Gin & Tonic, as I've written previously, is collaboration between Maurico Fraga-Rosenfeld, the entrepreneur behind Chi-Cha, Gazuza, Ceviche and several other lounges, and Fritz Brogan, who ran the outdoor bar the Deck in Glover Park and the members-only Gryphon Room night at the Guards in Georgetown.

The phrase "work in progress" gets thrown around a lot with new bars, but Gin & Tonic really is one. Right now, it's a one-room brick-walled shell with two bars, a DJ booth and a large deer head on the wall. By the time the grand opening rolls around on Oct. 5, they're hoping to add such amenities as tables, chairs, booths and a third bathroom. For now, it's a bare-bones spot that resembles a frat house party room, down to the power occasionally going out while the DJ is spinning.

I've been by twice, and the place has been packed both times -- a predominantly preppy crowd in polos and party dresses dancing to '80s hits, Top 40 hip-hop and, inevitably, "Don't Stop Believing," while pounding Red Bull and vodkas or light beer. Since there's no furniture, there's no designated dance floor, which makes walking to the bar akin to an obstacle course.

-- Fritz Hahn (Sept. 12, 2008)