via Wilmer Valderrama IG
From a press release:
“A new cocktail bar rooted in culture, ritual, and intention is opening its doors at La Cosecha 1280 4th Street, NE, the vibrant Latin American marketplace and cultural hub in the Union Market District. Elegancia, the latest concept from actor, producer, and entrepreneur Wilmer Valderrama and community-focused hospitality entrepreneur Daniella Senior, will officially open on Sunday, February 8, inviting guests into a space where elegance is defined not by exclusivity or spectacle, but by authenticity, care, and presence.
Elegancia draws inspiration from Latin America’s landscapes, traditions, and communal spirit. Expressive cocktails, bold bites, rich symbolism, and a warm, immersive atmosphere come together to create a cultural home rather than a performance, one where guests are invited to linger, connect, and feel seen.
The name Elegancia reflects a philosophy:
refinement rooted in respect for culture, for ingredients, and for the guest experience. Here, elegance is felt in the details: the way something is prepared, presented, and served. It is sophistication without pretense, grounded in lived experience and cultural pride rather than polish for its own sake.
“To me, Elegancia is everything I love about our culture,” said Elegancia co-founder Valderrama. “It’s in every bite, every sip, the rhythm of the room, and the small details that give the space its heartbeat. I’ve had a beautiful experience in the hospitality industry and am excited to return to another one of my passions: hosting a unique experience. I am thrilled to bring culinary traditions in Elegancia to life in D.C.”
At its core, Elegancia is intended to be an inclusive and welcoming space for the Latin community, one rooted in familiar flavors, family traditions, and cultural references that feel personal and lived-in. The bar is designed as a place where everyone is equally welcome, a bar and restaurant where guests from all backgrounds can feel comfortable, celebrated, and at home.
That identity is woven throughout the space, including its visual language. Animals appear prominently in the branding and design, each symbolizing instinct, strength, and individuality. They serve as reminders to remain grounded while moving forward with confidence and purpose, much like the people, cultures, and stories that will shape the bar itself.
Senior, co-founder of Elegancia and CEO of Colada Shop, brings her signature approach to hospitality: spaces that feel alive, inclusive, and culturally intentional.
“This project is deeply personal to me: it reflects my vision of hospitality, from the atmosphere and service to the way people are genuinely cared for,” said Senior. “Washington, D.C. felt like the natural home for Elegancia. It’s a city defined by diversity and dialogue, where different worlds intersect, and that spirit mirrors exactly what we’re creating.”