Taste test: A caipirinha-fueled escape at Cana
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Cana in Adams Morgan. Photo: Courtesy Unordinary Hospitality
Cana in Adams Morgan doesn't feel like a bar — even at 6pm on a weekday, the warmly lit Brazilian boteco hums like a good house party.
Why it matters: If you want to escape the city, this transportive hotspot is a quick fix.
Dig in: The owners, bar vets who launched Dupont Circle's Residents — another vibey spot — channel Rio de Janeiro in the sultry green-and-gold bar fueled by strong caipirinhas and a retro vinyl player spinning Brazilian funk.
- Since opening last fall, it's hardly flown under the radar. Cue a recent James Beard semi-finalist nomination for Best New Bar, a first-time category with 20 national contenders.
Best sips: Anything with cachaça, Brazil's signature spirit distilled from sugar cane juice. Caipirinhas (classically cachaça, sugar, lime) are poured over perfect pebble ice, including a tasty tangerine version.
- You can also explore a rich variety of cachaças, from high-end brands to small producers, including some aged with native Brazilian woods.
Best bites: The open kitchen turns out a full dinner menu with charcoal-grilled steaks or seafood stew. We went the grazing route: tasty pão (cheese bread), fresh heart of palm salad with charred avocado, and crispy Cornish hen.
Good to know: A new reservation system via Resy opens a month in advance, plus there's walk-in seating, too.