dc after dark!

DC AFTER DARK!
Every night’s right for dancing, drinking and debauchery ‘til dawn in the most
powerful city on the planet.
EDITED BY KATE ARCIERI
NO CITY WORKS HARDER. AND WE PLAY JUST AS ROUGH. SO IT’S PRIME TIME FOR AFTER HOURS ACTION HERE IN THE
CAPITAL OF THE FREE WORLD. WE’VE RACKED UP MORE THAN 60 WAYS TO LIGHT UP THE NIGHT, FROM SHAKING IT AT
WRITTEN BY COLLEEN CLARK WITH REBECCA HESLIN, ANN MCCARTHY,
SWANK CLUBS TO DUCKING AWAY TO DIVES. WE’VE FOUND THE BEST PLACE TO BUST A RHYME, A JUMPING JOINT WHERE
AMANDA MCCLEMENTS AND JOHNNA RIZZO
YOU ROCK THE HOUSE, A SULTRY STOP FOR SWINGING AND HOT HIDEOUTS FOR YOU AND YOUR SQUEEZE (BE IT A
PORTRAITS BY DOUG SANFORD NIGHTLIFE IMAGES BY IWAN BAGUS AND SOKO HIRAYAMA
HAPPENING HEARTH OR A CLOSE-QUARTERS COCKTAIL HAUNT). PLUS WE’VE NAMED THE RIGHT-NOW KINGS OF THE
NIGHT: THE MEN WHO RULE ONCE THE SUN GOES DOWN. NOW GRAB YOUR POSSE AND HIT THIS TOWN!
HIT THE FLOORS
There’s a bit of a change on 6th Street: Coyote Ugly’s out
and the new RNR Bar & Lounge (717 6th St., NW,
202.589.0016) is in. The 5,400-square-foot play land offers
floors for the rough-and-ready, rest-and-relaxation and rockand-roll crowds. Loosely translated, you can watch the game
on level one’s 13 plasma screens, imbibe quietly on level two
or rock out with the DJs up on the top floor. Stop by
Monday–Thursday for Texas Hold ‘em poker tournaments.
KNOCK ’EM BACK OLD-SCHOOL
A new wave of young bartenders is helping DC drinkers
rediscover the classics. Stop into Agraria (3000 K St., NW,
202.298.0003) on the Georgetown waterfront to sample a
Manhattan, Sidecar or Americano. Continue your
education at the Park Hyatt’s Blue Duck Tavern (1201 24th
St., NW, 202.419.6755) with a Tom Collins or an Old
Fashioned. Then see if the whippersnappers got it right by
comparing those drinks to the ones mixed by legendary Off
the Record (One Lafayette Sq., NW, 202.638.6600) barkeep
John Boswell, who’s served every POTUS since Nixon.
DRINK DIPLOMATICALLY: Cozying up at Russia House
DRINK DIPLOMATICALLY
THE LOUNGE ACT
Mauricio Fraga-Rosenfeld’s what you’d call a concept
man. In the mid ‘90s, he co-opened K Street’s Ozio—
one of the first cigar and martini bars in the US—and
brought the lounge to the District. A few years later he
went further with U Street’s Chi-Cha where he threw
in a hookah and took the Middle Eastern tradition
mainstream. Scores of former club kids copped a
squat, pulled up a pipe and a whole new way of going
out was born. Next up was Dupont’s swank see-andbe-seen spot Gazuza. Now, after a decade of ruling
the night, Fraga-Rosenfeld has opened nine party
palaces—including Georgetown standout Maté and
Ceviche in Silver Spring—plus two more on the way in
the coming months. Time and again Mauricio’s
reimagined what it means to go out in this city, but he
minimizes his ingenuity. “I don’t invent the wheel, I
just make a better wheel,” he says. Each club has
been a similar riff on the Latin-flavored lounge recipe
with new twists along the way. It’s a mix we’ll savor.
