Cost - $$$

Service - B+

I think it is pretty much the same story - if you get in you’re fine but if you are stuck at the door then you will probably have a pretty negative perspective on the service at the venue.  Shadow Room has introduced some pretty strong service incentives for members including priority valet, coat check; and also some fascinating technical services such as mobile ordering and a variety of other kiosk-driven service orders.  I do have to mention that they might want to consider hiring more shrewd doormen.  Without getting into too much detail I will simply mention I was witness to the doorman dropping the ball pretty significantly in some respects.

Food - ?

Decor - A
The space was designed by Adamstein & Demetriou, who have been behind many DC hot-spots including Zola, Zaytinya, Raku and a host of others for which they have been garnered national recognition.  Their work on Shadow Room is certainly on par with any of their other projects and certainly lends itself to the exclusive nature of the venue.

Feel - A
Many longtime DC scenesters are not happy with the direction that the city seems to be taking but I personally am supportive of it.  The club scene is starting to fall in-line with what you see in New York, Los Angeles, and Miami and that can only mean good things for DC, which has traditionally been known for its distinct lack of style and sophistication.  For all those that complain about the increasing exclusivity (see the thread on Josephine’s) there are loads of great venues where you don’t have to deal with door politics in the city.  Just set your expectations appropriately.

Shadow Room is located at 2131 K Street.  They can be reached at (202) 887-1200.  For more information on membership with Shadow Room visit their Web site.

Cost - $$

Service - B+
I was admittedly a bit tipsy by the time I got to Skye Lounge last Friday evening so I can’t recall whether the service was very good or bad. I remember the manager being pretty friendly and accommodating however so I’m going to give the service the benefit of the doubt.

Food - ?

Decor - B+
It has been pretty tastefully decorated and offers a comfortable up-scale interior. There are several large plasma TVs spread throughout the venue and the walls are lined with nice leather couches.

Feel - B+
I think Skye Lounge is exactly the place you want to go for a relaxed weekend evening in a cool venue where you can get drinks pretty readily and also dance a bit…or for a happy hour drink during the week. For watching a game it might not be a bad option either if you happen to live in the area.

Skye Lounge is at the corner of 19th and I. They can be reached at (202) 331-5800.

Cost - $$

Service - C
It is a sports bar that caters to the University crowd. In other words the servers and bartenders have no real incentive to be polite or helpful because they aren’t going to get dick for tips. It is actually an opportunity if you aren’t cheap because if you tip them a few extra bucks they’ll take note.

Food - C
Never eaten there. I can’t imagine it would be any better or any worse than any other sports bar.

Decor - C
Nothing to write home about.

Feel - C
If you are white and in University or just recently graduated, this is a perfect place for you. If you are anything other than that then it may not be such a cool experience. McFaddens could easily be just another Georgetown bar. The only difference is its location. That being said, I think there are more cute girls at McFadden’s than some other sports bars in the area. Especially on a Friday or Saturday night.

What’s the Buzz:

February 1, 2006 - McFadden’s in Foggy Bottom (The Real DC) - I’ve been to McFadden’s a few times and this is a place that can be either really good or really bad. The really good times seem to be when students from James Madison University are throwing a party there. Full Article…

July 25, 2004 - McFadden’s (Drift Reality) - When I was a wee boy at Georgetown, I would often hear about Champs, a legendary bar where football players, lacrosse players, and their freshmen groupies would gather to drink cheap beer and engage in conversation that had all the trappings of the banter one might hear in a special-education class. Full Article…