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Got Plans?
With the Entertainment Guide Staff
washingtonpost.com
Thursday, May 31, 2001; 1 p.m. EST
Every Thursday at 1 p.m. EST, washingtonpost.com's Entertainment
Guide experts share their best bets for local flavor,
great dates and family fun. Got plans? Great. Need plans? Just ask.
We've got the skinny on the bars and clubs, concerts,
kitchens, theaters and special events that keep life interesting. We're
going out gurus, and we're at your service.
Of course, we're happy to answer questions about local
entertainment, but we need to hear from you, too. Introduce us to
the coolest DJ or the fastest bartender you've encountered. Sound off
on the week's best concert or the city's best burger. Tell
us about the best place to amuse little kids or a big art fan. Together
we can plan fun ways to spend weekdays, weekends,
dates and holidays. The pleasure is ours, and yours.
Each week a different guru will act as host or hostess, but the
entire staff is at your service. If you're looking for more
ideas, see the Entertainment
Guide.
Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control
over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
The Going Out Gurus:
1, 2, 3, in the place to be....
It is Rhome here with you gentle readers and I've been gently cajoled (coerced? extorted?) into hosting the chat today. Let us jump in with full enthusiasm so we can get our going-out thang in action. Supa-Jen Chaney (80's maven and general knowitall) is back in the place after the good nuptials vacation. Joe-ski Love Heim has you covered for music. Fritz (Nightlife and Jiggy-ologist), Alexa (Restaurants), Maura (Museums and fashion queen), Anne (our other knowitall), and Kate (our beloved figurehead) are all on deck and I can pull in our Travel and Food folk in a pinch. Have you checked our search and calendar functions before jumping in? How about our crescent fresh Summer Guide?
You all tucked in? Heeeere we go......
Dupont:
So, tell me about the new lounge on Connecticut in Dupont. What's it like? I want to go check it out.
The Going Out Gurus: It's good that you asked Dupont. The spot is called Gazuza and my bartender friend newly employed there implores me (Rhome) to check it out. Methinks I shall do so tomorrow. Maybe some of you all out there have done the legwork already. Anyone know how it measures up so far?
Fairfax,VA:
Hey Gurus!you guys rule!Ok,here my question:Is it possible to rent a nice car for a day?My frend's b-day is coming up and I wanted to surprise him but renting the car of his dreams so he can drive it for the day or just a few hours...whatcha think?THHANKS!!
The Going Out Gurus: Hi Fairfax. This is Maura. The two luxury car rental places I know of are Millenium Luxury Car Rental in DC and Vienna and Links Luxury Car Rentals in Silver Spring. Links recommends booking a bit further advance if you want a specific make or model. Don't know what you're looking for, but they seem to have it all from your basic Lamborghini and Jaguar SK8 convertibles to your Hummer. Minimum age for rental is only 21.
Dupont:
Hey, I have a tip for a great outdoor place for drinks. The rooftop of the Hilton on Mass Ave. is wonderful. It is never busy and I think many people just forget about it or don't know it is there. Great views of the city and decent drinks. You can even buy a day-long pass for their pool.
The Going Out Gurus: Hey, Fritz here. You're talking about Lights, the rooftop bar at the Embassy Row Hilton, which opened just before Memorial Day. I've reviewed it before - and updated this record a couple days ago - and I'm of two minds about it. Kate Gibbs, who lives in the 'hood, doesn't like it. She thinks it's cheesy, from the decorations to the music. I have to agree. But I like the views of Northwest (from Dupont to the Cathedral), the happy hour specials, the view, and, um … that's about it. It's not a great place to kill a few hours, but if the weather's nice and you're looking for something to do between 6 and 7 p.m. in Dupont (they open at 6), it might be worth a visit.
Clifton, VA:
Trying to get more info about Capital Jazz Festival. Can't access there website. Help girlfriend wants to go?
The Going Out Gurus: Hi Clifton. Joe here. The Capital Jazz Fest takes place June 16-17 at Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville, Va. This is sort of a smooth jazz festival and this year the biggest name is Cassandra Wilson who performs on Sunday, the 17th.
Bethesda, MD:
Your intern guide is great, but, as I'm not
being paid, I'm interested in free drinks.
