Observer photo by Dyane Jean Francois Fils
Taquitos de pata at Rumberos.

On the Green Line: Friday night in Columbia Heights

by DYANE JEAN FRANCOIS FILS and
NIKKI SCHWAB

The Wonderland Ballroom
1101 Kenyon St. NW
Washington D.C. 20009
Metro Proximity: 3 blocks
Friday Night Heights Points: ***

The Wonderland Ballroom isn’t a ballroom. In fact, most would probably define the two-story establishment in the heart of Columbia Heights as a dive bar. While the bar serves dinner and brunch, by the time we arrived on Friday night we were concerned about two things: drinks and dancing. A set of creaking stairs lead patrons to the upper level — the ballroom part of the Ballroom — which is essentially a small dancing area with a well-stocked bar at the back. The Ballroom is decorated with a variety of antiques, including a large spinning Budweiser clock that resembles a wristwatch, and retro Delirium Tremens and Weihenstephan beer signs. While specials on a late Friday night don’t exist, Wonderland has a daily happy hour that includes $2 chili and cheese foot-long hotdogs, $3 rail drinks and $2 off any draft. The Ballroom’s Web site also says they have free wireless Internet service and free parking for those who opt to drive.

Crowd: The crowd is a mix of locals and 20-somethings looking for a dance partner for the evening.

Pick: There are some tasty imports on tap, including Hefeweizen, Hoegaarden and Leffe Brown, but the Delirium Tremens, a tart Belgian bottled beer is our favorite. The zesty brew has 8.5 percent alcohol, so even with the $7 price tag, ($6 during happy hour) you’re not going to need very many.

Up: It lacks the snobbery of many of the bars in Washington. It’s a unique neighborhood joint that boasts yummy food, quality beers and great hip-hop to end your Friday night.

Down: It’s a good thing the bar is smoke free, because the rickety and crowded old house would probably go up in smoke pretty fast if somebody lit a match.

Observer photo by Dyane Jean Francois Fils
At Rumberos, mojitos and a pisco sour with raw egg whites.

Tonic
3155 Mount Pleasant St. NW
Metro Proximity: 3 blocks
Friday Night Heights Points: *** and 1/2

Tucked away in a basement room off of the loud and bright Mount Pleasant Street, this bar/restaurant is Washington’s secret gem. Because of it’s low-key atmosphere, eclectic soft-rock music, it’s the perfect place to come have a drink before you go out for dinner on a Friday night.

Crowd: Tonic lures an ethnically diverse and sizable crowd despite its small size. If you’re a single twenty-something, the random mix of 90s music will bring you back to your wonder years. The waitress, Patrice, is friendly and innovative (she mixed us one of her own inventions) and will willingly offer suggestions for restaurants in the neighborhood depending on what palate desires for dinner.

Pick: Titilate your tastebuds with the multi-flavored Truffle Tini–a creamy mix of Stoli razberri, chocolate liqueur and Bailey’s.

Ups: It’s in a brick-walled basement room, so Tonic provides a warm shelter from the winter cold and allows for an intimate atmosphere set by candelight.

Downs: Because of its small size, you might have to stand for a few minutes unless some nice regulars offer up their seats (I got lucky, no, not that way!).

Observer photo by Robin Bravender
Fried yucca with mojo sauce at Rumberos.

Rumberos
3345 14th Street NW
Metro Proximity: 1 block
Friday Night Heights Points: ****

Scene: With Latin cuisine, a live flamenco serenade, and a softly lit room, Rumberos is the perfect setting for a first date. While intimate tables are available, the restaurant is more than happy to accommodate a large group.

Crowd: Because of its location in the heart of Columbia Heights, it won’t be unusual to hear “delicioso,” and “que rico!” However, if you don’t speak Spanish, don’t fear, the staff speaks English and the menu is translated.

Ups: A live duo sings heart-warming Flamenco tunes accompanied by the diners’ enthusiastic handclaps and foot-tapping. If there were more space, after a few drinks, some patrons would probably showcase their dance moves.

Downs: Although the food is delicious and offers anything from duck to vegetarian-friendly dishes, the portions are rather small. So if you’re sharing, you might have to order seconds.