Here’s Your New Favorite 14th & U Street New Sushi Spot

Sakerum, a new sushi bar, Asian-Latin restaurant and cocktail lounge from Stephanos Andreou, is set to open just blocks away from the intersection of 14th and U Street (2204 14th St NW) on Monday, August 22.

The two-story resto-lounge is modeled, in part, on the traditional Japanese concept of the izakaya, a warm, welcoming gastropub — tinged with the flair of a Latin lounge.

Sakerum features bars on both the first and second floors. (Photos by Farrah Skeiky)

Sakerum has a menu of sushi & sashimi and Latin-inspired Asian dishes and features bars on both floors in addition to a private dining space and a 90-person retractable rooftop on the second floor.

Don’t miss out on the Mar y Tierra Roll — sushi made with Maine lobster tail and scorched Miyazaki Wagyu beef — and Yaki Tako, tender grilled octopus brushed with lemon oil and served with orange-mango picante… just a few of Sakerum’s unique dishes.

The first floor of Sakerum 

One of our favorites — Gina Chersevani —  serves as beverage consultant and leads Sakerum’s cocktail program, which will use fresh sugar cane for cocktails and drink flights. Her cheekily-titled drinks include the “Wandering Samurai,” made with sake, Flor de Cana, yuzu and bitters, topped with 6-piece sashimi and the “Pirates Creed,” rum, coconut, pineapple, Yuzu and nutmeg.

“I’ve always loved Asian and Latin cuisines and cultures, so bringing them together to create Sakerum was a no-brainer for me,” says owner Andreou, whose wife and partner Constandina Economides’ family owned and operated former local dining institution Blackie’s.

“Sakerum is dedicated to bringing out the best of both worlds and we think guests will appreciate how thoughtfully we have paired these amazing cultures together with our outstanding food, drinks and decor.”

Sakerum’s second floor boasts a 90-person retractable rooftop