Foreign relations are everyone’s business. Do your part to
promote goodwill by mixing with the international crowd at hot spots
like Agua Ardiente (1250 24th St., NW, 202.833.8500). Or climb the curved
staircase up to Russia House (1800 Connecticut Ave., NW, 202.234.9433) for a
secret rendezvous surrounded by stately silk and marble plus an often
standing-room-only crowd that lets you lean in and get close.
GRAB AN EYEFUL
New DC-based record label Gypsy Eyes (www.gypsyeyesrecords.com)—
whose owners include local musicians and fans—signed its first two acts
this spring, and we’re all about to reap the rewards. This fall they’ll put
out albums by local alt-country outfits Shortstack and Revival. As it
grows, look to Gypsy for wicked works by the raw talent next door.
Chambord, Grand Marnier, cranberry juice, strawberries and basil.
Though with their two-for-one specials, you may have just enough to
need that sick day after all.
BRING BIG HAIR BACK
Break out the Aquanet and spandex and get ready to take your turn at
the mic at Reef’s Twisted Tuesday glam rock karaoke fest (2446 18th St.,
NW, 202.518.3800). Warm up your throat with a few $3 Pabst Blue
Ribbons before swaggering up front and taking the crowd down to
paradise city. As always, drinkers from the 20008, 20009 and 20010 get
a 10 percent discount on their tab.
ROCK DOWN TO ELECTRIC AVENUE
GET JUICED
The weather’s getting colder; you’re going out every night. Avoid
sick-day sniffles by making sure you get your vitamins. Blue Gin
(1206 Wisconsin Ave., 202.965.4005) makes it easy with their fruit puree
cocktails, which mix in everything from pomegranates to passion
fruit. Or opt for the one-two punch of fruit and herbs with Halo’s
(1435 P St., NW, 202.797.9730) Basil Grande, a mixture of Grey Goose,
Lumber warehouses from the 1800s aren’t typically considered sexy
hot spots, unless of course they happen to be transformed into highstyle clubs. Such is the case for Avenue (649 New York Ave., NW,
202.347.8100), located in the heart of revitalized Chinatown. This
spacious, three-level lounge boasts 12,000 square feet of plush decor
and exposed brick walls. Remnants of the original building play a
large part in the design of the club, as the DJ booths stand on the
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It’s time again for DC’s sound
set to take up residence at
Northwest hipster den the
9:30 club for a month-long
music marathon.
SUDS UP: Bottles at Birreria Paradiso
Head upstairs to Liv, their new club, to finally find a
crowd willing to work it on Sunday. Their weekend
closeout party Daylight, runs from 4PM–10PM so
office stiffs can head home early for the Monday
morning bell; the rest can keep the party going.
SUDS UP
GET READY TO ROCKTOBER: Bringing down the house at the 9:30 club
THE SPIN DOCTOR
Masoud A. (yes, just A.) is used to being the cool
kid. He’s been setting trends in DC for 16 years;
that’s how long he’s been a mover in the where-toshake-it biz. Last winter A. proved he’s still very
much the man when he opened plush eatery-cumlounge Lima. No shock that it’s a hit, of course. He’s
got a track record, not to mention a Rolodex that
keeps him always in the know and workin’ that
phone. Long before you knew him as the main man
for Saturday nights at uber-successful Dream (now
Love), Masoud was a young scenester promoter who
whipped up a frenzy for back-in-the-day haunts like
Zei Club and Spy. Lines snaked around the block and
Masoud was many times over dubbed the duke of
after dark—a title he’ll defend for some time.
warehouse’s original elevator shaft. Each of the three floors hosts DJs
spinning everything from reggae to hip-hop to ‘80s tunes.
GET READY TO ROCKTOBER
Lace up your Converse, October is here. It’s time again for DC’s sound
set to take up residence at Northwest hipster den the 9:30 club (815 V
St., NW, 202.393.0930) for a month-long music marathon. Big acts from
Evanecence to Frank Black to Sergio Mendes to Joan Jett dominate.
Before the show, grab a drink at Duffy’s (2106 Vermont Ave.., NW,
202.265.3413), where a 9:30 ticket will get you $4 Guinness pints.
