One word: lumber. Walking into T.T. Reynolds's 100-year-old building, you might mistake it for Ralph Lauren's living room or one of those mountain lodges off Skyline Drive. We're talking hardwood floors, hardwood walls, hardwood ceilings, hardwood bar, hardwood tables, even an outdoor hardwood patio deck that would be the envy of Bob Villa.

This place has the feel of a classic English neighborhood pub, bathed in earthy browns, greens and reds and adorned with little brass lanterns and old black-and-white photographs; maybe a bit too classy for its regulars who are just here to chill and listen to their favorite local band and have a beer or two.

To be fair, T.T. Reynolds tries to bill itself as a restaurant first. The long, narrow joint features steak and shrimp entrees along with its standard American pub fare at moderate prices. But the clientele varies nightly depending on who's playing. Big-name locals who've played here include Jimmie's Chicken Shack and emmet swimming. On one recent weekday night, only a dozen people were present for a little-known acoustic act. But on weekend nights, especially when class is in session at nearby George Mason University, beautiful J-Crew type guys and gals vie for space (and for each other) through the haze of cigarette smoke.

--Cesar G. Soriano