Lapop relaunching as cocktail bar February 20th in Adams Morgan

Downstairs 1847 Columbia Road, NW. Photo by Joy Asico.

From a press release:

“Adams Morgan favorite Lapop (1847 Columbia Road NW) — the bohemian, subterranean cultural salon where vintage books, great coffee, yoga and conversation come together daily — will now be open late nights offering an equally unique new cocktail and food menu.

The relaunched 2,200-square-foot space, opening Wednesday, February 20, is located just a flight of stairs away from the elegant Afghan bistro, Lapis (also owned by the Popal family of Cafe Bonaparte and The Berliner) and will now be a standalone venue for cocktails and light fare in the evening. Lapop — “Popal” spelled backwards — pays homage to 19th-century Parisian and Viennese cafes where intellectuals and artists gathered to share ideas over good food and drinks. The space is outfitted with comfortable leather couches, Afghan rugs, warm lighting and an array of books, board games and nooks for those seeking an escape.

Photo by Joy Asico.

“With Lapis and Lapop, we lucked out with a structure that is quite large and has lots of room to play around with different ideas and concepts,” owner Omar Popal says. “Adding a cocktail bar to the space seemed like the perfect way to give our loyal guests a completely new way to experience our outstanding food and drink.”

What originally began as a limited-run, unheralded pop-up coffee shop is now an official evening destination, which will feature 10 new cocktails named after books found on the shelves, including the “None of Us Cared for Kate,” a mix of mezcal, orange and lime topped with housemade kiwi-ginger-habanero soda and “Green Darkness,” made with rum, pistachio cream, demerara and iced coffee, served in a Tiki mug. Cocktails, beer and a highly curated, off-the-beaten-path wine menu of three reds and three whites will rotate on a monthly basis courtesy of Wine Director Rachel Crossno and Head Mixologist Gordon Nester.

Photo by Joy Asico.

The equally unique small bites menu, exclusive to Lapop, includes sautéed turmeric-ginger shrimp with red chutney, whipped feta with black bean salad, lamb meatballs with strained yogurt, mint, cucumber and pickled red onions and much more.

Lapop will be open for drinks Wednesday through Sunday, 6pm to close and will serve lunch — bento boxes, smoothies, acai bowls, salads and soups — each weekday from 11am to 3pm, with Lapis brunch available on the weekends. The newly rebranded cocktail bar will also host weekly events such as live music, talks, dancing, yoga classes and more. Visit www.lapopdc.com to learn more.”

Lapop in the middle at 1847 Columbia Road, NW