Where is a girl most likely to have drinks
bought for her?
The Going Out Gurus: Um, when she's out drinking with the Nightlife editor?
Fritz here. Okay, places to get FREE (yes, FREE) drinks:
Once a month or so, the Velvet Lounge has an open bar showcase. You go to the club, you listen to some rock bands (some decent, some mediocre), and you get free mixed drinks and beer. Visit their site, http://www.velvetloungedc.com/, get on the mailing list, and they'll hook you up. There's one coming up in early June.
Option two: every month, Hillzoo.com, the Capitol Hill website, hosts an open bar party at one of the Hill's many bar. They had 500 people this month at the party at Capitol Lounge, with free Bud Ice (ewww) and Capitol Lounge Amber beer for about four hours.
Arlington, VA:
What is the best Happy Hour in Arlington for a Friday afternoon, with the possibility of it going into a dinner? relatively inexpensive
The Going Out Gurus: Fritz here. I like a few Arlington happy hours - there's free pool and $3 pints at Dr. Dremo's (with $4 pitchers), $1 pieces of sushi and $2 draft beers at Cafe Asia, $2.50 pints at Rock Bottom, and, if you love dives as much as I do, half-price appetizers and $2.50 domestics at Whitey's. They also have great pitcher specials. All of these specials run until about 7 or 7:30 - if you want to go later, Whitey's has specials all night.
Fairfax,VA:
HI Gurus....still the best!!
Questions: Is Johnny Rockets a good place to go on a date...just started seeing someone and would like to take them to Georgetown during the day, ending up there....Also,what are your opinions on some REALLY good italian restaurants in NOVA or DC??
thankyouthankyouthankyou!!
The Going Out Gurus: Yes, I bet Johnny Rockets would be a fine place for a date, if that scene is what you fancy. As for REALLY good Italians in our neck there are quite a few. Beware that REALLY good may also mean expensive. Anyway, from me (Alexa) to you (Fairfax) here are a few to think about: Roberto Donna'sGalileo, the hilarious A.V. Ristorante, Geranio in Old Town.
But be sure to check out Eve Zibart's review of Cafe Triolo in Arlington. Looks to be real find.
Arlington, VA:
I am taking a girl I just met out on our first date on Friday. Plan was dinner and strolling around DC (she just moved here less than 2 weeks ago). The weather however calls for rain, so what to do? I have been here less than a year, so I don't know too much around here. She's 20 and I'm 21, so going to bar/club is out. Any ideas? Also should not I am in Arlington and she is in Bethesda.
The Going Out Gurus: Hi Arlington, this is Jen. First of all, don't definitely assume it will rain. That assumption requires stocking your full faith in the weather people, and you should remember that weather people don't always know what they're talking about. In other words, you may get your dinner and strolling after all.
However, if the theme of tomorrow evening does end up being "Here Comes the Rain Again," I suggest that you have dinner as planned and follow up with a movie. Since you live in the Arlington area, you could always dine near the Courthouse movie theater (try Delhi Dhaba if you've a hankering for Indian) or near Ballston Commons and dash to the cinema from there. Should you feel like being Super Gentleman (and since this is a first date, you should) I recommend heading out her way. Take her to any of the downtown Bethesda restaurants near the United Artists theater on Wisconsin Ave. – Austin Grill, Jaleo, Levante's, Pizzeria Uno and Parioli are all within dashing-under-an-umbrella distance. And, naturally, if neither of you are up for a movie after dinner, you'll be close to either her place or yours', if you know what I mean. (Nudge, nudge, wink, wink.)
Washington, DC:
We need something to do for my roommate's 22nd birthday tomorrow night (Friday). It needs to be pretty cheap and one of the member's of our group is under 21- anything close to NW would be great!!!!! Thanks.
The Going Out Gurus: Hi Washington, Kate here, thanks for writing in. If you're looking to host a fun evening out for not too much dough in the center of the city, consider starting with dinner in Chinatown, and then moving on to a downtown club that admits under-21s. I'm nuts for the steamed chicken with green sauce and the spicy salt-cured shrimp at Full Kee. This place is not much to look at, but the food is outstanding and you can feast like kings (entry-level salary kings, that is). Remember, it's cash only. If you'd prefer something less adventurous, call the new Gordon-Biersch Restaurant and ask for a big table upstairs. Platinum takes all-ags on Friday nights. Is your group up for dancing? Nation's Buzz (also takes under-21s) hosts DJ Judge Jules. Check out Fritz's under age round-up for more big groups ideas.
