The Scene: Some of the best bartenders around mix drinks behind the tiled bar at Cleveland Park's cozy, low-lit neighborhood cocktail lounge. The staff and customers often know each other by name, as this place has a loyal, diverse crew of regulars. Aroma is a narrow room with a bar down one wall, high tables and stools along the other and a small circle of seats in the front window. No matter where you sit, you'll hear a steady buzz of conversation. The overall style is hip '50s martinis -- check out the vintage cocktail shakers in a cabinet -- with warm orange walls. Through a doorway in the rear is the "More Lounge," with plenty of '60s mod sofas and coffee tables that are better suited for groups than the narrow bar area.

Smell something burning? The bar's not on fire. Aroma, which sells cigars and cigarettes, has one of the few exemptions from D.C.'s citywide smoking ban. If you can't stand the smell of tobacco, consider yourself warned.

In Your Glass: Cocktails. There's no formal list, so it's best to just tell your bartender what you're in the mood for -- something with rum, something fruit, a summery vodka drink, etc. Four beers are also available on draft./p>

On Your Plate: Aroma doesn't sell food, but keeps carry-out menus from neighborhood restaurants behind the bar so customers can bring their own. Dishes from the adjacent Nam-Viet restaurant and slices of pizza from Vace are always popular.

Need to Know: DJs spin hip-hop, '80s and other dance music on Friday and Saturday nights, when the already small amount of elbow room gets even tighter. Arrive late and you may have to pay a small cover charge.

Nice to Know: The paintings and photographs on the walls are created by local artists and rotate every few weeks.

Price Points: Average: Beers are $4 or $5, mixed drinks are $6-$10.

-- Fritz Hahn (July 2006)