Rocket Bar & Grill

Rocket Bar is awesome. Right across from the Convention Center (it is very easy to to connect with people from Arlington, Alexandria, DC and MD), walk down a stairwell and into the low-lit bar with pool tables, shuffle board, skeeball, and darts. There are three separate bars so getting a drink was never a problem. There are good draft beer selections from anchor steam, Guiness and a Blueberry Ale... though I've seen better "daily specials" at most bars. The rates for the games were decent too.

I went to Rocket with a large crowd for my birthday. There were a bunch of different groups of people who didn't know each other, and some individuals who didn't know anyone — this ended up being the perfect place to solve the issues that arose. The music was a little loud, but conversation was easy to make, and the various games provided an outlet if you found conversation more difficult. If I ever plan a happy hour or mixer for a large group of people again, I would pick this place.

There is no kitchen, but a bunch of great places to pick from close by. Just grab it beforehand, bring it in and chow-down. Fudruckers, California Tortilla and Pot-Belly's are all on the same block.

This is on-par with Atomic Billiards. Rocket is a bit larger, has probably 4x as much room. I liked the vibe of Atomic more because it was out of the central DC-eye and escapes a very transient and tourist crowd that is almost always present. Rocket is a good quick-and-dirty version of Atomic. Though, if you are looking to meet people, I'd go with rocket. Pros and Cons, Pros and Cons.


the deal:
a quandary. site says, "daily specials"
...doesn't that just mean regular price if it doesn't change day to day?
$3 PBR Cans
$4 Miller Lite, Bud Light, Budweiser, Miller High Life Bottles & Miller Lite Drafts
$5 Rail Drinks
$5 House Wine

... leaves me wondering what the deal really is, I think this is just a snapshot of the menu.
what do you think?


Rocket Bar & Grill

Zola

Contemporary, Classy, with some mighty-fine cocktails. For those who like to step their work dress up a notch and enjoy cocktails & wine to drafts & ciders. Bar tenders were friendly and fast. Crowd was more about who they came with then meeting new folks. Older crowd (older just means older than me, 25).

The girls (Tina, Nicole, Katie, Alix, and Stefanie) and I also enjoyed a tasty dinner that was a perfect precursor for our late-night opening night showing of SATC. Although the waiter's service left much to be desired, the food was very good and light (light in a good way, not a "Geewhiz! I payed how much for this tiny, single stuffed mushroom!?").

I share Nicole's opinion, "I wouldn't have to go back there again, but if someone was doing something, I'd think it would be good". A fine place for a special occasion, but not for a casual work happy hour, a place to bring a first-time dc-er, or a soon-to-be regular haunt.

Interesting trivia (taken directly from their web site):

The restaurant is named after Emile Zola, the famed 19th century French novelist who rallied public support for the plight of Captain Alfred Dreyfun, a french soldier falsely accused of spying.

Emile Zola
Zola is located right next to the spy museum and compliments it well.


the deal:
zippity-zip.
you're paying full price for these drinks & fine food, friends.

zola

CM III: Matchbox

The fruit infused vodka was the draw, but the delicious pizza kept us there, both were tasty! The building is beautiful — exposed brick, dumb-waiters, and an entertaining mix of tourist and young professionals. It was really getting hopping as we left.

deals:
5–7pm, Mon–Fri
$2.75 Yuengling Lager pints
$1 off all other drafts except for Belgian Beers
$4 infused matchbox martinis
$2 off small pizzas at the bar only
www.matchboxdc.com