Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Dodge City in DC


A dive bar located among a slew of popular concert venues on and around busy U Street, Dodge City brings in a large regular crowd of music-loving patrons.

Much-loved for its wide selection of microbrews, most patrons are found with an artsy-labeled bottle or can in their hands – no PBR up in here – while wandering from the first to second floor of dim-lit Dodge City where the vibes are often completely different.

On the bottom floor, a more laid-back vibe is given off. The DJ plays mellow blues, funk, or lounge music and casual-dressed yuppies sit and chat it up along the rustic bar or at the few tables and benches beneath funky artwork scattered about.

While walking up the old worn-down stairs and passing by the subdued bluish-gray walls, the music gets louder and a little faster. DJs on the second level play hip-hop, house, go-go, and more fun, up-beat tunes on Friday and Saturday nights and the open room fills with rowdier club kids looking to get their dance on.

The second level’s fully stocked bar from floor to ceiling shows that Dodge City doesn’t only specialize in microbrews, but offers a large selection of liquor, allowing a little more liquid courage to break a move on the dance floor.

When the groups of revelers need to cool off, they head to back patio where bar-goers escape the noise and chat with friends.

Though the patio is normally a relaxed space during the week, it’s also very popular for sports-lovers on Sundays, when the bar opens early to accommodate the NFL season and starts to look more like a good friend’s backyard party than a rustic watering hole. With a beer in hand, patrons walk out to the back patio, where heaters are present during wintertime, and grab some eats from the bar’s grill with meats provided by 13th St Meats, a local wholesaler.

Whether they want to chill with a few unique beers downstairs, bust a move to local DJs upstairs, or enjoy some backyard grilling without having to clean up after themselves, Dodge City keeps everyone entertained.

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Looney's Pub in College Park, Maryland




Ever wanted to tailgate without making the long trek to your favorite sports team's game? At Looneys Pub in College Park, Maryland, you can!

Known as a sports bar, Looney's walls are covered with different sized HD television screens with various sports games. But, to make it a little more unique, the bar holds weekly cornhole tournaments. What's better than staying warm in the winter and still being able to drink a couple brews and play a game of cornhole with some buddies?

If you're not down to toss the bag or if you don't care for sports, there is entertainment for the rest of the patrons. There are DJS throughout the week that play top 40s, R&B, house, rap and more. Even on a Wednesday night, you shouldn't be surprised to see a dance party after 11 PM.

There are even concerts on Thursday and Friday nights, but it's best to arrive early because the bar can get packed from wall to wall during these events.

Aside from the entertainment, Looney's employees/bar tenders are some of the finest. There's no waiting for drinks and each employee is very personable.

The specials every night make Looney's menu affordable for college-aged customers. Wednesday nights are known for Ladies' Night, which includes $2 domestics and rails, $4 cocktails with Pinnacle vodka and $3 microbrews.

Every night, there is also a special on the food menu, such as Monday - 50 cent wings, Tuesday - $6 burgers, Wednesday - $6 chicken sandwich , Thursday - $6 cheesesteaks and Friday is the chef's special.

Check out the happy hour (2 to 7 pm, M-F) menu here: http://www.looneyspubmd.com/college_park.html