Eighteenth Street Lounge does not advertise and there is not much of a sign over the sliver of a door. But despite the lack of marketing, the place is full of beautiful people dancing, singing and drinking. There are two floors of live or DJ-spun tunes. Newcomers should be sure to wear their best threads or risk rejection at the door. The interiors are upscale and antique-looking, with Middle Eastern influences adding an alluring charm to the decor. Sit back and enjoy a well concocted cocktail or simply head on to the dance-floor and groove to the eclectic music.

For an evening spent feeling like you're sitting on the Ramblas in Spain rather than in DC's trendy Logan Circle area, head to Barcelona 14th Street. While this tapas place and wine bar focuses on the flavors of Spain, the wine list includes selections from around the world, much to the delight of wine lovers who come to visit this intimate establishment. Grab a table inside, a seat at the bar, or head out to the courtyard, where a large fireplace keeps patrons warm even on cooler DC evenings.

Kramerbooks and Afterwords was the first to set up shop in Dupont Circle. This bookstore and cafe is always crowded, particularly on weekends when singles who would rather skip the bar scene flock to this surprising hot spot. Live music is an added feature of this cozy literary joint. The cafe is a full-service restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. The entrees are traditional American dishes, like chicken and lamb chops.

Larry's Lounge caters to a gay clientele; the window sign features the gay pride rainbow but welcomes all. The bar is tucked at the back, tables are lined up along big windows that offer nice views of 18th Street. Exotic martinis are a specialty here. Happy hour specials start at 4p weekdays and 5p Saturdays.

Craving a cold beer on a sunny patio? Head over to Dacha Beer Garden to soak up those suds and rays. Everyone is welcome; from kids, to pets, to grandparents. Whoever you bring to this cheerful beer garden is sure to leave happy. Taking a cue from the traditional Bavarian beer gardens, the simple yet elegant outdoor location adds a whole new level of excitement to your drinking session.Beer lovers can sample craft beer from Germany, Belgium and the US, while hungry patrons can dig into heart Bavarian-inspired dishes. Wine and non-alcoholic drinks are also available.

In a town as expensive as Washington DC, a budget-friendly neighborhood watering hole is a good thing to have. Red Derby is just that. The bar offers up a surprising number of cheap canned beers (under the category of "Your Old Man's Beer"), though patrons can also sip on a selection of IPAs, stouts, wheats, and sours, among others. For those less inclined to drink beer, there's also cider, wine, and cocktails to choose from. Grab you drink of choice and head out to the popular outdoor deck, where you can play board games and order food.

H Street Country Club is not merely a restaurant, but a space that brings together great Mexican cuisine with entertaining games. The Executive Chef Cardozo uses high quality fresh ingredients to create a menu that offers tantalizing fare of enchiladas, burritos, tacos and fajitas. Guests can also enjoy cocktails, margaritas at the bar or even choose from their range of tequilas. Enjoy a game of golf on the mini golf course or beat your opponents at shuffleboard or skeeball.