Cafe Japone has been a favorite of mine for a while now so this review is long overdue. The venue is a bit of a hidden gem in DC - a two-story establishment it really is somewhat of the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde of sushi places in the DC area. The top floor offers a fairly laid-back sushi restaurant and bar complete with a karaoke stage. Walking into the downstairs bar however is sort of like entering a strange post-modern planetarium / lounge replete with billowy curtains, plush couches and a DJ booth.

Cost - $$

Service - B-
Cafe Japone doesn’t stake their claim on service. Actually their service can seem downright apathetic at times, as if to say, “This place is so cool we don’t even have to try very hard.” It is pretty cool though so I guess they don’t have to try that hard.

Food - B+
The sushi is pretty good. The sushi chefs are actually Japanese (as is the ownership) so they are really forced to represent appropriately. Actually in Dupont proper, I think the sushi is as good as it gets although it isn’t enough of a draw to bring people from all over the city in and of itself.

Decor - A-
As I mentioned in the preface to this review, Cafe Japone is a pretty funkified venue. Upstairs and downstairs are like night and day. The upstairs portion is not much different than any other sushi bar in the city - the downstairs portion is completely unique. I think the ownership decided to make the upstairs area the cash cow while making the downstairs portion more of a vanity project.

Feel - A-
It is one of my favorite venues in the Dupont Circle area. It is a good place for dinner or happy hour on weekdays, and a bit of a tucked-away gem for a weekend evening with friends. The lounge isn’t really so much of a social venue but offers intimacy and privacy for groups or couples.

Cafe Japone is located at 2032 P Street, NW. They can be reached at 202-223-1573.

What’s the Buzz:

May 6, 2007 - Cafe Japone (Clubhouse Lawyer) - I just have a few more weeks in DC, so I’m trying to do as much as I can as time permits. One of my co-workers is also leaving DC soon and this past Friday was her last day in the office. We had a sort of going away at Cafe Japone Saturday night. Full article…

Circa at Dupont is a relatively new establishment located right in the heart of Dupont Circle. With a good menu, an indoor bar area, and outdoor seating it figures to be a solid addition to the Dupont Circle nightlife. Dean and I hit Circa on a whim after running a few games at Balance Gym.  It was a beautiful night (a shade over 80 degrees) and instead of heading home we decided to grab a quick bit to eat outside.  It turned out to be the perfect venue for the evening.

Cost - $$

Service - B+
The service was extremely good and didn’t seem to mind that I was wearing flip-flops and basketball shorts.  Not that I can think of that many restaurants in DC that actually would make a big fuss about it but it was definitely nice to receive good service straight out of the gym.

Food - B
The food was solid but not spectacular.  In all honesty I can’t speak to the quality of the main entrées - just this pizzas.  The white pizza was good but not the best in DC (that award belongs to the white pizza at Pines of Rome in Bethesda).

Decor - B+
I like the location of Circa and from the patio, you have a great vantage point to people-watch in Dupont.  Inside, Circa creates a comfortable yet slightly upscale atmosphere with its general decor.  It is a place you can dress down to (which is important in DC) but also a place you could grab a pre-evening drink on a Friday or Saturday.

Feel - A-
For an informal dinner on a beautiful Wednesday evening, Circa was the perfect choice.  I also would certainly go back to pre-game on a weekend evening.

Circa is located at 601 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009.  

What’s the Buzz:

September 20, 2007 - Circa at Dupont (The 42) - On a whim we decided to pay a visit to one of Dupont’s newest restaurants, Circa. Its on the 42 bus route on Connecticut Ave at Q Street; right across the street from the northern Metro entrance. Wrap Works was there previously. This place is a liiiiiiiittle bit more swank.  Full article…

April 18, 2007 - Circa du Soso (Washington, DC Metblogs) - Located at Connecticut and Q, directly opposite the Dupont Circle Metro station, Circa is one of the best new neighborhood restaurants I’ve been to in quite some time. Some of my favorite restaurants in the area are Bistro du Coin, Hank’s Oyster Bar, and Urbana, but Circa may soon be added to that list. It has every quality that I look for in a restaurant: tasty food, a nice selection of wine (and other drinks), a beautiful decor, and a great location.  Full Article…

October 30, 2006 - What’s New on the Circa (Going out Gurus) - “We really want to make ourselves part of the community.” Those are the high aspirations Matthew Carlin has for Circa at Dupont, the new restaurant moving into the WrapWorks space as early as next March. Carlin is the chief financial officer and chief operations officer for the MHG Group, which manages the Greenberry’s coffee shops in the Virginia suburbs. With Circa, the group is trying something a little different.  Full Article…

Café Citron is full of Latin heat. From the moment you walk in, it is obvious that the venue is Latin in every way. The Latin beats blare in your ears, people slug down margaritas and caipirinahs around you, and if you stand in one place for long enough you will start getting bumped around by the people throwing their hips around in rhythm to the music.