LIV OUT LOUD
Get a taste of U Street past and present with a night at Bohemian Caverns
(2001 11th St., NW, 202.299.0801). The classic club has hosted legends from
Coltrane to Calloway, Duke to Davis, and still serves up nightly jazz.
The Brickskeller (1523 22nd St., NW, 202.293.1885)
may be a fixture among DC beer lovers, but those
in the know slide past the tourists and families at
Georgetown’s Pizzeria Paradiso (3282 M St., NW,
202.337.1245) to the brew heaven below. Grab a
seat at Birreria Paradiso’s bar and let the staff
school you in a world of hoppy goodness. Stay on
the stout scene with a visit to new Alexandria bar Rustico (827 Slaters
Ln., 703.224.5051), which serves up 250 bottled brews and another 31
on tap, or go all-out upscale with a beer tasting dinner at Café SaintEx (1847 14th St., NW, 202.265.7839).
FIRE AWAY
Wool sweaters and cider, pumpkin pie and apple picking. Fall is all
about coziness, so warm up by the fire at watering holes like the
Tabard Inn (1739 N St., NW, 202.331.8528). The nooks and crannies of
this Victorian hotel are perfect for storytelling and secret-sharing, and
the lounge hosts live jazz on Sunday nights. On the chicer side, sip
merlot around the hearth at Sonoma (223 Pennsylvania Ave., SE,
202.544.8088) or at the Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown (3100 South St., NW,
202.912.4100). Or if you really want to seal the deal, drink amid the
smoldering walls of Oya (777 9th St., NW, 202.393.1400).
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THE GODFATHER
15 Mins. Crow Bar. Planet Fred. State of the Union.
Remember them? The mastermind behind these eradefining hipster scenes, Joe Englert, has continued
his drinking-den domination with hot spots that
stretch from Dupont to U Street to Capitol Hill. This is
the man who arrives first on the block, setting up
shop in neighborhoods ready to boom as the next
nightlife It destination. “A lot of areas of town are sort
of played out … they go into this staid, restaurant
stage,” explains Englert. But he’s ready to change all
that starting with H Street Northeast, the newest
address for adult excess. There Englert has opened
the Rock N Roll Hotel, the Red & the Black, Palace of
Wonders and the Argonaut—and more will follow. He
sees the area “for the 30 to 45-year-olds … a sort
of hipper, hopefully more intelligent playground
for the discerning.” Like the 45-year-old himself,
Englert’s current 12 venues have a laid-back style
that runs high on good tunes and brews and low on
glitz and attitude. You can thank the always capped
entrepreneur for city favorites such as The Big Hunt,
Lucky Bar, DC 9 and Capitol Lounge.
HAVE YOUR SAY: Speak easy at HR-57
TAKE A HOLIDAY: See the Whirld at MCCXXIII
night. The event also marks the 16th anniversary of Atlas coming on
as cruise directors of DC’s social scene.
FEEL FELINE
Appearances by buzz bands like Art Brut are one reason to put the Black
Cat (1811 14th St., NW, 202.667.7960) in heavy rotation on your
nighttime schedule this fall. Another’s the bound-to-be-cool crowd that
fills the Cat, including its no-cover Red Room Bar and its two
performance spaces. There’s almost no spot in DC where you’re less
likely to find a room full of giggling coeds texting on their cells. On a
street that’s seen the birth of DC’s jazz age but also riots and urban
neglect, the Black Cat’s been nurturing indie rock since 1993, thanks to
co-owner, and Foo-Fighters frontman, Dave Grohl.
