Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Washington Dulles International Airport, VA

FAIRFAX. Don't let the name fool you; this place has more to offer than just a lively bar scene. Cool colors, abstract...

FAIRFAX. Don't let the name fool you; this place has more to offer than just a lively bar scene. Cool colors, abstract artwork, and outdoor dining set the scene for guests to enjoy starters like duck and watercress salad or citrus flavored shrimp. Innovative entrees on the seasonal menu may include chicken and seafood pastas or grilled lamb shanks. If you can't make dinner, stop by after work; they have a great happy hour with half-priced appetizers and plenty of drink specials.

Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am-2am; Sat Noon-2am; Sun 10am-2am

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

BETHESDA. This laid-back bistro places a premium on sports and channels all the best games into the establishment via...

BETHESDA. This laid-back bistro places a premium on sports and channels all the best games into the establishment via satellite TV. The clientele at the bar is a younger crowd, although a lot of families show up in the dining area. Thirteen screens surround you with sports, so it's a good idea to be a fan if you come to hang out. While you cheer for your team, have a cheap beer and chat with friends. Food includes sandwiches, burgers, steak, chicken and pork.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11:30am-10pm; Fri 11:30am-11pm; Sat 10:30am-11pm; Sun 10:30am-3pm

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

BETHESDA. Frequented by a crowd of 20- and 30-somethings, this stylish bar has a classic feel with polished woods and...

BETHESDA. Frequented by a crowd of 20- and 30-somethings, this stylish bar has a classic feel with polished woods and leather seating. It's a favorite place for pre-club drinks; a martini from the comprehensive list easily fits the bill. Local beers are on tap if that's your style, and you can also have a good but affordable glass of wine. Conversation is easy when you hang out with friends, and sports fans can even catch the game on one of the wall-mounted TVs. FYI: The restaurant half of this establishment serves terrific food, so try a savory pasta dish or one of their fresh salads if you need a little sustenance.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11:30am-10:30pm; Fri 11:30am-11pm; Sat 10am-11pm; Sun 10am-10pm

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

BETHESDA. Located in a stylish, modern building, this classy bar and grill supplements its tasty all-American eats...

BETHESDA. Located in a stylish, modern building, this classy bar and grill supplements its tasty all-American eats (steaks, seafood, lobster mac and cheese) with an exceptional array of on-tap craft brews and wine. Stop in on Saturday and Sunday and try out their brunch offerings, which include everything from fresh berry pancakes to to NY Strip and eggs. The homemade Bloody Marys are optional, but terrific ideas!

Hours: Mon-Thu 11:30am-Midnight; Fri 11:30am-2am; Sat 10am-2am; Sun 10am-Midnight

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

ARLINGTON. The beers brewed on the premises are the top draws at this neighborly bar, where live blues and rock and roll...

ARLINGTON. The beers brewed on the premises are the top draws at this neighborly bar, where live blues and rock and roll are on the schedule every Wednesday and Saturday. Conveniently located in Ballston Commons Mall, this brewery brings out a professional crowd during happy hour, held every weekday from 4pm-7pm. A good selection of cigars and single-malt scotches, and an extensive dinner menu please a variety of tastes. Some people enjoy the house ambers and ales so much that they get large containers to take home.

Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-1am; Fri-Sat 11am-2am

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

ARLINGTON. This popular bar offers something for everyone, including pool,darts, great food (especially the barbecue),...

ARLINGTON. This popular bar offers something for everyone, including pool,darts, great food (especially the barbecue), and, of course, plenty of drinks. A youngish crowd gathers to see and be seen, and throngs get rowdy as the night wears on. Regulars say that the music is great and the pool tables are even better; owners have invested in top-notch tables and equipment that have won awards from "Billiards Digest." The 50s-style, automobile theme is appropriate given that the building was formerly a gas station.

Hours: Mon-Fri 4pm-2am; Sat Noon-2am; Sun Noon-1am

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

ARLINGTON. Set in the heart of Old Town, this popular neighborhood pizza place draws lots of folks for dinner and is an...

ARLINGTON. Set in the heart of Old Town, this popular neighborhood pizza place draws lots of folks for dinner and is an appealing stop-off for an evening beer or glass of wine. On weeknights, barstools fill up with after-work crowds who have adopted the hotspot as their hangout; weekends bring even larger crowds. Be warned, however: If you come in for a drink, aromas wafting from the pizza ovens may provoke you into ordering one of their irresistible pies.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-11pm; Fri 11am-Midnight; Sat 10am-Midnight; Sun 9:30am-11pm

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

ARLINGTON. An upscale but relaxed place for a date or to meet up with friends, this restaurant and bar features great...

ARLINGTON. An upscale but relaxed place for a date or to meet up with friends, this restaurant and bar features great food, an extensive selection of beer and wine, and an upbeat outdoor patio that's perfect for warm summer evenings. The clever decor focuses on a construction site theme, with blueprints decorating the tables and a collection of tools and scaffolds on the walls and at the bar. The result is a surprisingly comfortable and fun atmsophere. Live music is often on the agenda, with a focus on modern rock and dance covers. Have dinner first and then make a night of it.

Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-2am, 5pm-2am; Sat 11am-2am; Sun 11am-8pm

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

ARLINGTON. With a history dating back more than 50 years, this family-owned and operated favorite offers the best...

ARLINGTON. With a history dating back more than 50 years, this family-owned and operated favorite offers the best personal service, great seafood and burgers, and a low-key vibe that makes even the most frazzled traveler feel relaxed. Don't expect hip, trendy decor and blaring music ­ instead you'll find a pleasant bar and a quiet patio ideally suited for conversation and mingling. Rock, funk and soul are often featured on the stage. You may also try your skills on the pool and foosball tables. Just follow the landmark neon sign that simply reads "Grill."

Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-2am; Sat-Sun 9am-2am

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

CLARENDON. Iota Club & Café sponsors local musicians, both those just getting started and those who have already...

CLARENDON. Iota Club & Café sponsors local musicians, both those just getting started and those who have already established names for themselves as singers and songwriters. Open mic nights give everyone a chance to be a star, and literary fans often attend the Sunday poetry series, where everyone is encouraged to read. The menu features hot entrees (including vegetarian dishes), along with soups, salads, and great appetizers. METRO: Clarendon

Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-2am; Sun 8am-Midnight

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