Mount Hi-Lawn heats up winter, and it’s on walk-up basis
Hi-Lawn is putting Union Market’s rooftop to good use with one of the most expansive winter wonderland/aprés ski-inspired pop-up spaces in Washington, DC. The winterized venue, Mount Hi-Lawn at the Rooftop, will include a large, 2,500 square-foot heated tent. You’ll see a lodge-inspired escape, outfitted with heaters and lounge furniture.
Couches, string lights, unique retro décor, like antler chandeliers, faux fur rugs, and vintage fireplaces make the place both cozy and festive. This goes beyond the traditional quirky set up of picnic tables, an artificial turf picnic area, neon-hued lawn lounge furniture, and wood decking with an artfully-designed shipping container bar and kitchen, which is still available.
Body-warming drinks
Hot cocktails, priced from $9 to $10, come courtesy of BHG beverage director Ian Fletcher. These include the Mariachi Fever Dream, with tequila, agua de jamaica, cinnamon, and citrus, and the Winter Rules, prepared with mulled wine, rum, blueberry, orange); and the CiderCar (brandy, spiced apple cider, orange liqueur, lemon. Another belly-warming drink is the CiderCar, made with brandy, spiced apple cider, orange liqueur, and lemon.
After navigating the alpines, the ShotsSki (where groups collectively drink shots off of an actual ski) is a time-honored tradition. Hi-Lawn has its own version of ShotSki at $16 (requires 4 people) with four shots of Rumple Minze. Four shots of Rumple Minze are paired with four Natty Bohs in the Hi-Lawn’s ShotSki & Bohs combo version for $30 (requires 4 people).
Seasonal draft cocktails, priced at $12 each, include the Vermonter Special, prepared with bourbon, maple, walnut bitters, and lemon. The Russian Espresso Machine Never Breaks includes vodka, herbed coffee liquor, ginger beer, while the Margarita Picante features tequila, triple sec, serrano, pineapple, and lime.
Craft beer and spiked seltzer, by the can and bucket, and wines by the glass/bottle are available. Non-imbibers can also enjoy seasonal zero-proof selections.
Comforting eats, events
Hi-Lawn will offer comfort foods. Hot soups to heat up the soul include a two-bean Vegetarian Chili with cheddar, sour cream, chives and crackers. There’s also a melty Griddled Cheese gooey with aged swiss, American and cheddar inside, on brioche, paired with a tomato cream dipping sauce.
More alpine enjoyment comes in the form of tasty snacks, including Soft Bavarian Pretzel, with honeycup mustard and cornichons, and a German-style Frankfurter with beer mustard on a potato roll.
Live Music Thursdays were a hot item in the summer. They’ll continue at Mount Hi-Lawn under the heated tenant. On Saturdays and Sundays, Hi-Lawn will host Après Ski Afternoons. The DJ day party will host local DJs Steve Lemz and Keenan Orr to spin from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
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