Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Capitol Heights, MD

CAPITOL HILL. Formerly Lounge 201, this Capitol Hill bar has morphed from a martini lounge to an upscale tavern with...

CAPITOL HILL. Formerly Lounge 201, this Capitol Hill bar has morphed from a martini lounge to an upscale tavern with wooden floors and modern decor. The 201 Bar now features several craft beers on tap and over 50 bottles. Wine connoisseurs can select from over 30 small batch vintages from around the world, including some from Virginia wineries. The food menu is pub fare, featuring everything from chicken wings, tacos to flatbread pizzas or steak frites. "Elvis' Peanut Butter Sandwich," which is made with peanut butter, bacon and bananas on toasty white bread is sure to satisfy. Happy hour specials are offered during the week.

Hours: Mon 5pm-1am; Tue-Thu 4pm-1am; Fri-Sat 4pm-3am; Sun Noon-8pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

CAPITOL HILL. Bullfeathers gets its name from Teddy Roosevelt's favorite expression and is a polite version of that...

CAPITOL HILL. Bullfeathers gets its name from Teddy Roosevelt's favorite expression and is a polite version of that other "bull" expletive. During the day, you'll find politicians from Capitol Hill flocking to this bar, where they down juicy burgers and watch news programs on the overhead TVs. In the evenings, a younger crowd gathers for hours of rowdy socializing. Pop music plays in the background, happy hour offers good prices on beer, and Mondays feature half-price burgers. METRO: Capitol South

Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-11pm; Fri-Sat 11am-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. Friendly and approachable, this gay bar's popular for its theme nights-on Shirtless Night, bare-chested men...

DOWNTOWN. Friendly and approachable, this gay bar's popular for its theme nights-on Shirtless Night, bare-chested men get in free. Karaoke nights, drink specials and dance lessons also raise numbers. Music videos play on multiple TV screens while patrons enjoy happy hour, play pool or socialize. For those who wish to retreat from the crowd, bar tables and lounge furniture are situated on the periphery of the room. METRO: McPhereson Sq

Hours: Sun-Thu 4pm-2am; Fri-Sat 4pm-3am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. Since 1856, this landmark bar and restaurant has served DC's power class. Rich with furnishings, including...

DOWNTOWN. Since 1856, this landmark bar and restaurant has served DC's power class. Rich with furnishings, including Teddy Roosevelt's hunt trophies, the place never fails to satisfy. It's a great place to get that perfect martini and enjoy the raw oyster bar, which carries more then seven types of oysters. Four bar areas help accommodate crowds of patrons: one, the Corner Bar is intimate, with private booths, while another one, the Old Bar is more open and conducive to mingling. All are constantly crowded, but don't be intimidated. Order up a drink and give your conversational skills a workout. Late night dining available. METRO: Metro Center

Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-1am; Sat-Sun 8:30am-1am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

U STREET. Everybody's welcome at this cozy 14th Street bistro-bar, where folks gather at the close of the work day to...

U STREET. Everybody's welcome at this cozy 14th Street bistro-bar, where folks gather at the close of the work day to enjoy each other's company, the European-style atmosphere and terrific prices on everything from a glass of Stella Artois to a bottle of 2003 Torbreck Woodcutter's Shiraz. Another feather in Saint-Ex's cap is its menu, which features striped bass with lemon pesto and a BLT made with fried green tomatoes. Downstairs is Gate 54, a hangar-inspired lounge that's a comfortable place for listening to DJ-spun tunes and conversing with the lovely clientele. METRO: U Street

Hours: Mon 5pm-1:30am; Tue-Thu, Sun 11am-1:30am; Fri-Sat 11am-2:30am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

LOGAN CIRCLE. Step into the Helix Lounge and you'll immediately sense the allure of the white leather couches and...

LOGAN CIRCLE. Step into the Helix Lounge and you'll immediately sense the allure of the white leather couches and colored lights. Cushy sitting areas and private booths provide solace from the crowd and opportunities for quiet conversation. Savor a top-notch cocktail such as the Pajama Party (Stoli raz, Sprite, lime juice and champagne), Electric Lemonade, or Strawberry Cheesecake while enjoying a mix of tunes. Satisfying any craving, the menu offers a mix of snack and meal items from the Potato Martinis and calamari to burgers and grilled chicken salads. METRO: McPherson Sq

Hours: Mon-Thu 6:30am-10:30am, 5pm-11:30pm; Fri 6:30am-10:30am, 5pm-1:30am; Sat 7am-10:30am, 5pm-1:30am; Sun 7am-10:30am, 5pm-11:30pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

COLUMBIA HEIGHTS. While Columbia Heights can't really compete with Georgetown or Adams-Morgan as one of DC's cooler...

COLUMBIA HEIGHTS. While Columbia Heights can't really compete with Georgetown or Adams-Morgan as one of DC's cooler districts to hang out in after the sun goes down, it does boast a few noteworthy oases. Leading the way is this friendly corner bar, where the young and fashionable from all over the city stop by to mingle with the neighborhood crowd, enjoy a tasty brat or kielbasa, listen to live music and drink a Yuengling or two. The bar's eclectic decor includes a table-top version of Ms. Pac-Man and walls decorated with vintage record sleeves. METRO: Columbia Heights

Hours: Mon-Thu 5pm-2am; Fri 4pm-3am; Sat 11am-3am; Sun 11am-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover

DOWNTOWN. Bar Rouge occupies a long, narrow space and is dotted with armchairs and comfortable seats upholstered in...

DOWNTOWN. Bar Rouge occupies a long, narrow space and is dotted with armchairs and comfortable seats upholstered in leather and mohair. The modern atmosphere, along with upbeat acid jazz and international music, provides a pleasant atmosphere for sampling the establishment's many cocktails and small-plate offerings (which are great for sharing with friends). The lack of both a cover charge and a dress code make Bar Rouge perfect for impromptu gatherings.

Hours: Mon-Thu 7am-10:30am, 5pm-10:30pm; Fri 7am-10:30am, 5pm-2am; Sat 5pm-2am; Sun 5pm-10:30pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express

DUPONT CIRCLE. The apex of one of DC's most diverse areas, this laid-back gathering place is always filled with a varied...

DUPONT CIRCLE. The apex of one of DC's most diverse areas, this laid-back gathering place is always filled with a varied group. What the crowd has in common is an appreciation for Trio's ­ "The Fox" in local parlance ­ and its plentiful outdoor seating, great drink selection, and relaxed vibe. There's nothing pretentious or fussy about the minimal decor, but the jukebox is considered one of the best in DC, and they also claim to have "the strongest drinks in town." A lengthy menu of tasty food is also available. Look closely and you just might catch a celebrity roaming around.

Hours: Mon-Thu 4pm-2am; Fri-Sat 11am-3am; Sun 11am-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express

U STREET. This classy neighborhood restaurant offers not only an elegant dining atmosphere, but a soothing haven from...

U STREET. This classy neighborhood restaurant offers not only an elegant dining atmosphere, but a soothing haven from the city in the late night hours. From its crimson dining room to its candlelit bar, Local 16 creates an atmosphere that makes anyone feel welcome. Head upstairs to select one of their lush cocktails made with freshly squeezed fruit, veg on the comfy couches, or gaze on the street below from the rooftop deck. METRO: U St-Cardoza

Hours: Mon-Thu 5pm-2am; Fri 5pm-3am; Sat 11am-3am; Sun 11am-1am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club