Image: Pull up a seat…
Last Updated: October 2026
Overview:
Cana describes itself as a caipirinha bar, and the space is equally divided between dining and drinking areas. But this is a dining guide, and the reason we have it on our recommended list, and why the Washington Post critic put it in his Fall 2026 Dining Guide, is because of the food. So, if you can finagle a seat at the bar, we admire your luck. If you make a reservation, it will reward your palate.
One side benefit of the bar focus is the bar food is quite good. Some of the best things we sampled were fried, like the cod croquettes packed with fish and fried tapioca with a guava sauce. Being Brazilian, steaks get place of primacy for mains. You can easily fill up on appetizers and tapas-sized dishes, like thick grilled bread that our server recommended be paired with crispy pork belly pieces served with chive aioli and tangy salsa criolla. The bread also sopped up the coconut milk leche de tigre that was served under the Hamachi crudo. Dessert options are limited, but a flan on our first visit was rich in egg flavor, and the classic Brazilian truffles of chocolate and passion fruit (two of each) made a light option.
The mascot drink is made from cachaça, which is itself made from sugarcane (to complete the circle of references). There are multiple different takes on the drink, including passionfruit and coconut-tinged ones (and a decent N/A version). They also stock varieties of cachaças from various producers and in various styles. Other beverage choices are also available. They were a semifinalist for best new bar by the James Beard Foundation.
The restaurant is full of markers reflecting the thoughts that went into building the place. The intent to capture a specific kind of Brazilian establishment and translate it is clear. Also clear is the specific era it is echoing, the samba-scored seventies. The commitment is evident in setting aside valuable floor space at the front of the restaurant for the DJ area where classics of the Brazilian sound are spun. One of the owners spent time in Brazil scouring flea markets to amass some 1000 records that were shipped back. So, put on your sandals, step off 18th Street, and step into the Tropicalia created with cool people, cool sounds, and ice-cold drinks.
Other Guidance: Located at street level with a step up to the door. GF and vegetarians can do well, but it might be tough if you are both.
Summary:
Cuisine: South American (Brazilian)
Neighborhood: Adams Morgan
Address: 2412 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Website: https://www.barcanadc.com/
Reservations: Resy
Other Critics/Voices:
Washington Post: Elazar’s Fall 2026 Top 40. And 1.5 stars in his initial review (which is good/very good – we know it is a bit odd).
Washingtonian: Preview