Russia House is a staple in the north Dupont section of Washington, DC. It was opened over ten years ago to “promote East-West business development.” If this is a euphemism that means Russians selling copious amounts of vodka to drunken Westerners then I would say that the Russia House has accomplished it’s original goal.

Cost - $$

Service - A-
There are some pretty hot Russian waitresses at the Russia House. Kudos. In addition, they all know the menu pretty well and are great at making recommendations. Things get a bit hectic when the place starts filling up, which means longer delays in getting served, but in general the service is quite good.

Food - ?

Decor - B+
It has a very classical, old-school aesthetic that I sort of dig. There are all sorts of little nooks and crannies throughout the venue and you sometimes have the distinct feeling you are at some Russian ambassador’s house party that got a bit out of hand.

Feel - A-
Russia House is a fantastic place to take a date. It’s low-lighting and privacy creates a fantastic ambiance for intimacy. I also think that the venue draws a more mature, sophisticated crowd than your typical Dupont Circle venue.

Russia House is located at 1800 Connecticut Ave., NW. They can be reached at (202) 234-9433.

Located above the Spy Museum, Zola flies a little under the radar compared to some of the other notable destinations in Penn Quarter. That said, not having a to deal with the an overcrowded bar scene in a little more sophisticated than usual setting is part of the draw for some. I don’t want to take the previous two sentences too far because the restaurant sees more than it’s fair share of rushes, especially when there is a game, concert or show taking place at one of the nearby venues. A cool thing about Zola is that the restaurant is at an above ground level which makes for a great view and an interesting perspective when the masses pour out of the Verizon Center after events. The view coupled with the upscale’ish but hip atmosphere make this a great place to entertain guests that don’t get to the city that often.

Cost - $$$

Service - A
The service at Zola has always been consistently attentive and friendly. As with most Penn Quarter establishments, the restaurant and bar get really busy on certain nights which can result in a little longer wait for food and drinks - but that’s to be expected.

Food - B
The innovative American cuisine may not fit everyone’s taste but I do applaud the restaurant for constantly trying new dishes and keeping things fresh. The wine list is eclectic but in a good way and a couple of the desserts on the menu are very good.  If you find yourself unsatisfied with the offerings at some of the nearby restarurants, you want want to pay your check and head over to Zola’s lounge for the finish. Also, I don’t recommend doing this on a busy night but do try the Blue Sting cocktail at some point. It’s like a bluberry mojito and one of the best drinks around.

Decor - A-

The dark wood and rich reds used throughout the restaurant makes for an attractive palette that strikes that balance of contemporary and classical. Adding in spy-themed decor seems as if it would be odd but Zola’s translation is very well done. Not all of it is obvious which is the whole point, right?

Feel - B+
The low lights and close seating of the bar/lounge area makes for more of an intimate feel but the sound level of the music keep things a little more on the upbeat side. The dining area, on the other hand, is sectioned off by partial-walls with each space having it’s own wine station/banquette in the center. All this which results in more of a private experience which contrasts to the more open and lofty style of restaurant.

Zola is located at 800 F St. NW. They can be reached at (202) 654-0999.

What’s the Buzz:

January 18, 2008 - Zola (DC Eats) - Okay so it’s one of my favorite weeks of the year!!! RESTAURANT WEEK! Unfortunately I haven’t had a chance to ravish it like I would like BUT I did get to try out Zola’s for lunch. So my co-worker made reservations at Zola on OpenTable for lunch. We left work and headed on over there. We got there and the atmosphere was really nice. The bar was to the right and I wouldn’t have minded taking a seat over there and grabbing some drinks if the table wasn’t ready. Its an inviting and has a very upscale feel. Full article…

L2 Lounge - A relative newcomer to DC, L2 is also the most exclusive venue on this list. With a membership program and strict door policy, L2 provides a closed, intimate setting for its patrons.

Chi-Cha Lounge - Still going strong after all these years, Chi-Cha is a surefire bet for a good time if you are with a group of friends. The crowd tends to be diverse and more mature than your typical venue in DC, however if it’s a good looking, stylist crowd you are after there are probably better options out there.

