Barracks Row Is Getting a New Bar On Island Time: Tortuga | Eater DC

"They're converting Tio Javier's Barracks Row space (514 8th Street SE) into Tortuga Caribbean Bar & Grille, a chill Caribbean spot with rustic beach vibes—whitewashed and driftwood finishes, surfboards, neon signage, and bright furniture—and a focus on tiki drinks. Tio Javier will close after Sunday, April 14 for a quick, week-long conversion aiming to open as early as Monday, April 22 and no later than Friday, April 26. The rooftop, already built out as the Rooftop Turtle Club, is being positioned as an airy respite with swaying palm trees, painted murals of its slow-moving mascot, lounge sections, five fixed fire pits, tiki torches, and capacity for 200 (seating for nearly half that), which Abbott says will be the largest commercial rooftop in the neighborhood. The drink program will feature nearly a dozen frozen cocktails (think key lime coladas), tropical rum runners and shipwrecks, plus “all day” IPAs by can and bottle; the in-progress menu includes five ceviches, fried plantains, octopus, and whole fried snapper. Tortuga will open for lunch, dinner, and brunch to start (with weekday breakfast under consideration), and its kitchen is led by chefs Lauren Hunter (from Florida) and Brian Guy (formerly of the now-shuttered Chesapeake Room), with managing partner Tom Johnson bringing Florida Keys hospitality experience. Abbott hopes for live music on the main floor—steel drums and a reggae-forward playlist with some Jimmy Buffett—though he doubts the ANC will approve rooftop entertainment." - Tierney Plumb