Springfield, VA:
I have a friend coming into town (Biff), and obviously with a name like this, we're gonna be meeting some ladies. Are there any places that have an overabundance of females, that fight over the guys?
The Going Out Gurus: Of course. Just get iced up and gatored up (maybe even minked up, if you want to go all Jermaine Dupri), and get yourself into the VIP room at MCCXXIII, Republic Gardens or Ozio. Then start flossin' with some Cristal - that sure worked for Jay-Z and R. Kelly in the "Fiesta" video.
Or you can just pretend to be a professional athlete, preferably one from out of town.
18th & M:
A friend of mine from Pittsburgh is coming into town this weekend, and I recall you guys talking about a Pittsburgh-themed pseudo-sports bar downtown a few weeks back. I can't find it listed anywhere on your website. Would any of you be able to fill me in on this place again? I wanna take my friend by it so he can see how it stacks up. Thanks!
The Going Out Gurus: Fritz here. You're talking about the Penn Ave. Pourhouse, located on the first floor of Politiki (Pennsylvania Avenue SE). Iron City on draft, puppets from "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood" on the walls, and kielbasa in the kitchen. Let us know what your friend thinks.
Dupont Circle:
Regarding Gazuga--
I was there with a bunch of friends the week it opened (ooh, how trendy am I!) It's fun, with a great balcony looking out over Connecticut. Sadly, the balcony was packed early and though the waitress promised to let us know when a table opened up, we never moved outside. The music was okay, but nothing special, and the chair/table setup isn't conducive to conversation across the tables. BUT they have a killer apple martini, great staff people, and it could be really fun when things pick up a little more.
The Going Out Gurus: Thanks, Dupont.
Gaithersburg, MD:
My brother and his wife will be in town Sunday for fathers day. Any suggestions for decent restaurants in the Bethesda/Rockville area that are open in the afternoon?
The Going Out Gurus: Hi Gaithersburg. Sounds like you have a nice visit ahead. As for a Sunday afternoon in Bethesda, try Cafe Deluxe or Jaleo. Both seem to bustling at every hour of the day. In Rockville, brunch at the Mykonos Grill's comes highly recommended. Two of my (Maura's) faves in Bethesda, Black's Bar and Kitchen and Red Tomato, open at 5PM on Sundays, if you can wait that long.
Austin, Texas:
Hi! We are coming for a house hunting trip over the weekend and into next week. We are staying at the Wyndham on M street (behind the White House). We would like to know where should we eat and where should we go to get a feel for our new home?
The Going Out Gurus: Hello, Austin, this is Anne. I checked in with Alexa, and she suggested a trio of upscale restaurants right near your hotel: TenPenh, Café Atlantico and Oceannaire. You'll be sure to have decadent dinners there. For exploring your new environs, I bet the National Building Museum's bookstore would have some good reads on the history, architecture and design of the city. Then stroll down to the Capitol and along the length of the Mall. Have a jazzy night out on U Street at Bohemian Caverns. Ditch the Tourmobile and take the SpyDrive tour. Good luck house hunting! We hope that once you've settled in, you'll write back and share some of your favorite spots.
NW DC:
What/where/when is drag queen bingo? Some friends were talking about it but I can't seem to find any info.
The Going Out Gurus: N-34, N-34!
Hi NW, DC, Kate here. At Chaos every Tuesday night after 8:30, drag bingo is exacly like it sounds: a bar-blend of grandma's favorite game and drag cabaret. Pay the nominal cover (I can't remember what it was: $4? $5?) and pick up a card and let the "girls" (Leona, Xavier and Juju) start calling. You'll learn the rules about certain numbers -- there's a near "Rocky Horror" lexicon-- from regulars. It's a gas. Get there early to get a spot, get there extra early if you're with a group larger than four.
PF, VA:
Hey there! Looking for a place to take myself and my two bridesmaids for a luncheon. Good food, good wine and martinis and not too close to the city (preferably).