Guarapo -The only Northern Virginia venue on this list, Guarapo is a well conceived space that draws some of the more diverse, stylish crowds in NoVa.

Gazuza - A pretty consistent choice in Northern Dupont, Gazuza (another Latin Concepts venue) is more popular in warm months due to its unique deck overlooking Connecticut. Even in Winter though it will draw a more mature, upscale crowd.

Science Club - Science Club is probably considered more of a transitional venue these days, meaning it is a place to start an evening or grab a nightcap but I don’t know many who would consider it to be a main event type location.

Lima - I can’t resist putting Lima on just about every list we come up with. It is by far my favorite venue in DC and I think it is one of the best choices for just about every type of experience. On a Wednesday or Thursday it is probably my favorite lounge in DC.

Co Co. Sala is one of the latest restaurants to follow the trend of chocolate themed dining. Self-proclaimed as “DC’s premier Chocolate Lounge & Boutique,” this recent addition to Penn Quarter specializes in espresso, chocolate-based drinks, artisanal chocolates, and pastries. Born from a creative partnership between Nisha Sidhu, founder of The Sugar Gallery and Bharet Malhotra of Cvent, Co Co. Sala is a great change of pace to the DC scene.

Cost - $$$

Service - A
The wait staff here was well trained and knew the menu inside and out which I am sure is a requirement considering the offerings.

Food - B
Being someone with a healthy appetite, I found the portions to be on the light side. That said, each dish was savory and complex and rather than feeling teased I was surpisingly satisfied. The core part of the menu consists of four Monde du Chocolat prix-fixe selections which are inspired by flavors of India, Italy, America and South America. Additionally or as an alternative, you can order small plates or “Coco Bites” which are more traditional items: mac and cheese, crabcakes, sliders and salads. There is a selection of recommended cocktails for the prix-fixe and small plate choices.

Decor - A-
Co Co. Sala’s decor is a luxurious mix of interesting details: walls and ceilings created to emulate flowing chocolate, plush mocha couches and chairs, chocolate sculptures, blue lit bar with flat screens, both fiber optic and slender overhead lighting, and open flame accents throughout the restaurant. All this makes for an attractive, different and unique setting.

Feel - B+
As I referenced above, Co Co. Sala’s is a great change of pace. The ambiance created by the dim lights, house music, rich decor and attentive staff really met the goal of being an intimate sophisticated lounge.

Co Co. Sala is located at 929 F St. NW. They can be reached at (202) 347-4265.

What’s the Buzz:

July 2, 2008 - New Heaven for Chocoholics (Washington Times) - Stepping into Co Co. Sala is a bit like falling into a box of chocolates. The new Penn Quarter restaurant is dedicated to chocolate. Obsessed, you might say. It is the place to go to die by chocolate: chocolate cocktails, five-course chocolate desserts and splendid chocolate candies.  Full article…

June 2, 2008 - Co Co. Sala (District Culturati) - Co Co. Sala is a self-described “chocolate lounge and boutique”, nestled on F Street in the Penn Quarter. I am, by no means, a Trendy Wendy. When making my nightlife choices, you’ll find me erring on the side of dive bars and undiscovered urban nooks. So color me a bit skeptical when we rush to make our reservation from our late showing of Sex and the City and arrive at Co Co. Sala’s chic exterior.  Full article…

This past Friday a friend of mine mentioned she was visiting a members-only club in Georgetown for a birthday party. Naturally, I became very curious because there has been a recent trend in the DC nightlife towards more exclusive, upscale venues that place all sorts of social filters at the door. The trend has spawned a great deal of positive and negative opinions (just read the discussion on the Josephine’s review). My personal perspective on the matter is that it is bringing a certain sense of legitimacy to the nightlife in DC. At any rate, Dean and I decided to head over to L2 Lounge to see if it stacked up with some of the other members-only clubs in the area.

Cost - $$$
The drinks are fairly pricey. In fact, I recall looking at my tab the following morning and seeing that I had been charged $17 for one drink I had never even heard of nor remember ordering (although I am sure I ordered it). You pay for what you get however.

Service - B+
I will gloss over the borderline annoying once-over we received by the two doormen (who I believe may have even discussed our outfits) and instead focus on the terrific job the management has done in staffing the interior of the venue with professional, sharp personnel. The bartender was incredibly cool and friendly and we had no problems meeting and chatting with the very personable manager.

