Science Club: Intelligent by Design

For now, the most comfortable area is the second floor, which features a large table set in the prominent bay window and a stylish atmosphere more reminiscent of Eighteenth Street Lounge. It's also nonsmoking, though it's never been officially designated as such. "I think it's that we don't have ashtrays up there," Maguire says. "We'll see how it goes, but it's nonsmoking for now. I don't like to tell people who we are or what we are. I prefer to say, 'We're a little space in downtown D.C., so come in and judge for yourself.' " After all, what's more scientific than the survival of the fittest?

SO LONG, FAREWELL

They say bad news comes in threes, and this weekend is your last chance to say goodbye to a trio of Washington area nightspots.

The 37-year-old Stoney's Bar & Grill (1307 L St. NW; 202-347-9163) is one of the last of its kind in Washington -- a smoky, no-frills dive bar where tourists rub shoulders with cops, who rub shoulders with construction workers, who find themselves seated next to reporters or ladies of the evening at the cramped bar. After years of threats, the building is finally facing the wrecking ball.

Scheduled to close Saturday, Stoney's is marking the end of operations with a blowout party Friday, featuring a $5 menu that includes, well, everything: juicy Stoney burgers, pizza, the super grilled cheese (piled high with onions and bacon) and even pitchers of beer. Manager Sandy Irvin says it's a way to get rid of all the food and drink in stock -- and, of course, say thanks to loyal customers.

For the past few weeks, rumors have been flying that Stoney's will reopen later this year in an office building around 19th and I streets NW. Owner Anthony Harris has been looking at locations in that area, but nothing is set. If you want to stay updated on the bar's plans, send an e-mail to stoneysdc@gmail.com .

Also being displaced by construction is the Yacht Club of Bethesda (8111 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda; 301-654-2396). The over-35 singles club is sailing off into the sunset this weekend after 17 years and, host Tommy "The Matchmaker" Curtis says, 181 marriages between couples who met in the club, which resides in the basement of Bethesda's Holiday Inn.

Holiday Inn recently sold the building to Doubletree Hotels, and that company's multimillion-dollar renovation will turn the basement into a parking garage. Thankfully, the Yacht Club's magic has always been the mood rather than the dreary location.

Curtis says he's "had offers from all over" to move his virtual love boat but isn't ready to say just where. (The smart money is on a move to the Tysons Corner or McLean area, but Curtis just smiles and says that's "a very smart suggestion.") Friday and Saturday, Curtis is hosting "a reunion" for his regulars and the couples who met and fell in love at the Yacht Club. Reservations are "strongly suggested," he says, because "we don't want to disappoint anyone."

Keep abreast of the club's plans by getting on the e-mail list at http://yachtclubofbethesda.com/ .

Vida (1120 20th St. NW; 202-293-5433) hasn't been around as long as the Yacht Club or Stoney's, but the Mexican-themed lounge and restaurant has attracted young, international crowds for the past three years, thanks to two floors of dancing on the weekends, a huge patio and plenty of margaritas and tequila shots. Owners Jeff Holibaugh and Peter Balish are moving on to a new project and are going out Saturday night with a "Last Dance" party at Vida. Skip the cover charge by getting on the guest list at http://www.partyslave.com/ .