The Going Out Gurus: What about the spanky new Majestic Cafe in Old Town (703/837-9117), PF VA? It's nice in there: a slick little bar that's sure to serve a few pre-nup gals a good martini, a fashionable "dining room" and a very pleasant, inexpensive lunch menu. I (Alexa) would be sure to book. It seems already to be a smash hit with the locals.
Glover Park, DC:
Can you suggest an outdoor happy hour
where there is no chance of running into
anyone in shorts or sport sandals?
Some things should only be worn while
exercising.
The Going Out Gurus: My first instinct is the deck at 18th Street Lounge, but that's not really a happy hour spot.
You can always try happy hours downtown, the ones with a heavy after-work crowd: Mackey's, Tequilla Grill, maybe even the rooftop at John Harvard's.
Of course, that means you'll run into an equally-feared creature: Blue-Shirt-and-Khakis Guy.
reston, va:
is there a cancer walk in dc this weekend?
The Going Out Gurus: Hi, Reston, this is Anne. I think you're talking about the Race for the Cure on Saturday, which raises money for breast cancer. You can walk or run. This will be the fifth time I've done the race, and it keeps getting bigger and better every year. It's so inspiring to pass a whole family wearing shirts that say they're participating in memory of their mom/wife/aunt. The race is now the largest 3.1-mile race in the world -- such a powerful experience to be moving out early in the morning on D.C.'s wide avenues with 70,000 people. After the race, you can all crash on the hillside by the monument, sip your water, munch on your banana and take in the whole scene. My other favorite thing to do: about five minutes before the race starts, when you're all lined up, bend over and touch your toes and look around at toe-level at the multitude of sneakers.
washington DC:
Does First Friday in Dupont still happen? Shouldn't it be tomorrow night (the 1st?)
The Going Out Gurus: Yes, DC. First Friday is on, as always. Check out our list of Dupont Galleries to plan your evening.
Adams Morgan, DC:
Are there any bars in this city without men
in blue shirts and khakis?
The Going Out Gurus: In short: no. But there are a few spots where the ratio turns in your favor.
I, Kate, can promise you nary a shirt and khaki-dressed man at Chaos on Tuesday night (see above), but I get the feeling you're looking for a He who learns in across the table, asking if your brother is as cute as you are. Have you exhausted Black Cat; Marx Cafe; Aroma (you may spot a few here, but it's not the norm). I highly recommend Cocktail Charities -- tonight it's at Pharmacy Bar. It's a real neighborhood affair and people (shocker!) talk to each other. If you go, let us know what you thought.
Wash DC:
When does Screen on the Green start up again? Where can I find this year's sked?
The Going Out Gurus: It runs Mondays from July 9-Aug. 6 at the Washington Monument. Films start around 9 p.m. You can find the schedule here.
22204:
Trying to do some salsa dancing without being surrounded by the Eurotrash in Georegtown and the Penn Quarter. What do you know about Ceclia's and some latin music places in South Arlington?
The Going Out Gurus: Ahhh, Cecilia's. This is Fritz, and Eric Brace clued me in to Cecilia's when he was working on his story about salsa. On Thursday nights, this small restaurant is host to Orquesta La Romana, my favorite local salsa band. You might also want to try El Cuzco on Friday nights (it's in Arlington on Columbia Pike).
Anyone else want to chip in?
Wheaton, MD:
Suggestions for romantic dinner and (in the same place or not) dancing in Washington and/or Baltimore? This is for an anniversary. (L'Auberge Francaise sold out).
The Going Out Gurus: This is a tricky one, Wheaton, but a popular query that I (Alexa) might toss out to the group. Dinner and dancing? Who knows something? In the meantime I'll root around here for some ideas.
North Potomac:
This weekend is my bridal shower and I have a lot of people coming into town. I need a place for dinner saturday night that takes reservations for a large group and is not that expensive.