Food - ?

Decor - A
Simply put, the interior designer at L2 has done a spectacular job creating a space that mixes contemporary furnishings with bare-bone brick walls. Combined with a masterful lighting arrangement, L2 Lounge exudes sophisticated sexiness.

Feel - A
I had one of my more memorable evenings in a while at L2 Lounge. I ended up bumping into several friends at the venue and everyone who I met there just seemed friendly and open. Discussing the night later, Dean and I concluded that the a combination of the decor, exclusivity, and social pact that is somehow enacted between the club and its members, results in an ambiance where people can relax and not have to worry about drunken or sleazy idiots. It is the antithesis to every venue in Adams Morgan and has made it onto my short list of top venues in the DC area.

L2 Lounge is located at 3307 M Street, NW and can be reached at (202) 965-2001. For membership information visit their Web site.

What’s the Buzz:

March 22, 2008 - L2 Lounge, Georgetown (That Guy at the Bar) - I’m not going to be able to write this without gushing like a school girl. I LOVE L2 Lounge. That Guy at the Bar has been to L2 three times over the last couple of weeks with different groups of friends, and every time the experience has been fantastic. Full article…

The chain of Alero Tex-Mex restaurants gets comments from diners that all over the map. On one hand, the food is terrible and on the other, it’s the best Mexican food in DC. I have eaten at all three locations and will get into my opinion on the food below, but the one I will focus more on in this review is the U Street locale.

Cost - $$

Service - A
As with most neighborhoody latin restaurants, service is consistently very good. Wait staff is almost always hustling and eager to please.

Food - B-
As I stated above, there is a wide range of opinions on the food. Like with most things, I think the main reason for the differences has to do with the broad spectrum of expectations. Being from California, I have a fundamental problem paying $9.95 for a burrito which I used to get for $5.50 so initially I agreed with those who were disappointed in DC Mexican cuisine. However, I have learned to not be so harsh by staying away from ordering overpriced tacos and chimichangas and sticking to the best value on the menu - steak fajitas! Also of note are the chips and salsa which I think are the best around.

Decor - B
As background, the Dupont and Cleveland Park locations are traditional in decor while the U Street one is modern with a much larger bar area and lounge. The U Street location gets the B while the other two would get C’s. I like the modern scheme much better and most of the art reflects the jazz scene roots of the area. I sometimes find it cool that the latin and jazz art come together so well.

Feel - B+
With the large outdoor patio, it’s hard to top Alero on a warm weekday night or weekend afternoon. Alero has some pretty good happy hour specials but the crowd can be a bit much for me at times. There are also three sets of couches which do it as a lounge for some but I can’t say I really feel it. That all said, the primary reason I frequent Alero is because of the two large screen TVs at the bar. I won’t watch an important game here but I will spend time on a Sunday afternoon watching golf or baseball while reading the paper and sucking down margaritas.

Alero is located at 1301 U Street NW. They can be reached at (202) 462-2322.

What’s the Buzz:

September 27, 2007 - Alero Dupont (Washingtonian) - You’ll find all the hallmarks of a standard, guac-laden Tex-Mex menu–big platters holding burritos, chimichangas, fajitas and enchiladas–plus carne asada and pollo primavera (grilled chicken breast piled with zucchini, onions and tomatoes). On the seafood front, shrimp and scallops adorn most dishes. Full article…

Oya sometimes gets left out of the discussion of recommended restaurants in Penn Quarter but it shouldn’t. I think a lot of that has to do with Oya’s relatively subtle entrance and location on 9th Street which isn’t as noticeable as other nearby neighbors such as Zaytinya or Rosa Mexicana which are on street corners and get a steadier stream of foot traffic. That said, once inside you are quickly impressed with the presentation of the French-Asian cuisine and chic decor which in my opinion is one of the best renditions of modern simplicity in the city. Whether you are a cost conscious diner or not, the nightly three course dinner prix fixe menu for $30 is one of the best values around.

Cost - $$$

Service - B
I have had excellent service here and of the times it has been less than that, it has still been good. Waiters are attentive and accessible and usually quick to please.

