Now Open: Rooftop at Masa 14

by Lauren Sloat in Bars & Restaurants

The nexus of 14th and U streets is slowly becoming a haven for rooftop reverie. First there was Marvin with its airy beer garden; the neighborhood standby for belgian ales and the occasional steak frite. Then came Richard Sandoval’s El Centro D.F. and its collection of tequila-based cocktails, followed by Lost Society in the prime corner lot. Now there’s another Sandoval spot to add to your list of drinking destinations for balmy D.C. nights: Last Thursday, Masa 14 unveiled its long-anticipated rooftop space to the public and with it a collection of new cocktails and Latin-Asian eats.

Though Masa is already a go-to cocktail spot for the U Street set, the selection of rooftop-only cocktails make it worth another look. Three sangrias are available by the glass or pitcher (both small and large), including one version made with Pimm’s and sparkling wine, another with rose and and bourbon and a third with white wine, sake and peach nectar. We loved the Strawberry-Basil Caipirinha — it pairs the Brazilian Cachaca 51 with fresh strawberry, lime and basil leaves. Someday soon, you’ll also be able to get frozen drinks with a Latin bent, including icy daiquiris and margaritas, no doubt in Sandoval’s typically inventive flavor combinations.

A selection of finger foods made just for the rooftop were designed to be both fun and playful. We’re big fans of a menu that allows you to hold a cocktail in one hand while also noshing on summer-worthy eats such as the El Tigre Hotdog (chorizo smothered in pico and sriracha crema) and the barbecued pork belly bahn mi. You’ll also find bao buns, flatbreads and a handful of soups and salads that may require both hands.

With space for 130 seated guests, the rooftop will also significantly expand space for mixing and mingling. Head upstairs to soak up the sun after brunch on the weekends; Masa’s signature $35 downstairs deal includes select bottomless beverages on Saturdays and Sundays. And don’t worry about those pesky summer thunderstorms -— French doors open onto the outdoor deck from a covered space, so there’ll always be a place to duck and cover (and order another drink).