The Going Out Gurus: Hello, North Potomac. The first thing that comes to my mind is Andalucia in Bethesda. I (Jen) recently had a rather large dinner there as part of my bachelorette festivities. One of my bridesmaids spoke to the manager beforehand and somehow worked out a deal where we got unlimited tapas, dessert, beer, wine, sangria and coffee for a fixed price. If I recall correctly, it's not too expensive whether you get a fixed menu or not. You might also try Guapo's in Bethesda. I know they can make arrangements for larger parties and their food is affordable. I'd suggest the one in Washington, too, but I'm not sure if they allow patrons to make advance reservations. Call and see. If any of you are in the mood for Italian food, you might consider Maggiano's, too. If you eat family-style, you'll probably be full and have left-overs without feeling too much of a hit on your pocketbook.
Aside from that, I'd recommend picking some of your favorite restaurants and calling them to see if they can accommodate your party. You might be surprised at what restaurant owners will do for so many guaranteed paying customers.
Hope one of these suggestions works out - congratulations on your wedding and happy showering!
Charm City:
Is Mousetrap (next Saturday at the Black Cat) cool? Before I make the long & arduous trek from B'more, I'd like to know if it's as cool as it sounds...
The Going Out Gurus: Fritz here. Mousetrap is a great night, if you like Britpop and indie music, with some '60s (Stones, Kinks) and '70s (Iggy, the Jam) thrown in. I have to say I'm a fan of the DJs - I remember when Mark was doing this at Red on Friday nights and only a dozen people were there ...
Yeah, come on down. There's a good crowd, pretty good music, and a big ol' party.
Rockville, MD::
Hey gurus! Don't forget that Saturday is National Trails Day, and if they check out their local parks site, or the American Hiking Society they can find some outdoors stuff to do on Saturday (www.ahs.org).
The Going Out Gurus: Gold star for participation Rockville. Let's see what other outdoorsy stuff we can dig up for Saturday. (Searches are cool)
Arlington, VA:
Have any of you seen the caving movie at the IMAX? Is it worth going down and fighting the crowds to see on a rainy day?
GB
The Going Out Gurus: Hi Arlington. I (Maura) did see the IMAX film "Amazing Caves". Is it worth fighting the crowds? Well, I guess that depends. Some of the cave scenes are spectacular. Scenes from polar ice caves and the Grand Canyon are stunning. If you ask me there is just a bit too much backstory of one of the caver's (no, not spelunker's, they say) classroom back in Georgia. Really, did I care if 7 year olds were sitting in a classroom learning about caves up on my IMAX screen? Kids might relate, though. Maybe some others out there have some thoughts. Check out our photo gallery for a preview.
Alexandria, VA:
For the romantic dinner and dancing how about the Kennedy Center...
The Going Out Gurus: Yes?
Romantic Dinner:
I have suggestions for the romantic dinner person.
New Heights in Woodley.
Restaurant Nora (on the fringe of Dupont and Adams Morgan)
Yanyu in Cleveland Park.
Inn at Little Washington in Georgetown.
Butterfield 9 in Downtown DC
there are plenty of others.
The Going Out Gurus: We'll post those nice suggestions, you love bird you. 'Tho for the folks at home, the Inn at Little Washington is of course in Washington, VA. And not Georgetown.
Silver Spring:
I'm relatively new to the area and still getting to know the local spots. Recently, a friend took me to the Brickskeller, and i really enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and the multitude of beers to try. Can you reccomend any other places like this good to hang with some friends and try some new beers?
The Going Out Gurus: Fritz here. I guess I'm the beer expert here, so here are my suggestions:
You have a treasure in your own back yard, you know: The Quarry House Tavern in Silver Spring doesn't look like much, but they have an outstanding selection of microbrews and lesser known beers. I was in a few days ago, and they have beers like Blue Ridge ESB, Bitburger Pils and Magic Hat - stuff you don't find at other bars.
Other excellent selections:
Montgomery's Grille has 32 beers on draft, mostly locals and micros.
Galaxy Hut has 15 beers on draft, most of which are micros and hard to find, like the Brooklyn Blanche, and 30-odd bottles ranging from Corsendonk to Samuel Smith's Oatmeal Stout.
If you like Belgian beer, try Bistrot du Coin or the Saloon, which also has good Austrian beers.
Arlington:
Went to Hamburger Mary's on your suggestion with some gay friends. It's a fun spot on an otherwise dismal block in Logan Circle. While the testosterone is palatable, the staff were friendly, the food was good, and crowd was entertaining.