Food - B
During my first visit to Oya, I thought the place was so aesthetically pleasing that the food would be a disappointment. It wasn’t that time but since then it has been good but a little inconsistent. Some longtime DC’ers tell me that the place has been improving over the past year and half or so. However, the one thing Oya is very consistent and good at is presentation.

Decor - A
The sleek white decor, high ceilings and fireplace lit walls make Oya one of the most eye-pleasing restaurants around. It manages to be both modern and warm especially with the 12 foot long fireplace in the main dining area.

Feel - B+
When I am looking for fun and hip but a little more on the quiet side, Oya makes the short list. I had visitors in town on my last visit and they fell in love with the cherry blossom decor used by the interior designers. Rather than feel like we were in another hip restaurant somewhere in a major city in the US, they knew they were in DC which is the way I like it.

Oya is located at 777 9th Street NW. They can be reached at (202) 393-1400.

What’s the Buzz:

January 22, 2008 - Oya (The Baltimore Snacker) - I finally caught up with my Washington Restaurant Week excursion, and as I said earlier I had to visit a place that carried the deal out through January. That place was Oya. This was such a fabulous restaurant, and I think i am going to visit this place again soon. Full article…

August 8, 2007 - Restaurant Week at Oya (Culture Me, DC) - As promised, here’s the full rundown on my Restaurant Week dinner at Oya last night.A note before I begin: RW has to be hard on chefs and servers, so I don’t always expect that I’ll see the absolute best of what a restaurant has to offer when I eat there during one of the busiest weeks of the year. On the other hand, though, these places should be showcasing the top dishes because that’s what’s going to make me come back, even when the deals are over and I have to pay full price. Full article…

November 3, 2006 - Oh Yeah!….OYA (Chowhound) - As I entered the restaurant I nearly forgot to assemble my “I’m somebody” face but the 3,000 lb. chain link curtain was the perfect reminder that I wasn’t in Kansas anymore. My unfashionably punctual buddys were seated and kind enough to have left my name and likeness with the maitre d’(helped me get in character). Moving through joint I was struck by the absence of kitchen aroma I have come to expect and love when gathering my appetite for a new menu. Full article…

ACKC, short for Artfully Chocolate and Kingsbury Confections - is the product of a collaboration of the two Alexandria stores. A welcomed addition to the local scene in Logan Circle, the shop is a combination of cafe, chocolate shop and art gallery for the most part but they also offer a number of novelty items such as greeting cards and dog treats. In addition, the rear of the space is outfitted with a showcase kitchen so visitors can watch the confections being made. If warm mugs of hot chocolate and delicious desserts is your thing, ACKC is definitely worth a try.

Cost - $

Service - A-
The gentleman working behind the chocolate counter was extremely helpful in giving me background and guidance on the various pieces to choose from. The staff at the cocoa bar were also very nice but making designer chocolate drinks is a bit of a process so I had a little bit of wait but it was worth it.

Food - A-
I haven’t frequented a number of chocolate bars so I don’t have a very good handle on how ACKC stacks up against other places but the drinks in my opinion were surprisingly more delicious and complex than I had expected. I also had a number of the chocolate pieces and they were quite good as well. In addition, it was impressive to see the community theme of offering goods from other local confectioners and artisans.

Decor - A-
Before my first visit, the simple name on the red awning coupled with the bright colors on the inside made the shop look a little intimidating and exclusive from the outside. I know that sounds like a contradiction but that was my impression. I think my feelings were a compliment and a testimony to the little details that make spending time there a treat. From the exposed kitchen to the art on the wall, ACKC is well-executed which gives the place a warm, rich feel. I think it all boils down to me thinking that the prices would be more on the expensive side which tuns out, not the case at all.

Feel - A
Cozy, friendly and hip. Like I said above, a welcomed addition to the neighborhood that reflects some of the best of Logan Circle.

ACKC is located at 1529 14th Street NW. They can be reached at (202) 387-2626.

