Rooftop adventure imagined by local chef, restaurateur partnership
Open-air restaurant Hi-Lawn debuted at Union Market’s rooftop in Washington. Landing on the astroturf, Hi-Lawn brings a fun atmosphere and urban vibe. The restaurant is the latest venture to populate the outdoor space developed by EDENS, the real estate group expanding and enlarging much of the Union Market District.
Hi-Lawn’s outdoor menu includes picnic-themed fare, including “curated” basket coolers, stocked full of light bites, including classic cheese + charcuterie, crackers + baguettes, and spreads like sake-cured salmon rillette and harissa-spiced eggplant dip. Upgraded menu items feature aviar + Pringles, brown butter lobster rolls, and homemade lemon curd cheesecake.
Imagined by restaurateurs Greg Algie & Nathan Beauchamp of Blagden Hospitality Group and The Royal/Lulu’s Winegarden, respectively, Hi-Lawn plans to host weekend Steak & Lobster nights in which it serves individually-portioned lobster boils and hanger steak dinners.
Many Washingtonians will remember past large events and pop-ups,including the Kastles Stadium at Union Market, to interactive art exhibits and fitness classes with 305 Fitness and Cut Seven.
Hi-Lawn, a picnic-themed adventure
“The Rooftop at Union Market is a vibrant urban space that offers our community a gathering place a bit closer to the sky. said Jodie W. McLean, EDENS chief executive. “We are excited to have HI-LAWN join the Union Market community and be a catalyst to continue to bring people together (in a safe and socially distant way) surrounded by the awe-inspiring people and views of this capital city,”
There are plenty of ways to enjoy the space safely during the health crisis, according to Hi-Lawn. Picnic tables and colorful patio umbrellas come with the view. Additional picnic spaces on artificial turf, and wood decking also abound.
There’s also a tasteful shipping container bar that dispenses draft cocktails, boozy punch pouches, spiked seltzers, craft beers by the can and bucket, and affordable, curated wines. Come mid-fall, an additional colorful shipping container will be added to the roof to serve as Hi-Lawn’s kitchen and culinary outpost.
Expect a grillfest with Beauchamp offering local beef and meatless burgers, Italian pork sausage topped with bell peppers and onions, and elote slathered in cotija cheese, chili and lime. Fresh, seasonal salads like Heirloom Tomatoes with fresh mozzarella, basil, mint, balsamic and soy, are also part of this picnic journey.
Drinks, grand opening atop Union Market
For drinks, Blagden Hospitality Group Beverage Director Ian Fletcher, in partnership with Bing Ngo, Hi-Lawn bar manager, has come up with some on-point cocktails:
- Hungover Pharmacist – a painkiller-in-a-pouch with rum, pineapple, orange, lemon and coconut cream
- Lawn Hiland Iced Tea – vodka, gin, triple sec, lemon, english breakfast tea, and allspice honey
- I Miss Spa World – white rum, elderflower, cucumber, mint and lime
- Seasonal zero-proof options for non-drinkers, as well
Hi-Lawn will operate Thursday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Reservations for picnic tables will be available shortly.
The owners will host an official opening on Thursday, October 1. Guests can access Hi-Lawn through the dedicated rooftop staircase—look for it at the front-east entrance to Union Market, adjacent to Suburbia.
Hi-Lawn at Union Market Rooftop, 1309 5th Street Northeast, Washington, DC 20002
Photo credit: Hi-Lawn (featured preview, inline images)
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