FEEL FELINE: The bar at the Black Cat
TAKE A HOLIDAY
The biggest reason to celebrate the Sunday night of a long weekend
will always be this: You’re not working tomorrow. But for on-the-town
dudes who are same-sex oriented, there’s a close second: Whirld at
MCCXXIII (1223 Connecticut Ave., NW, 202.822.1800), the once-in-ablue-moon night of great DJs, good drinks and a hot crowd put on by
local legend Mark Lee’s Atlas events (www.atlasevents.com). If you missed
the rocking Labor Day installation of Whirld, plan to line up on
October 8, during Columbus Day day weekend, for the next big
HAVE YOUR SAY
It’s always standing room only at Busboys and Poets’ 9 on the 9th
event (2021 14th St., NW, 202.387.7638). Nine top spoken word artists
hit the open mic at nine o’clock on the ninth day of the month led by
the restaurant/bar’s poet-in-residence, Derrick Brown. Can’t rhyme?
Check out HR-57’s Speak Easy (1610 14th St., NW, 202.667.3700)
themed adult storytelling events. October anecdotes will explore
cubicle life and working for The Man.
STEAL A SHOW
For night owls who haven’t yet become culture vultures, October 19
is a good night to test your wings. That’s the night when $67,000
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worth of art will go out the door gratis. More than 1,800 seats at 23
area theaters will be available through the League of Washington
Theatres’ first annual Free Night of Theater. Venues include Arena
Stage, Teatro de la Luna, Imagination Stage, Woolly Mammoth and
MetroStage. Tickets can be reserved online and picked up at the box
office day-of (www.lowt.org).
ORDER ROOM SERVICE
Looking for booze, bands and bad behavior? Check into H Street’s new
Rock N Roll Hotel (1353 H St., NE, 202.388.7625). Though their
motto—”You can play here, but you can't stay here!”—means the party
has to end at last call, the hipster haven offers a number of VIP areas,
THE LOVE MACHINE
Marc Barnes doesn’t drink. He doesn’t dance. And
he’s never been much of a partier. So how did he
come to own what is arguably the most successful
club in DC? “I like putting smiles on people’s faces,”
he says. And Barnes’ Love (formerly Dream) does just
that for the more than 10,000 revelers who pass
through its mahogany doors each week. District born
and raised, Barnes owned a courier business when he
started promoting for clubs on the side. Frustrated by
the lack of professionalism in the business, he went
out on his own—first by re-opening legendary U Street
club Republic Gardens, and later Love. The club’s
excellence is in the details. No speck of dust escapes
Barnes’ notice, and the six-million-dollar space is
constantly—and luxuriously—updated. Recent insane
additions include 70 custom trash cans at $800 a pop.
Up next, his new restaurant and lounge Park Place
will open on K Street, then this summer Love will be
joined by a new 25,000-square-foot club next door.
ROCK THE ROBIN: The Round Robin’s Gin Rickey
to rub elbows with the hottie you trailed from the bar. Mie N Yu has
taken it all the way, gaining national ink for its sexy coed bathrooms.
And Indebleu gets you ready for your close-up, ditching above-sink
mirrors for cameras that project your image on flat-screen TVs.
LISTEN HARD
Why put off until tomorrow what you can, er, listen to today? Delay no
more in serving yourself a nice big slice of rock-god goodness from The
Hard Tomorrows (www.thehardtomorrows.com). Sure the music’s great—
their new album, Lights Out, was released in September and is bound to
be a cult fave—but the eye candy doesn’t hurt either. Check out both at
their October 14 show at DC9 (1940 9th St., NW, 202.483.5000).
LISTEN HARD: The Hard Tomorrows at the Rock N Roll Hotel
including two party “hotel rooms” and three recording suites for
musicians and the groupies that love them.
SCOUT A LOKATION
If high art and general mayhem had a love child, it would look a lot like
On Lokation (www.onlokation.com). Cutting-edge design, DJ Oz
spinning, some serious shopping and lots of liquor fuse monthly in an
art space for a highbrow one night stand. An October On Lokation is
in the making, check Web site for venue and details.
