Shaw’s newest rooftop swaps a regular bar night for a Tulum beach club fantasy!
A Rooftop Escape Reborn Above Shaw
Above the buzz of Shaw, beside breakout bar Eebee’s, Techo Palma has opened where El Techo once stood. The rooftop now reads as a lush, high-energy hideaway. Open-air windows frame the skyline, jungle greenery fills every corner, and poolside furniture invites guests to settle in.
Daniel Joseph Hatem leads the transformation. A DC hospitality veteran since 2003, he steps into ownership for the first time, and the project is personal. Years of traveling to Tulum shaped the vision, back when the town was still dirt roads. The space feels transportive, like a beach club vacation far from the city.
Tacos, Tapas, and Lebanese Roots Meet on the Menu
The menu keeps fan favorites while venturing into new territory. Tacos, guacamole, nachos, and tostones still anchor the table. Alongside them, Mediterranean-style tapas nod to the crossroads of Mexico and Hatem’s Lebanese heritage.
Birria tacos arrive with slow-braised oxtail. Lamb ribs come glazed in chipotle. Mole wings, hamachi crudo, and fire-roasted carrots round out a sharing-friendly lineup.
Behind the bar, barman Jacob Simpson pours tropical cocktails built for long afternoons, while margaritas run from a $14 classic to a $19 añejo pour. Brunch then brings bottomless mimosas and Tangier Island oysters.
DJs, Profit Sharing, and Late-Night Energy
Music drives everything here. Rotating DJs soundtrack the rooftop with downtempo grooves, Afrobeat rhythms, and Latin house, then build the afternoon into a full party after dark. Follow along on Instagram for lineups and brunch news.
The reinvention runs deeper than décor, though. Techo Palma launches with a progressive profit-sharing model that Hatem has carried since his Lima days, designed to create real opportunity for the team!
Techo Palma is at 606 Florida Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001, and is open Thursday and Friday from 5:00pm to 2:00am, and weekends from 11:30am to 2:00am.
Head to Shaw and grab a seat under the palms!
Photos by TaniaHauyon.
