Monday Night Trivia Fight at Wonderland

Wonderland triviagoers take their facts seriously. During a recent bout, a question about foreign foods turned into a heated discussion over whether it was necessary to write Wiener in front of schnitzel.

Being a trivia host is not easy. Maybe it’s a good thing then that anyone can request to be quizmaster in the upstairs bar at this Columbia Heights destination, which has held trivia gatherings since 2005. That means each week is different and dependent on the host’s whims, which may explain why Wonderland has a reputation as one of the area’s most difficult quiz nights.

Luckily, participants who know nothing about NBA all-stars, “Battlestar Galactica” or television theme songs can stay in the game by trying to win free beers with answers that make the hosts laugh.

Like the hosts, crowd size can be unpredictable, ranging from standing room only to a handful of teams (of no more than six). On a recent evening, there were still seats to be had at the 7:30 p.m. start time, while other weeks, tables and bar stools fill up by 6:30 or 7.

Pro tip: Check the Monday Night Trivia Fight Facebook page for a bonus question, the answer to which could earn your team a free beer.

The prize: First prize is $100 off a team’s bar tab; second place $15 off; third is $10 off; the host decides on a prize for best team name.

-- Stephanie Merry (March 15, 2012)