Cost - $$

Service - A-
The service is great. The doormen are as good as you could ask for (which means they are not overtly rude), the bartenders are good, and the wait staff is top-notch. For a crowded venue in Dupont, the service experience is pretty damn good.

Food - B+
They have a pretty good mix of Central and South American dishes, tweaked to suit North American palettes. They use pretty good ingredients and although most people don’t go there for the food it certainly doesn’t do the place a disservice.

Decor - C
I guess this is the one thing that is fairly average about the place - I don’t think it does anything to really stand out. The things that you remember about Citron are definitely everything other than the visual aesthetics.

Feel - B+
I’ve been to Café Citron a number of times and every time it has been pretty fun. The only time I didn’t enjoy myself was when I was in an introspective mood and some dude next to me was spinning these two girls and their asses kept bumping into me. Now on a Friday or Saturday night that might be the type of thing you want. There is no sense of isolation in the place - from the moment you step in, you are sucked into a club that is like one gyrating, sweaty Latin organism. Definitely a worthwhile visit for a weekend night.

Café Citron is located at 1343 Connecticut Ave. in Dupont Circle. They can be reached at 202-530-8844.

What’s the Buzz:

January 5, 2008 - Cafe Citron (where’d ya eat?) - I didn’t really have a full meal here so much as snacks to compliment the drinks. The mojitos and sangria were good; their happy hour pitcher deal was sweet. Ryanne got a tres amigos appetizer for all of us with salsa, guacamole, and a “cheesy guacamole sauce” which wasn’t very cheesy at all and led us to believe had mantequilla mixed in. Full article…

February 20, 2007 - Cafe Citron Mojito Madness (DCGuide.com) - If you seek a quiet lounge to chat over martinis, Café Citron is not the place for you. This sizzling restaurant and club will have you trying foods and dance moves from all over Latin America. The margaritas, Latin beats, and buena onda cast a spell over its diverse crowd. There’s no question about it -Café Citron knows how to ¡fiesta! Full Article…

The Regent, or Regent Thai, or the Regent Thai Cuisine (personally, I called it Regent Thai for three years until I wrote this review) is a relatively new Thai restaurant on the 18th Street corridor between Adams Morgan and Dupont Circle. The owner is Chuchart “Bobby” Kampirapang, who worked as a waiter and cook at the former restaurant in College Park, Chef’s Secret.

Cost - $$

Service - A
The service is great, hands-down. This may piss some politically correct people off, but I am going to stereotype and say that I think Thai people are as friendly as they come. I honestly have never had a bad experience at a Thai restaurant with the service - particularly not at the Regent.

Food - A
The menu is the brain child of Saowaluk Wiyagul (of Busara fame) and it is pretty damn good. The ingredients are fresh and the dishes are mouth watering. This may sound strange, but the fact that the portions are European sized (you don’t get a big plate full of rice and cheap meat) furthers the appeal of the restaurant.

Decor - A
You may be noticing a trend with the grades that The Regent is receiving but I think the world of the place. I don’t know who Bobby Kampirapang got to direct the place, or if he decorated it himself, but it is just a sexy, cool place adorned with tasteful Thai fixtures and ornaments.

Feel - A
The place scores high across the board. In fact, the first time I ever visited the place was because Lauriol Plaza was too damn crowded and I was starving. That was the best decision I could have made because now when people want to go to Lauriol Plaza for dinner I tend to say, “why not just go across the street to a good place.” It is my favorite Thai restaurant and possibly my favorite restaurant in the DC area.

The Regent is at 1910 18th Street, N.W. Washington DC 20009. They can be reached at (202) 232-1781.

