The Bar Scene

Washington has a thriving and varied bar scene. But just when you think you know all the hot spots, a spate of new ones pop up. If you're up for a wild time that comes without transportation worries, consider reserving a spot on the Boomerang Bus (www.ridetheboomerang.com), which travels to four or five popular bars in different neighborhoods every Friday and Saturday night, picking you up and dropping you off at the same bar location; the current price of $35 covers the transportation and any charges for covers or specialty drinks, and allows you to bypass any VIP lines.

Lounges are all the rage, so be sure to stop in at restaurants such as Sei, PS7's, and Rasika. If you're in the mood for a sophisticated setting, seek out a bar in one of the nicer hotels, like the Willard, the Sofitel Lafayette Square, the Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, the Hay-Adams, and the St. Regis; also read in this section about Quill, in the Jefferson Hotel, and P.O.V., in the W Washington, D.C. Hotel. Otherwise, here is a range of options, from upscale to low-key, each with its own character.

Most bars stay open until 2am Sunday through Thursday and until 3am Friday and Saturday.

Wine Bars Woo the Capital

It isn't that Washington didn't have wine bars before now, it's just that, overnight, it seems, we have so many. Pioneers Bistrot Lepic, Mendocino Grille and Wine Bar, and Sonoma, restaurants all, deserve credit for being there first, whetting locals' appetite, perhaps, for the whole idea. Now the city is home to at least 10 wine bars, most of which serve food, while still focusing on the wine. The following list directs you to some of the best:

• Bistrot Lepic and Wine Bar, 1736 Wisconsin Ave. NW (tel. 202/333-0111; www.bistrotlepic.com) -- This Asian-accented, cozy wine bar and lounge on the second floor of its charming French restaurant offers complimentary tastings every Tuesday 6 to 8pm. Open daily 5:30pm to midnight.

• Veritas, 2031 Florida Ave. NW (tel. 202/265-6270; www.veritasdc.com) -- Located at the northern end of Dupont Circle, just off Connecticut Avenue, this tiny, exposed-brick-walled place holds no more than 50 people and serves 70 wines by the glass. A few nibbles are on the menu: small plates of cheeses and charcuterie, and some desserts. Open daily 5pm to midnight or later, most nights.

• Vinoteca Wine Bar and Bistro, 1940 11th St. NW (tel. 202/332-9463; www.vinotecadc.com) -- Like many of its neighbors in the U Street neighborhood, Vinoteca opens at 5pm (and 11am Sun) and stays open late. Its town-house setting offers seating at a bar, on banquettes, in the upstairs lounge, or outside at sidewalk tables. Wine lovers can choose from 100 wines by the glass; a full menu of American cuisine is also available.

• Cork, 1720 14th St. NW (tel. 202/265-2675; www.corkdc.com) -- Another cozy place, Cork features no American or Australian wines, choosing instead to highlight "Old World" wines. The bar offers 50 wines by the glass and a menu that serves small plates of light fare, meant for sharing (think french fries, charcuterie, sandwiches, roasted vegetables, olives, cheeses, and so on). Wine tastings and classes are also on tap. Open Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday 5pm to midnight; Thursday to Saturday 5pm to 1am.