SEE AND BE SEEN
You can learn a lot about a bar from its bathrooms, and the lesson being
taught at hot spots like Eyebar (1716 I St, NW, 202.785.0270), Indebleu
(707 G St., NW, 202.333.2538) and Mie N Yu (3125 M St., NW,
202.333.6122) is a slightly voyeuristic one. At the loungey Eyebar, a
shared sink between the men’s and women’s bathrooms offers the chance
ROCK THE ROBIN
Political problems are enough to drive anyone to the drink. For more
than a century, power players have drowned scandals and successes
alike in the tonic offered by the Round Robin Bar in the Willard
InterContinental Washington (1401 Pennsylvania Ave., NW,
202.637.7440). You can’t go wrong with the bar’s near-perfect Gin
Rickey, created by mix master Jim Hewes. Legend has it the swell swill
was born locally when Missouri lobbyist JK Rickey’s signature drink
was stripped of its traditional rye by a band of rival Washington
politicians. They bastardized his precious concoction by switching in
gin—and lucky for us, it stuck!
FIND THE FREAKS AND GEEKS
Once upon a time, a great night out meant strong whiskey, pickled snake
heads and sword swallowers. Well, you can recapture those bygone days
with a journey to Showbar Presents the Palace of Wonders (1210 H St., NE,
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THE COURT JESTER
At six-feet-three-inches tall and sporting a spiked
almost-mohawk, muttonchops and the occasional kilt,
Mike Benson is hard to miss. The affable owner of
14th Street’s one-two punch Café Saint-Ex and Bar
Pilar has been a force in the street’s revitalization, but
it’s another revolution we’re thanking him for: bringing
European gastro-pub culture to DC. Chic delectables
and an eclectic mix of liquors are on offer at Mike’s,
backed by a healthy dose of hanging out. Both spots
rock a vibe that inspires locals to linger for hours, an
emotion seconded by Benson who just likes being at
his bars—so much, in fact, that he’ll shortly add a third
venture to his flock, EC12 on Capitol Hill. It’s that love
of the night that makes the man king. Benson comes
by his cool honestly, doing time as a rocker, a surfer
and a photog for Rolling Stone and Spin. Currently
he’s the front man for Lord Jack, a band that includes
members of Blind Melon and Squirrel Nut Zippers. If
you want to know more, Benson’s sure to be around
the next time you pull into Pilar.
TAKE OUT A TEASE: DJs Coby, Ca$$idy and Grace Icon
202.398.7469), the H Street sideshow of burlesque and booze. Carnies creep
you out? Then study up on Science Club (1136 19th St., NW, 202.775.0747)
the turn-of-the-century stone building that brings to mind Darwin-era
intellectual salons more than your garden variety high school geekfest.
CRACK IT OPEN
Club promoter Karl Jones of Taint fame has joined with Shea Van Horn
and Chris Farris to create the quirky talent contest night Crack
(www.crackdc.com). The winner of the inaugural night was Heidi Ho, a
drag performer dressed up as Swiss Miss who yodeled to a climax aside
cow udders and a butter churn. Other performers included the jumproping Double Dutch Divas and the Lady from Tennessee who clogged
to Dolly Parton on sheets of Bubble Wrap. Jones and company promise
even crazier acts at Crack’s October event at DC9 (1940 9th St., NW,
202.483.5000). Check Web site for schedule.
GENTRIFY GENTLY
Sure you’ve got your swanky Tabaq Bistros and Local 16s, but why not
check out the bars that were in Mid-City long before you, or your
condo? Take your pick from blues at the New Vegas Lounge (1415 P St.,
NW, 202.483.3971), art and jazz at Café Nema (1334 U St., NW,
202.667.3215) and Utopia (1418 U St., NW, 202.483.7669), or rock and
punk at the Velvet Lounge (915 U St., NW, 202.462.3213).
RAGE AT THE RACES
The adam’s-appled ladies of the District take to their highest heels for
pageantry unparalleled at 17th Street’s annual drag race. On the Tuesday
before Halloween, the High-Heel Race begins, sending many a crossdresser teetering down 17th, and hundreds of onlookers into Dupont for the
thrill of the chase. More a catwalk than a dash to the finish line, there’s not
that much hurrying at the almost 20-year-old local phenomenon, sponsored
by nearby watering hole J.R.’s Bar and Grill (1519 17th St., NW, 202.328.0090).