The Going Out Gurus: Good to hear we could be of help, Arlington.
Girls night:
So...I've lived here for 4 years...have done just about every scene there is from sports bar/G-town, Upscale Dupont lounges, to Buzz. I'm kind of bored and need something fun to do tomorrow night with the girls. Any suggestions? Is there anything new I'm missing out on?
The Going Out Gurus: Come now Girls night! Is DC really that easy to run through? How about U. Street? (folks might tire of the Rhome U. Street Lobbying Machine but I don't care). Poetry, food, live music and dancing at many fine establishments every night of the week. Have you found local bands/musicians that you like and attended their gigs? DC has some of the best musicians in the country, and that's no hyperbole. Try Andalu tomorrow for some flavorful house music. Anne sez "tell the bored person to peep the Eleven O'Clock Show". The suggestions could go on ad infinitum.
Chicago, IL:
As a former Washingtonian, I was struck by the lack of truly great restaurants. Lots of ethnic cuisine, for example, but very little creativity. Or lots of Italian, but nothing out of the ordinary. I always felt that Nora's and Asia Nora's were steps in the right direction. What do you think and what else is out there of that ilk?
The Going Out Gurus: Chicago, when did you leave us, I wonder? Had you been to Citronelle, TenPenh, Cafe Atlantico. Come on back and we'll show you what's what.
North Potomac, Md.:
For dinner and dancing, try Melrose on a Saturday night, in the Park Hyatt. Food is incredible and jazz band is really good.
The Going Out Gurus: You sound like a fan, Potomac. Thanks for speaking up.
Mt Pleasant:
So, we're still waiting for a "Fritz holds court for all his groupies in a fabulous local club" night-- any chance?
The Going Out Gurus: Hey Mt. Pleasant, this is Joe here. You don't have to wait for a special night. Anyone who knows LL Cool F (Ladies Love Cool Fritz) knows that this is an every night affair. Just hope that you're lucky enough to stumble in to the same trendy clubs as Fritz. He'll be the one in the vintage suit and the dark sunglasses collecting receipts for his expense account. Walk up and introduce yourself.
Rockville, MD:
Hi Gurus.
Some friends are in town this weekend for a buddy's wedding. Our buddy isn't into the bachelor party thing and I respect that, but would love some suggestions for something fun for us guys to do Saturday evening in MD or DC.
The Going Out Gurus: Hi Rockville, Kate here. I am a stranger to batchelor parties, but I think I've a trio of suggestions that might suit the suitor. Could your group imagine sinking into dreamy steaks at Nick & Stef's and then continuing on upstairs at the F Street sports bar? There's a very posh private room downstairs -- with a view of the Wizard's practice court. Maybe, if your group is big enough, they might let you have it. Olives is a noisy place on a Saturday night but it is dark, has a masculine menu, a fine wine list and a 9 oz martini.You'll all be a well-feed and nicely dressed so why not 18th Street Lounge afterwards? But what about doing something different: sushi at Sushi Ko or (my favorite) Makoto. Or, a fine, Flinstonian feed at Coco Loco? It's a Brazilian grill -- Dudes, the meat is served on skewers that double as swords. Tables are cleared away for a nightclub-feel when it gets late. And, it can get really late there. Have fun.
CLifton, VA:
Thanks for the info on the Jazz Fest. For a really good Italian restaurant try Pannino's
in Manassas. It is just a couple of stores down from the taxidermy place. Incredible desserts and odn't let the location fool you.
They have some of best Italian food this side
of Sorrento and Venice. Wait for the wait person to recite the specials and don't even look at the menu.
The Going Out Gurus: There's a tip.
Arlington, VA:
Simple Question: Cheap beer with outdoor seating - does such a place exist in Alex/Arl/Falls Church ?
Thank!
The Going Out Gurus: Yes.
Fritz here. I'd try the Quarterdeck in Rosslyn, one of Arlington's best-kept secrets, which has good crabs and a large patio.
WDC Old timer:
Ahhhh the perfect place for that dinner and dancing couple would have been the River Club in Gtown- had it not closed down. DO you guys know what happened to it and what's there now, if anything?
The alternative? I would have to say find a hotel with a piano player.. is Army Navy Club private?