What’s the Buzz:

January 19, 2007 - The Regent (The Gourmet Pig) - There are a few restaurants on 18th St. just below Adams Morgan, a stone’s throw from where I live, but I’ve never really tried any of them out. The other night, though, James, Julie and I and were looking for somewhere to go and no one was particularly motivated to choose a restaurant, so when Julie suggested Thai, I remembered I’d wanted to try the Regent. Full Article…

January 19, 2007 - The Regent (The Gourmet Pig) - There are a few restaurants on 18th St. just below Adams Morgan, a stone’s throw from where I live, but I’ve never really tried any of them out. The other night, though, James, Julie and I and were looking for somewhere to go and no one was particularly motivated to choose a restaurant, so when Julie suggested Thai, I remembered I’d wanted to try the Regent. Full Article…

October 24, 2004 - Regent Thai Cuisine (Washington Post) - THE LOUD SIZZLE preceding the arrival of my beef entree, neua krata, seems out of place in the context of the serene Regent Thai Cuisine, where the only other sounds on a slow weeknight have been gentle background music and the tinkle-tinkle of a nearby fountain. Full Article…

Gazuza is another cool lounge by Latin Concepts, the company responsible for bringing Chi Cha and Mate to DC. Located north of the circle, Gazuza normally doesn’t have the long waits and hassles of some of the other Dupont establishments which suits me just fine. I don’t always think of coming to this spot, but after smoking a hookah and a couple of cocktails, I am usually glad I did.

Cost - $$

Service - B
The service here is consistently good. The bartenders and wait staff are pretty quick with the drinks and sociable. The doormen are also pretty friendly and do a good job of getting people through without acting like they are doing you a favor.

Food - B
I am picky when it comes to sushi so I would rate it decent but some have commented that it’s actually on the good side, especially for a lounge. The other menu offerings are pretty good including the specialty drinks. Who doesn’t like mojitos?

Decor - A-
The dim lights, red walls and low leather chairs, stools and tables creates a hip intimate setting. The deck overlooking Connecticut Ave. is all-weather so take advantage if hanging outdoors is your thing.

Feel - A-
Aside from the modern feel, one of my favorite things about this place is that the DJs play deep funk so the music keeps things energetic. Gazuza also attracts a very diverse crowd which helps to keep things interesting.

Gazuza is located at 1629 Connecticut Ave. NW. They can be reached at (202) 667-5500.

What’s the Buzz:

February 2005 - Gazuza (The Washington Post) - Shortly after Gazuza opened in the middle of May 2001, the patio overlooking Connecticut Avenue became Dupont Circle’s latest see-and-be-seen location. Although there are more than a dozen tables, it’s such a hotly contested spot for socializing that we heard customers were taking tables inside with a view of the patio – in order to move in and grab a table as soon as it became available. Full article…

Lucky Bar is the destination of choice for many seeking out a fun, loud and cheap dive bar. For the most part, Lucky Bar is an institution so you can always find a diverse crowd just hanging out, dancing, playing pool, throwing darts or watching sports. On Saturday and Sunday mornings, soccer fans flock here to watch their favorite MLS and English and Spanish league teams play. If you have an interest in Latin dancing, there are free salsa and merengue lessons on Monday nights. There is also a popular front patio where friends can share pitchers while watching the world go by.

Cost - $

Service - B
In my experience, the service here ranges from okay to very good. A couple of the bartenders and waitresses are some of the friendliest around.

Food - C+
The food is better than your typical dive bar and the menu does have a few interesting offerings including an English breakfast for weekend soccer fans.

Decor - C-
There are soccer team banners and a few odds and ends but that is about it. If I counted the 25+ televisions on the wall and two pool tables as decor, I would give it a C+.

Feel - C+
I am not a big fan of dive bars but I don’t mind heading here to catch a game or to have a couple of beers on a weeknight. Weekends are borderline chaotic, especially since the front bar is much too skinny for the traffic trying to get to the bigger back area. With some of the best drink specials for a large bar, much of the crowd fits into the budget-minded category.

Lucky Bar is located at 1221 Connecticut Ave. NW. They can be reached at (202) 331-3733.

What’s the Buzz:

December 4, 2007 - Lucky Bar (Nova Entertainment) - The Lucky Bar has been DC’s place for good food, cold beer and good cheer. Located at the intersection of 18th St. and Connecticut Ave NW, the Lucky Bar is open 7 days a week for sports, dancing, dining and drinking. So whether you’re looking to shoot some pool, relax after work at Happy Hour, or getting your weekend started, we’ve got something for you. Full Article…

August 1, 2006 - Lucky Bar (Washington Post) - The Scene: Rambling and slightly grubby, Lucky Bar is known for two things: cheap beer and regular broadcasts of soccer games. Thursday nights are a destination for students, interns, bike messengers and other budget-minded folks, thanks to $2 Budweiser and Bud Light bottles and assorted rail drinks from 3 until close. Full Article…

Cost - $$

Service - A
The service is the first thing that differentiates Science Club from the rest of the bars and clubs within a 5-mile radius. From the doorman on in to the bartenders, the staff is friendly and genuine. I’ve never experienced a hint of attitude from anyone there.

