A new dining experience is set to launch in Georgetown, offering a unique blend of seafood and Mexican cuisine with Japanese influences. Cafe Tulum, created by Mexican restaurateur Juan Dracoulis, is set to open on Friday, September 4, at 3210 Grace Street NW. This plant-filled hideaway promises a relaxed atmosphere ideal for enjoying a variety of small plates.
The menu features an exciting array of dishes, highlighting seafood options such as roasted octopus paired with potatoes, fresh guacamole with tostadas, spring rolls filled with cucumber, carrot, jicama, shiso, and shrimp, as well as hamachi tiradito with ponzu sauce. Diners can also indulge in scallop ceviche with lotus root, seafood-stuffed chile relleno, and a selection of oysters, tuna tostadas, tacos, yellowtail sashimi, plus sushi rolls with either crab or salmon.
Dracoulis, who frequents Japan, emphasizes that the culinary approach at Cafe Tulum is heavily influenced by Japanese techniques. “It’s about the respect for the ingredients rather than just the ingredients themselves,” he explains.
The kitchen is led by Gerardo González Sánchez, a chef skilled in both Japanese and Mexican cuisines. González Sánchez has climbed the culinary ladder from humble beginnings as a prep and line cook to sous chef. He previously contributed to the opening of Pink Taco Times Square in New York City before relocating to Washington, D.C., two years ago to enhance culinary offerings at restaurants like Minetta Tavern and Eunoia at Union Market.
At Cafe Tulum, the cocktails are crafted from all-natural fruits, with Dracoulis ensuring that frozen ingredients are a thing of the past. Guests can look forward to refreshing drinks like cucumber-basil vodka, watermelon mezcal, classic margaritas, and palomas, each priced around $12. In addition, Mexican Coke will be available.
Cafe Tulum draws inspiration from the idyllic coastal town of Tulum, located on the Yucatan Peninsula, which lies between the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Notably, seafood plays a starring role on the menu, reminiscent of offerings found at popular beach clubs in Tulum, which lack, however, the breathtaking vistas of azure waters and pristine shorelines. The restaurant’s 50-seat arrangement echoes the eco-friendly style of Tulum’s resorts, featuring bamboo decor, hardwood tables, ceramic art, polished concrete floors, and a warm, earthy color palette.
Dracoulis, who relocated to Washington D.C. from Mexico eight years ago, previously opened a refined Mexican dining establishment called Maiz 64 on 14th Street NW in 2021. Unfortunately, this restaurant suffered extensive fire damage in 2024 and was never able to reopen. “Cafe Tulum aims to be a casual and affordable dining experience, different from fine dining—a place where you can visit multiple times a month,” Dracoulis mentions, mentioning that he also manages casual street food venue Rabbit Taco in Tysons Galleria.
Dracoulis intends to refresh the Cafe Tulum menu biannually, incorporating hot plates and soups as the seasons change. To maintain a year-round coastal vibe, decorative straw hats adorn the restrooms and vibrant palm murals enliven the dining space, all while a curated soundtrack featuring EDM and Latin tunes creates a lively atmosphere. “It’s a social spot designed to enjoy small plates with a friend or a group in a laidback setting,” he remarks.
Cafe Tulum will operate from Monday to Wednesday, 5 to 10 p.m., and Friday until midnight. Weekend hours will begin at noon and extend late into the evening, with Thursdays reserved for private events, reflecting Dracoulis’ understanding that these gatherings can be vital for a restaurant’s success.
Dracoulis notes that Georgetown has transformed significantly over the last few years, highlighting the influx of new residents. He points to the recent openings of two steakhouses in the vicinity: Brasero Atlantico and Ox & Olive.
