Sova Espresso and Wine

Best for: On weekends, an early-evening date spot before heading to the Atlas theater, Rock and Roll Hotel or Palace of Wonders. During the week, a place to surf the Internet while unwinding with a glass of wine.

I'm not sure there's a more comfortable place on H Street than the upstairs of Sova. Cool green and warm red walls are covered with a funky blend of modern art. Mismatched furniture that looks like it was inherited from two very different sides of the same family fill the two rooms: Rigid wooden chairs with woven straw seats are arranged around a long, blocky dining room table and towering framed mirror. Nearby are sumptuous brocade settees and cushiony chairs that you can't help but sink into, and tall, carved wooden columns.

"I love it," says Rebecca Jones, who was resting on a couch, typing on her laptop and nursing a glass of red wine. The Catholic University grad student lives a couple of blocks away and says she stops in a few times a week to take advantage of the free WiFi and have a drink. "It feels like your living room: the furniture, the decor and everything about it."

Sova offers 16 wines by the glass from $8 to $9. And though I have yet to find a true gem, the friendly staff is very good about letting you have a taste before charging for a full pour. More reliable are the bottled beers, including California microbrews (Bear Republic, Lagunitas) and a handful of Euro imports.

Sova has worked hard to develop a true neighborhood feel. Owner Frank Harkins is usually on hand. On Tuesday mornings, the wildly popular Boogie Babies series brings out the stroller set for live music from Mr. Nate, Oh Susannah and other singalong performers. Truly a space for everyone on H Street.

-- Fritz Hahn (Oct. 3, 2008)