The Going Out Gurus: Thanks, Old Timer. I believe Army/Navy is private, but you do raise a good point. There must be more hotels (other than the Park Hyatt) who offer this service. We'll look into it.
Annapolis MD:
Just a suggestion, and I don't know if you all are the right people to go to, but Annapolis has a Booming local music scene withsome great musicians, and I think that it would benefit the WP community if they were more publicized. It is only 45 min to Annapolis, max, and the variety is wonderful - Dan Haas, Meg Murray, CLones of Funk, and on, and on. It would also be nice to see more Annapolis/Baltimore acts on the MP3 page.
That said, thanks for all the help you give to us! You all rock!
The Going Out Gurus: 'Tis true Annapolis. It would be nice if more of them were on the MP3 site. It's open to anyone and all they have to do is come to the site, sign up and they can do it all themselves (make their own pages, upload their songs, etc). We do know that not enough people know about it and it can be hard to find on the main WPost site but Maria and I (Rhome) are always in the street attending gigs, networking, talking up the MP3 site to musicians. Perhaps you can help evangelize and tell artists and fans about it too. We're really proud of the product and want everyone aboard.
the burbs, unfortunately...:
I am sure that you have gotten this question a million times, but I could really use some help. Haven't lived in the area long and have only been to a couple of bars downtown.. Friend's birthday this weekend, looking for a place that isn't too expensive, not too formal, lots of fun, and easy to get to (and no dance clubs, please!) Everyone is under 27...
thanks so much for your help!
The Going Out Gurus: Hi, burbs, here are the results of a team effort. I (Anne) polled Kate (like myself, a D.C. dweller) and Fritz (who will be one soon!). They thought of a few that should meet all your criteria, and are absolutely ideal for birthdays, but the moral of the story for both is stake your spot *early.* Fritz suggests Buffalo Billiards. It's right next to the Dupont Metro stop (remember, Metro runs until 2 a.m. on weekends), humongous inside, plus you've got the pool-playing entertainment built in. The lesson Fritz also thinks of Coco Loco, which is inexpensive only during their excellent happy hour (4-7) specials: imagine 99-cent margaritas.
Adams Morgan, DC:
Gurus o' mine,
I'm a single 23-year-old woman, new to DC, with a boyfriend far, far away. Any suggestions for places I could go alone? (Read: bars with nice people, where everybody knows your name and no one tries to scam on you or slip Rohypnol in your drink).
The Going Out Gurus: Hi, Kate here. I think restaurant bars are the easiest kind to enjoy alone. In your neighborhood, Don at Cashion's will take care of you; also, try Rocky's next door. I received excellent service from the new-ish bartender at the new-ish 1910 last Sunday morning -- love anyone who bets 100 bucks that he can hit the stuffed animal head on the wall with the cork before he pours your mimosa.
McLean, VA:
Hold on tight! My recent bride is 22 and I'm 55. We both love to dance. However, we've had trouble finding the right club. Neither of us care for techno. We prefer 80's and 90's stuff, with some hiphop and wrap. But clubs like Polly Ester's cater to the early twenties crowd. Do you know of a club that plays the music we like, has good room for dancing, and attracts a decent number of at least 30 somethings?
The Going Out Gurus: Hey, McLean. This is Fritz, and this is a tough question.
The '80s night at Heaven and Hell attracts both twenty-and-thirtysomthings, so that might be one option.
The DC Society of Young Professionals throws a party every Friday at Lulu's, and the crowd there isn't always as young as the name would imply - lots of late 20s, early 30s, plus some younger sorts. Music varies from retro '80s to top 40.
In a pinch, you can try eCiti in Tysons, which has a large dancefloor, is filled with people around 30 and older, and plays some of the music you'd like, with '70s as well.
d.c.:
please help!!! i'm submitting this early, as i'll be stuck in a meeting at 1:00. whoever invented lunch meetings deserves a special place in hell.
anyway, i would really appreciate a few suggestions for friday night. some of my friends are going to meet each other for the first time, and then we might meet up with some people one of my friends and i met last week. so, we'll need a place with character, but where we'll be able to talk. thanks for any suggestions you might have!!