PARTY WITH PUFFY
Diddy leads the pack of proud-alum celebrities that annually descends on
DC for Howard University’s homecoming (www.howarduhomecoming.com).
This year the game and parade are set for October 14, but the real magic
happens off campus. Festivities include get-down blowouts at hot spots
like FUR (33 Patterson St., NE, 202.842.3401) and Republic Gardens (1355 U
St., NW, 202.232.2710). Diddy and Usher dominated the HUH party
circuit in 2005 with their jam at Love. Similar festivities are on tap for
2006, but the question is: Whose bash will be best?
TAKE OUT A TEASE
Edgy fashion and indie rock dominate the Tease parties thrown by the
sexy DJ threesome of Coby, Ca$$idy and Grace Icon. Slide into your
slinkiest and hit the dance floor at DC9 for guest sets by visiting
rockers (past artists have included members of The Smiths and
Interpol). The dazzling DJs and their cohorts also spin on Tuesdays at
the new Be Bar (1318 9th St., NW, 202.232.7450) and third Saturdays at
the Rock N Roll Hotel (1353 H St., NE, 202.388.7625).
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when DCists say they’re hitting the Jumbo, they mean Adams Morgan’s
Pizza Mart (2445 18th St., NW). The stand serves it up until 4AM daily,
and is only occasionally shuttered for health code violations.
UPGRADE YOUR MUNCHIES
Giving the jumbo slice a run for its money are several less-sketch latenight options. The Diner (2453 18th St., NW, 202.232.8800) in Adams
Morgan serves breakfast 24 hours a day, and is just as likely to be packed
at 5AM on a Saturday as it is a few hours later for brunch. Amsterdam
Falafelshop (2425 18th St., NW, 202.234.1969) offers piping hot sandwiches
with crispy twice-cooked fries until 4AM on weekends. Over at the Old
Ebbitt Grill (675 15th St., NW, 202.347.4800) it’s oyster happy hour from
11PM–1AM nightly. And at Georgetown’s grand dame of late night
dining Bistro Francais (3128 M St., NW, 202.338.3830), the city’s top chefs
unwind after a night on the line, scarfing down steak frites and roasted
chicken ‘til 4AM Fridays and Saturdays, 3AM on school nights. Also
French and up-all-night is Au Pied Bistro (2815 M St., NW, 202.338.5380),
who’ll keep you in croque monsieurs ‘til 5AM on weekends.
JOIN THE CLUB
Bienvenue to the body-baringest Berlin barroom in theater history with
Arena Stage’s (1101 6th St., NW, 202.488.3300) racy rendition of Cabaret—
running through October 29—chocked so full of hot pants it puts even
the Pussycat Dolls to shame (Liza, look away!). In this theater-in-theround setup every audience member is actually seated in the cookin’ club
itself, which begs the question: Is it voyeurism if they want us to watch?
HANG AT GALLERY: Shake it all night in Silver Spring
LIQUIDATE YOUR ASSETS
Booze and boutiques are a lethal combination, at least for your bank
account. But with everything from Hobo bags to Trashy Diva dresses on
the line, what’s a few impulse buys between bellinis? Boutiques along
14th and U Streets serve up sales and sips every month on Third
Thursdays. Drink your fill and drain your checking account at stores like
Nana, Pink November, Wild Women Wear Red, GoodWood and more.
PUMP UP THE JAM: Swinging at Meridian Park
LOVE TO EAT
KEEP IT ON K
OGLE ONLINE
Hot spots Lima and kstreet had better watch out: There are some new
kids planning to hit the block. First on the scene will be Park Place (920
14th St., NW), a new American-Caribbean restaurant and lounge as
imagined by nightlife superstar Marc Barnes of Love. Hot on its heels
will be two offerings, Lotus and Tattoo, from local tennis-pro-turnedplayboy Patrick Osuna.
