French-Japanese izakaya Bar Japonais opens on 14th Street
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Smoking hot cocktails. Photo: Courtesy of Nina Palazzolo
Bar Japonais, a chic French-Japanese izakaya, just opened in Logan Circle.
Why it matters: The nouveau-Japanese cocktail bar and restaurant is an exciting new concept for the former Estadio space on 14th Street.
Dig in: If the name sounds familiar, it's because sister restaurant Bar Chinois is already a popular spot for cocktails, bites, and brunch in Mt. Vernon Triangle.
- The team, all D.C. hospitality folks, is going for a similar feel here — moody, night-out vibes — but they're leaning into Japanese izakaya fare, French cocktails, and bubbles.
- Chef Lucas Irwin most recently comes from playful sushi spot Nara-Ya at The Wharf.
🍣 On your plate: A grazer-friendly selection of grilled robata skewers, sushi handrolls, and small plates like crispy steak gyoza or tuna tartines.
- You can also dig into bigger plates like pork belly okonomiyaki pancakes or a Japanese "hambugu."
🍹 In your glass: Sakes, wines, and fun cocktails like a cucumber-melon highball or "Ode to Estadio" with sherry, vermouth, yuzu, and salted cucumber bitters.
🥞 Don't miss: TikTok-famous souffle pancakes for dessert — you don't see them often in D.C.
Between the lines: Bar Japonais will serve food later than most (11pm) and launch brunch soon.
If you go: Bar Japonais, 1520 14th Street NW. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 5pm to midnight.