The Going Out Gurus: Here's a two-fer one'er, d.c. This goes for you and "seeking jazzy place to chill". Last week I bigged up The Saloon and the same still applies. This is a really good question though. Input from the audience?
For single Adams Morgan girl:
Head to the DINER! Wonderful food and you can sit at the counter!
The Going Out Gurus: *Rhome startles the room with a resounding forehead smack* How could I forget? Even when it's crazy crowded it's a nice place to be, at least I think so.
Arlington, VA:
Any info about Vintage Virginia happening this weekend?
The Going Out Gurus: Forty-five Virginia wineries all in one place? You are far braver than I. Of course, there are two stages with live music (all sorts: reggae, roots, rock, jazz) and plenty of children's activities. For more info on Vintage Virginia, try their site.
DC:
hi there,
friend coming down for the weekend...would love to take him somewhere fun gay-oriented, don't know the city that well, we're both underage. suggestions?
The Going Out Gurus:
Fritz here.
If you want to go clubbing, there are at least two clubs that admit 18-year olds: try the Zei Club on Friday night or Velvet Nation on Saturday. Velvet is throwing its annual foam party (think dancing in waist-high suds) this weekend.
For non-clubbing, Kate suggests Hamburger Mary's "where they can drool over Kevin behind the bar." There's also Annie's Paramount Steak House for post-dancing food.
Fairfax,VA:
Where is a good,romantic spot to star gaze in Northern VA or DC area?preferably not high traffic...Thank you!
The Going Out Gurus: Hi, Fairfax, this is Anne. If it's clear, how about the Tidal Basin, near the Jefferson at night? Your twinkling stars may be confused with airplanes overhead, as they would at Gravelly Point, but they're close. Basically, you need a big field, and most of those are people's private property, or, perhaps less than safe. Guess you could adventure around the back roads of Loudoun or upper MoCo until you find one... I know I'm only writing this because I just got back from a 5-day road trip, but there's a lookout point on the northbound lanes of 270, just before you get to Frederick that I've always wanted to stop at. Have you considered a planetarium?
Washington DC:
Where are the night spots for mature adults
to meet and mingle with people of color and people who are upright citisens clean living - not a beer joint - a fun place - in the Washington metropolitan area - not too expensive - not majority female patrons
The Going Out Gurus: Rhome here. There's always the Bohemian Caverns and various Mark Barnes type events around the city but I gather with the "clean living" aspect you're looking for something different. Maybe Gospel Live? Thursday nights are for older R&B minded folks while the youngins come in for christian oriented hip-hop and go-go on the weekends.
The one who smacked your head:
You are WELCOME!
Also a good place to hang out is Chi Cha! Have fun Adms Mrgn girl!
The Going Out Gurus: no doubt, no doubt... *nods head in agreement*
Bethesda:
Is Fritz more Jiggy than Rhome?
The Going Out Gurus: Fritz has so much ice you can skate on it. I respectfully defer to his Jiggaliciousness.
bethesda, md:
hey,
any spots for a person thats into house music?
The Going Out Gurus: Fritz here. Try Andalu and the Blue Room most nights of the week, Red on Thusday, Saturday and Sunday, and, one of our favorites, D.C. Sanctuary on Friday nights. This week is a birthday party for DJ Sam "The Man" Burns, so it should be, how do you say, off the hook.
Land-locked in the District:
Hiya:
Is there any way to get to a beach (or a close approximation) near here without driving for three hours? Yes, I saw your beach special last week, but sometimes I really need a stretch of sand/sun/water for the day -- and driving to Delaware just takes too long. Anything closer? I'm not talking about P Street beach or the Lincoln steps; I'm talking real sand and real water. Is everything in Annapolis private?
The Going Out Gurus: Your best bet for easy drive, sand beach and large body of water is Chesapeake Beach, Md. It's on the bay, about the same drive as to Annapolis. One caveat: Bay water can range from brackish to jelly-fish infested, so we're not recommending this as a prime swimming destination.
The Going Out Gurus:
Okay folks, we're going to wrap it up. A marathon session but well worthwhile. Me, Fritz, Kate and Joe are gonna chill in the VIP, drinking Cris' like it's H20 (how's that for jiggy). Special shout out to City Girl. *wink*
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