If Friday night’s excesses leave you too spent to venture out Saturday, no
need to fret. By Sunday photos of all the fun you missed around the city
will be yours for the viewing at specialty nightlife Web sites like
DC.AbsoluteAddiction.com and DCNites.com. While you’re there,
compare the crowds at competing venues and select the spot where
you’ll stage a comeback.
Love (1350 Okie St., NE, 202.636.9030) has been the gold standard in
nightlife for years, but what even devoted partygoers may not know is
that Love’s new edibles menu rivals those of some of the area’s best
restaurants. Throw down a few grand for a night in the apartment VIP
room and settle in for a meal prepared in the club’s 10,000-square-foot
kitchen presided over by chef Lois Spenser. Dishes like Moroccan
swordfish and orange chipotle chicken will give you the energy to hit
all four of the massive club’s floors.
PUMP UP THE JAM
SEDUCE A SWAMI
LEARN ABOUT LIQUOR
We’ve finally recovered from those damned Gap commercials and are
prepared to declare ourselves once again ready to jump, jive and wail.
The weekly Jam Cellar (www.thejamcellar.com) parties at the posh
Josephine Butler mansion in Meridian Hill Park do the old-school style
dance justice. Hour-long classes before the free-form sessions can not
only teach you what a shim sham is, but how exactly to master the steps
before the rest of the revelers arrive.
Have you seen The Guru countless times? Do you dream of hitting the
dance floor having mastered the rhythmic partnering-withouttouching Bollywood moves that will woo tasty Indian heartthrob
Jimmy Mistry once and for all? Here’s your ticket: Rhythmaya, a fitness
routine based on Indian dance, will teach you the moves, and get you
belly-baringly bootylicious in the process. Rooted in pop culture the
sessions are choreographed to hit Indian songs. After dark classes are
available (www.rhythmaya.com).
If you love your libations, and crave news of the latest cocktail crazes,
head on over to the Liquid Muse (theliquidmuse.blogspot.com). It’s your free
ticket to liquor nirvana. Part barkeep, part chatty raconteur, blogger
Natalie Bovis-Nelson keeps her “sipsters” in the know.
STRUT LIKE A STARLET
DC divas will delight in Helix’s Hollywood Halloween Bash (1430
Rhode Island Ave., NW, 202.462.9001). On October 28, costumed guests
can saunter in via the red carpet and get a taste of the Hollywood high
life. And for those who can’t stand to leave this lap of luxury, an
overnight stay will be awarded for the best getup.
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> OCTOBER 2006
ADMIT SIZE MATTERS
There are few sources of post-midnight debauchery that don’t result in
a preternatural need for a nosh and there’s one standby that always
satisfies: the jumbo slice. The big-as-your-head, dripping with cheese
and grease piece of pie is offered up at countless spots around town, but
HANG AT GALLERY
Sure there is some nice art on the walls, but the real reason to haul
yourself out to Silver Spring to contemporary/industrial nightspot
Gallery (1115 East-West Hwy., 301.589.2555) is the electronica, featuring
DJs from Chicago, San Francisco and other centers of spinning
aficianado-ism. Last call is at 2AM, but the tres danceable tunes keep
coming until much, much later. The thumping outpost opened this
summer to raves, forcing us to wonder whether Silver Spring could be
the next happening nightlife ‘hood.
LIQUIDATE YOUR ASSETS: Booze and buy on U Street
St.
BONAPARTE INVADES
Café Bonaparte will soon conquer Adams Morgan when it takes over
popular Mantis (1847 Columbia Rd., NW). Omar Popal, co-owner of the
French cafe, says the spot will relaunch this fall as Bonaparte, with an
extended menu of Gallic dishes, a sexy vibe and (cross your fingers)
perhaps a basement champagne bar.
WORK THAT BODY
Night classes at Vida Fitness (601 F St., NW, 866.382.8432) like Cardio
Striptease and Latin dance-inspired Zumba, get you set for those
afterdark workouts that come much later. Given the super-hot location
of this Penn Quarter playground, the unisex sauna is sure to be full of
neighbors worth knowing.
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