Food - ?
I think Science Club serves some appetizers but I’ve never tried them.

Decor - B+
They have a little of everything at Science Club. There is an outdoor patio with seating where people can just chill out and have a drink and a smoke, an upstairs with a bar and a back-room/lounge. My favorite area in the basement bar that has a kind of reserved vibrance that I dig.

Feel - A-
The general ambiance is laid-back and a bit more mature than some of the other loungey joints in the place. It is where people go after they graduate from 18th Street Lounge. The only thing missing from Science Club are some more attractive women. All the other pieces are there.

Cost - $$

Service - C
Can get packed and waiting on drinks can be a pain. There are waitresses for the tables and sofas which helps.

Food - N/A

Decor - B
Part of a former mansion where Teddy Roosevelt once lived, the decor is that of a regal home with multiple chandeliers and sitting areas. It seems very DC to me so I almost always bring first-time visitors here for a drink. Great rooftop deck in the warmer months.

Feel - B
Weekend nights usually has the DJ spinning house which makes for an upbeat scene on the main floor while the upstairs features a Jazz band for more of a laid back scene. It does get crowded but overall, a good place with a good mix of people.

What’s the Buzz:

April 7, 2007 - Eighteenth Street Lounge (DC 365) - Where do you go for a casual get together? You want your friends to be able to come and go as need be, you want them to be comfortable and you want to hear them when they talk. You also might enjoy dressing up and wearing heals (or at least, not sneakers). Maybe a dive just won’t do… Full Article…

February 1, 2006 - Eighteenth Street Lounge (Washington Post) - This ultra-hip club has no sign and a strict door policy. If you get in to ESL — voted “Best Lounge” in washingtonpost.com’s Best Bets 2006 Readers’ Choice contest — you’ll find beautiful people, couches and some of the city’s best DJs. Full Article…

Cost - $$

Service - B
Service-wise, Fly is notorious for two things: turning people away at the door and copious amounts of cleavage from their scantily clad bartendresses. I think these two things cancel one-another out, hence the grade. At the same time, if the door isn’t an issue then the service is actually quite good. I guess you could say that about most places though.

Food - ?
I actually don’t think they serve any food there although I have snacked on olives at the bar before.

Decor - B
The interior of Fly has been designed to mirror the interior of an airplane. It is a little gimmicky but actually sort of cool.

Feel - A
I think Fly has some of the best crowds in DC. I haven’t ever been irritated by anyone as a matter of fact when I’ve been there. Actually, sometimes I have found myself irritated by people who get tables there for some reason. Guess what idiot? You’re not in New York - you’re in DC, so get off your high-horse about having a table. Basically though, the place has a good vibe. If you’re interested in seeing what the crowds are like they have an annoying Flash Web site with regularly updated photos.

What’s the Buzz:

July 4, 2006 - Fly Lounge Review with One Airplane Joke (DC Bachelor) - Fly is a new bar/lounge that opened up where Red used to be. I was excited to check it out even though I heard they have a door policy that is snobby and Chloe-like. There just aren’t many creative venues in DC, so maybe this airplane-themed bar could become my new hang-out spot. Full Article…

August 21, 2007 - Venturing into Fly Lounge (Killing the AFC in Me) - Everyone bailed on me Friday night so rather than do my normal club crawl, I decide to go to FLY. It’s about 11:30pm, there’s were about three girls outside smoking and two guys in line. Full Article…

Over the past three years I have been an ardent patron of Balance Gym because in my opinion, it simply has the best pick-up basketball in DC. There is a core group of guys that show up several types each week. The core group are all stand-up guys and the net effect is a run that is both competitive and fun. Rarely is a game put on intermission while two guys argue about a call (which you’re going to get at most outdoor courts in DC). Furthermore, there is no attitude from chumps who think they can ball (something I can’t say about LA Sports Club).

The guys who run the gym - Mark and Graham - do a great job managing the gym and it is one of the hidden gems in DC fitness.

Cost - $$
The price is reasonable considering you get full access to the court and their array of weights.

Service - A-
The guys who work there are always friendly and helpful.

Decor - B+
Despite the fact that it is hosted in an old church gym, they have done a great job refurbishing the place with newly finished hardwood floors and a great weight room.

Feel - A
It is one of my favorite places in DC, hands-down. I’m even hesitant to publish this review for fear that the word will get out and the place will become inundated.