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2025 is the year of the pop-up. Since the pandemic, pop-up restaurants have taken the food service industry by storm. These temporary locations are nestled in the backs of bars, community centers, and even in neighborhood parks. With the rising costs of starting a business, chefs are turning to already established locations to set up temporary shop.
Most pop-up restaurants are promoted exclusively on social media, attracting devoted fans eagerly awaiting their next move. Oftentimes, they offer unique cuisines rarely found in the area, from Cambodian delicacies to Japanese-inspired bites. By putting a twist on classic dishes, these restaurants garner significant community hype and repeat regulars.
Whether it’s local chefs concocting creative dining experiences or passionate home cooks with dreams of launching their own brick-and-mortar one day, pop-ups are here to stay.
Sunday Bagel | Richmond, Virginia
You don’t have to travel all the way to New York for a good bagel. Since 2022, Sunday Bagel has been kneading dough into perfection in Richmond, Virginia. Customers can choose from plain, everything, or sesame bagels and smear the cream cheese of their choice. More adventurous eaters can opt for the Rockaway Combo: a hoagie spice bagel topped with slabs of mortadella, genoa salami, and provolone and slathered with mayo and salsa verde. Sunday Bagel pops up throughout town weekly and operates until sellout, so be sure to get a spot in line.
Sana Sana Taqueria | Austin, Texas
Chef Joseph Gomez returns to the Austin dining scene with his latest pop-up restaurant, Sana Sana Taqueria. In 2020, he had to close his beloved taco truck, Con Todo, but has brought his talents back into the limelight with a menu focused on Northeastern Mexico and South Texas cuisines. Inspired by a Spanish phrase for comforting children, “Sana Sana” is a testament to resilience and connecting with one’s roots. As a son of migrant workers, Gomez resurrects the stories of his community through childhood-inspired dishes like tacos de alambre, which are stuffed with Wagyu X beef, grilled onions, chile moron, bacon, and quesillo, and duros topped with queso fresco, limon, and Sana Sana Salsa. You can find them on weekends at Gimmicks Bar or various locations throughout Austin.
Godspeed Cola | Columbia, South Carolina
Whether they’re slinging drinks at a local festival or setting up shop in a record store, Godspeed Cola is always serving freshly brewed, delicious coffee. Signature drinks include the Neopolitan, espresso with chocolate, strawberry milk, and vanilla bean cold foam, and the Magpie, cold brew or long black coffee with cream, orange, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Their eye-catching and inventive sips have garnered fans across the city, and they plan to open a brick-and-mortar store by the fall of 2025, but you can currently visit them weekly at Boyd Innovation Center.
Solomunna | Washington, DC
For chef Eritrea Solomon, home is only a kitchen away. Raised in an Eritrean refugee community in Massachusetts, Solomon embraces the cuisine of her childhood and heritage through her supper club-style pop-up. The menu hails inspiration from the East African country Eritrea, her namesake, and is characterized by nourishing stews and berbere, an earthy spice blend that packs a punch. Until May, Solomunna has residence at Compass Rose with a menu featuring salmon tibsi kabobs, qatenya salad, and birsin sambussa, but has plans for future pop-ups.
Weems Ramen | Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston excels in fresh seafood and Southern classics, but the city has long lacked a standout ramen joint. That is, until Weems Ramen. The pop-up restaurant has gained traction in the Lowcountry as one of the best spots for slurping up a bowl of handmade noodles. While the menu regularly rotates, fan favorites include a wood ear mushroom salad crowned with fried shallots and garlic miso ramen, which is simmered in a hearty broth and topped with pork shoulder chasu, beech mushrooms, and soft-boiled eggs. If you’re looking for a soulwarming spoonful, stay updated via their Instagram for the next pop-up location.
Saap Saap BBQ | Nashville, Tennessee
Duo Clinton Spruill and Amy Watson are bringing expertly smoked and grilled meats to the streets of Nashville. Infusing classic Southern barbecue and Lao flavors, they create unforgettable dishes like hot-red curry rice with toasted coconut, jaew bong mac and cheese, and nuoc cham shrimp. In addition to catering services, find them around town or twice a week at Rice Vice by Proper Sake Co.
Chote Burger | Miami, Florida
Since 2023, Chote Burger has been flipping its way into the hearts of burger fans in Miami. While operating his catering company Cevichote, which specializes in ceviche, Renzo Ramos wanted to bring another taste of Peru to Miami. Hence, the Peruvian smashburger was born. All of the pop-up’s patties and sauces are seasoned with the bold flavors of Peruvian peppers, like their sizzling signature smashburger topped with melted cheese, caramelized onions, and a special sauce. Pair it with a side of animal-style fries for the perfect combo. Check out their Instagram for their pop-up locations.
Native Root | Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Roots may start in one place, but they have the power to grow far and wide–and Native Root is proof. Started by chef Jordan Rainbolt, Native Root celebrates global cuisines like Korean, Italian, and Vietnamese, as well as flavors of the chef’s Indigenous heritage. Dishes range from duck fat cannolis to Carolina kati rolls paired with sweet tea tonkotsu. Both a pop-up and private dining experience, the Winston-Salem concept switches up locations, so stay updated through their Instagram or website.
Oni 225 | Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Life’s too short for boring sushi. Oni 225 is infusing American classics with Japanese techniques and flavors in Baton Rouge. While they specialize in onigiri, Japanese rice balls wrapped in nori, they also sell unexpected American favorites like hot dogs. Their “Snowdawg” is topped with eel sauce, Japanese mayo, furikake, fried shallots, and green onions. If you gravitate toward more traditional flavors, try their onigiri stuffed with caramelized beef, spicy salmon, or kimchi. Their location changes frequently, so stay updated through their Instagram.
Hem and Her | Richmond, Virginia
For Santana Hem, Saturday mornings consisted of rolling pork buns, dumplings, and spring rolls crafted alongside his mother. His love for cooking and Cambodian cuisine influenced the creation of his subber club-style pop-up Hem and Her, with “her” commemorating his mother and her teachings. The menu is reminiscent of recipes they made side by side, like caramelized braised pork shoulder with soft-boiled eggs or cold-fried chicken wings with fish sauce glaze. In addition to their family-style pop-ups, they also sell Khmer-inspired baked goods. Join the mailing list on their website to stay up-to-date with their events.
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