What’s the Buzz:

April 22, 2008 - ACKC Bringing Sidewalk Cafe to 14th Street? (14th and You) - Everyone’s favorite purveyors of awesome hot chocolate beverages (and some darn good chocolate bars–has anyone tried the chocolate bacon bar? Yummmmm…). Full Article…

February 19, 2008 - ACKC Cocoa Bar Offers Real-Deal Hot Chocolate (The Washingtonian) - If you worship at the altar of chocolate, you might want to make a pilgrimage to the ACKC Cocoa Bar. This arty cafe/gallery conjures up a Euro-style espresso bar, but with the cocoa bean front and center. Full Article…

Napoleon Bistro and Lounge in Adams Morgan has been gaining in popularity over the past year and now seems to have fully arrived. We are frequent visitors and it used to be more hit or miss but now, especially on weekends, there is almost always a good crowd in the lounge with a number of people dancing to a good mix of music. The restaurant on the other hand has received mixed reviews but I get the sense that over the past few months things have been getting better - especially for brunch.

Cost - $$

Service - B
I have heard some complain about the service but my experiences have all been pretty positive. The wait staff continues to be friendly and the food and drinks usually come out in a reasonable amount of time. The bartenders in the lounge do a great job and probably deserve an A-. Even on overly crowded nights, they seem to do their best to keep wait times to a minimum.

Food - C+
The food isn’t as good as many of the other French restaurants around town in the same price range but it is still a little better than decent. I have ordered the same entree on different visits and have it be very good one time and okay another. As I alluded to earlier, the food seems to be getting more consistent.

Decor - B
Napoleon falls a little short of French chic but it’s a good attempt. I like the idea of red walls, black leather booths and the coat of arms behind the upstairs bar. The lounge area is kind of cool too with the brick mixed with regal looking wallpaper but it is sometimes too crowded and dimly lit to see much of anything except the bar.

Feel - B+
Napoleon has been a go to spot over the past few months and it has consistently been a good way to end nights out in Adams Morgan. The crowd used to be more hip but now that it has more of a following, there is a lot more variety in the clientele which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The lounge tends to be on the small side so it can be crowded but not obnoxiously so. It also helps that the DJs are always good and keep the atmosphere energetic, fun and friendly.

Napoleon is located at 1847 Columbia Rd. NW. They can be reached at (202) 299-9630.

April 13, 2007 - Napoleon (Washington Post) - Whether your taste and budget call for a glass of sparkling Australian wine or an expensive vintage from a legendary French producer, champagne bars draw the hip and well-heeled from New York to Paris and beyond. Full article…

February 20, 2007 - Napoleon (DC Dining) - Café Bonaparte in Georgetown has opened a sibling restaurant, Napoleon, in the old Mantis space at the corner of Columbia Road and Mintwood Place in Adams Morgan. The interior, garish that it may be, is much more comfortable. Full article…

Leftbank is one of the few ultra-modern establishments in Adam Morgan and is known to have a few faces, depending on when one visits. On one hand it is a French bistro that also serves brunch and sushi, on another, it is a lounge complete with with a dance floor and DJ playing a wide range of music from hip hop to international. One of the cool things about this place is that during the warmer months, they open up the front doors which gives the place an open feel. When I first came to DC almost three years ago, Leftbank was consistently packed on weekend nights but for the past few months it seems to be slowing down a bit. However, it looks to be doing just fine as as a restaurant and special events venue.

Cost - $$

Service - B
From talking to others, comments from service range from being good to mediocre. I know the owner and manager so my experience has always been excellent.

Food - B
The food used to be sometimes inconsistent but a few months back, a new chef was hired and the food seems to be improved. The back sushi bar is pretty good and some of the sushi chefs really know how to make it fun for diners.

Decor - B
I really like the airy and open feel of the space which is complemented by a simple long three-sided bar. The orange banquettes and pieces of art add nice splashes of color to the minimalist decor. A good setting for brunch in colorful Adams Morgan.

Feel - C+
As of late, it’s been hit or miss as a night time destination but with a few tweaks, I think the place can pick it up because the space itself is actually pretty cool. For those seeking out an international crowd with international beats in Adams Morgan, Leftbank could be a decent choice. It also could work for those who want to dance and don’t care to be bumped into.

Leftbank is located at 2424 18th St. NW. They can be reached at (202) 464-2100.