Sequoia

Wondering where Washington's glitterati hangs out on summer nights? Just go down to the Washington Harbour right off K Street and you'll find them packing the outdoor bar and multiple terraces of Sequoia, a massive glass and steel restaurant/pickup joint right on the Potomac.

The back wall of the two-level restaurant is virtually all glass, allowing diners and barflies who prefer the indoors with a spectacular view of the river, but the nightlife aspect of Sequoia is not about food and views: The action is all at the outdoor bar. Young yuppies, Euro-types and a smattering of D.C.'s single rich hang out drinking $6 margaritas and $4 beers (the usual domestics and imports) while juggling the arduous task of meeting people with similar economic backgrounds, fashion sense and cell phones.

Dress is casual but expensive (think Ralph Laruen), as is the outdoor menu, which has food ranging from $8 hamburgers to $21 crab cake platters. The outdoor area is large but is often standing room only from early evening into the wee hours. That's especially true during the late spring and summer, when the warm nights make being by the water particularly attractive.

Though it has no live entertainment, if you're in the mood for beautiful scenery and a nice view of the river and D.C.'s beautiful people to boot, Sequoia is the place for you. You might even meet that Mr. or Ms. Right -- that is, if your outfit and jewelry are worth more than your car.

-- Michael Tedeschi