bold, aromatic Southeast Asian spice. Lebanese American DJ Mark Azar commands the music program, curating lineups that intertwine sultry House rhythms with hypnotic soundscapes within a seamless creative arena where the DJ booth and bar merge as one.

Following the rhythm, mesmerizing flames animate the space as chefs dazzle with fiery culinary artistry, while signature cocktails amplify the spectacle—Dragon’s Breath releases its Szechuan peppercorn-infused vapor, Kyoto Blossom’s hibiscus petals dance in crystalline sake spheres, and the Samurai Old Fashioned ignites with flaming cinnamon. A 210-degree panorama captures this sonic-driven showcase, where avant-garde music leads and gastronomical innovations vie for center stage.

Let the discovery unfold at KATA Tuesday through Saturday from 4 PM (until 11 PM Tuesday and Wednesday, midnight Thursday, and 2 AM Friday and Saturday). Reservations are available exclusively through Seven Rooms.

KATA observes an upscale dress code, with elevated casual attire required. Private events and buyouts are available for groups of all sizes, with custom menus and experiences crafted for each occasion. For private event inquiries, please email [email protected].

For more information about KATA, visit kata-dc.com and follow @kata.experience on Instagram to stay up to date on all the latest happenings.”