While famously underrepresented
in the Senate, the District
“represents” with aplomb in
all things nightlife. We’ve got
Sunday brunch at Busboys and Poets, power lunch
at the Palm, world vibes and big-name DJs at Ibiza
on Saturday nights. It’s easy to forget (especially
after a few too many Pabst Blue Ribbons
between pizzas at Comet) that we’re mere miles
from a world of options. Virginia’s red clay is
steeped in history, true; but the here and now of
Arlington, Alexandria and
other Old Dominion
burgs may surprise jaded
Georgetowners looking
for an alternative to M
Street mainstays.
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ALEXANDRIA
Old Town Alexandria
is the kind of place to take
your parents (cool parents
who like to party, that is).
Quaint enough to please
conservatives, it’s still got
enough bite to placate a
dad who remembers the
hedonism of Monteray
Pop. The town tends to
cater to those searching
for an upscale night out
rather than to college-age
frat boys. PX(728 King St.)
may be the definitive in retro (1920s) chic.
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A Todd
Thrasher project (he’s the resident alcohol alchemist
at Restaurant Eve, also located in Alexandria), PX
resembles Eighteenth Street Lounge in terms of
word-of-mouth exclusivity, signaling business hours
by flying a discreet pirate flag out of the window
above “Dublin Chipper” Eamonn’s and turning on
a mellow blue porch lamp. Its occupancy set at a
strict 38 lucky souls, PX pays off once you get inside. Thrasher’s bar menu is thoughtful and creative,
offering delicious draughts like the “Eamonn’s
Cocktail,” lovingly made with Irish red lemonade,
Irish whiskey, and yuzu. Word to the wise: much like
1789, PX has a no jacket, no entrance policy which
suits (pun intended) the intimate and luxurious
space.
Thrasher is also involved (unsurprisingly) with The Majestic (911 King St.), which ties PX for
best date-night spot. Originally founded in 1932,
its art-deco décor is complemented by a working
antique phone booth, from
which patrons can drunkdial
(for 25 cents, even)
merrily and historically at
the same time. Under its
quaint tin roof, Thrasher
mixes up “Majestic
Classics” such as mint
juleps, sidecars and even
an egg cream or two.
HONORABLE
MENTIONS Vermillion (1120
King Street), whose
microbrew menu is
staggeringly expansive;
the Bayou Room (219
King St.), the bouncy
basement dance lounge
under pricey Victorian
eatery 219 Restaurant; 100 King Street (same address), which draws
oenephiles with a rich and varied wine selection.
ARLINGTON AND CLARENDON |
Clarendon has become well-known for its
eclectic mix of unique shops, trendy bars, and
small restaurants. Eleventh Street Lounge’s (1041 N. Highland St.) notoriety stems from
a great selection of Belgian beers and from its luxe ambiance: crystal chandeliers, cherry-wood
staircases, and hip-deep plush couches. Liberty
Tavern (3195 Wilson Blvd.) was originally a
Masonic temple, which adds spooky juju to the
bar experience. Impress a date by selecting cheeses;
they come paired with honeyed figs. The weekend
bar scene can become raucous, but the upstairs
dining room remains a peaceful haven for the
more sedate diner. Guarapo’s (2039 Wilson
Blvd.) offers ceviche, paella, sangria, and other
tempting South American fare (sister-bar nena is upstairs). EatBar’s (2761 Washington Blvd.)
gentle and flattering lighting plays kindly across the
ravaged visages of 70-hour-work-week-warrior
Washingtonians, and its 70-wines-by-the-glass,
velvet booths, and copper-inlaid tabletops are real
customer pleasers.
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NIGHTLIFE
