Every Thursday at 1 p.m. ET, washingtonpost.com's City Guide experts share their best bets for local flavor, great dates and family fun. Got plans? Great. Need plans? Just ask. We have the skinny on the bars and clubs, concerts, kitchens, theaters and special events that keep life interesting. We're going out gurus, and we're at your service.

Of course, we're happy to answer questions about local entertainment, but we need to hear from you, too. Introduce us to the coolest DJ or the fastest bartender you've encountered. Sound off on the week's best concert or the city's best burger. Tell us about the best place to amuse little kids or a big art fan. Together we can plan fun ways to spend weekdays, weekends, dates and holidays. The pleasure is ours, and yours.

Each week a different guru will act as host or hostess, but the entire staff is at your service. If you're looking for more ideas, see the City Guide or read transcripts of past Got Plans? discussions.

Submit your questions and comments before or during today's discussion.

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washingtonpost.com: It seems like the sun is almost(?) here -- wait, no, it just hid behind the clouds again. Sigh. But the three-day weekend is undeniably coming. Beaches, parties, festivals -- that honest-to-goodness summertime is right around the corner. What are you doing to celebrate with your extra time off? Let's dive into it.

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Dupont Circle: After a couple of botched attempts, my friend and I are heading to Marvin tomorrow after work. But I just read two things -- the downstairs bar is really small and there's a private event in the whole upstairs. I don't want to make a reservation for a table, because I prefer to sit at the bar. What do you think? Any hope for seats at the bar at this popular joint tomorrow night or should we just head elsewhere?

Fritz: The bar at Marvin is so tiny that you really can't eat there -- it's really for people who have a reservation and are waiting for a table. If you don't want to get a table -- honestly, I would because then it's usually easier to get upstairs after dinner -- then I'd wait until another day. Maybe Sunday night?

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Adams Morgan, D.C.: I live near Adams Morgan, but don't dine there often, because the sheer number of restaurants (specifically along Columbia and down 18th) is overwhelming. I don't want to wander into one and then have it be mediocre. Can you recommend a few standouts for either dinner or brunch?

Julia: Adams Morgan isn't exactly known as a destination dining spot. Cashion's Eat Place is tops on my list of restaurants in the area, but it's pricey. Save that one for a special occasion. Casa Oaxaca is another good, but expensive spot. Perrys has some delicious sushi rolls, but the restaurant is better known for its roofdeck than its food. On the cheaper side of the spectrum, I've had several yummy visits to Black Squirrel and San Marco. Nothing mind-blowing at either spot, just good neighborhood restaurants. In my view, Amsterdam Falafel *just* edges out Astor for carryout because it's got that sweet toppings bar.

The Diner is always packed on weekend for its capable handling of classic brunch items, but I usually opt for Meze's more inventive brunch.

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Bar Pilar: Hi Fritz -- I was in Bar Pilar for a few minutes on Tuesday and didn't see the menu for the specialty drinks. The place was pretty crowded, so I wasn't sure if the Tuesday night special was still running. If it is, do I need to ask the bartender directly for the menu? Are you able to order those drinks if you are sitting down for dinner? Thanks.

Fritz: You must have walked by me, because I was there at the bar... and man, those infused rhum agricole drinks were rad. For next time (or next week), you do have to ask the bartender for a cocktail menu. Otherwise, they assume you just want a beer or something.

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Washington, D.C.: I'm planning to go to Sunday's Memorial Day concert on the Mall. I've never attended one of the free concerts before. Can you provide tips on how early we should arrive, whether or not to bring chairs, food, drink, etc.? Thank you!

Anne: Definitely bring food and drink to the Capitol concert -- it's picnic central. I'm not sure if there's an official no-chair policy, but if you try to bring some and then block people's view, the crowd around you will heckle enough until you put them away. Blankets are fine. If you're very keen on getting a certain spot and not missing any of the show because you're in a security line, then allow extra time -- on perfect weather days, some people get there by 5. If you want to avoid the crowd, go for the dress rehearsal Saturday night or swing by during the day Saturday to see the serious (read: lots of stop-and-go) rehearsal.

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Arlington, Va.: What's your take on DJs using Serato? It seems that every DJ in the city has it, and most use it poorly.

Rhome: This will probably be too much nerdery for the average Got Plans reader but here goes.

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Washington, D.C.: Hey Guru,

My friends and I are really excited about the "Sex and the City" movie coming out next Friday. We would like to hit the town before/after the movie, but we're trying to find either a movie theater or area in DC that will allow us to dress and look the part without looking too dressy or ridiculous. Any good movie theaters to watch the premiere??

Jen: The two that immediately spring to mind: AMC Georgetown and Regal Gallery Place. You could be in Carrie Bradshaw's tutu in either of those areas and not stand out quite as much as you might elsewhere. The movie is screening in both theaters.

I also say dress up however you want, wherever you want. Did inappropriateness ever stop Ms. Bradshaw from wearing a silly hat or short shorts? Hell, no!

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Medford, Mass.: Fritz...

I seem to remember a few months back that you had the scoop on what was going to happen with the Dakota Cowgirl location. Wasn't it a gastropub or beer house, something like that?

Do you know when it will open?

Fritz: It's going to be a two-level beer bar and pizza restaurant pouring 50 draft beers and 500 more available in bottles, courtesy of the people who brought you the fantastic Rustico in Alexandria. I ran into Rustico Beer Director Greg Engert at the Savor festival on Friday, and he said it's on track to open in August. We shall see.

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Washington, D.C.: I have a few girlfriends coming into town this weekend, and I want to show them a good time. We're all about to hit 30, and we love roof tops, good food and dancing. We'll be staying near Dupont/Logan, but we can venture anywhere in the city. Are there any must hits for the weekend? I also know they will want a good sushi place with a cool atmosphere so I would love some recommendations. Thanks for your help!

Julia: Perrys (mentioned above) might fit the bill for sushi. It has one of the best roofdecks in the city and Fritz and I tasted a melt-in-your-mouth piece of yellowtail when we were last there for "research" for our ever-growing map of the best patios and roof decks. It is a pretty typical girls-night-out kind of place -- I saw three veil-wearing bachelorette parties on a recent visit -- so if you're looking for something a little more mellow, try Sushi Taro. If you have some money to burn, try Makoto. It's not sushi, but outdoor dining at Zaytinya seems just made for a girls' night out, so I thought I mention it. I'd go to Eighteenth Street Lounge for your rooftop/dancing fix.

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Washington, D.C.: Are there any theatres in/around the District that will have a midnight showing of "Sex and the City" next week?

Jen: From what I can tell after a cursory look at showtimes -- which isn't as thorough as I would like, by the way, because my computer is moving at the speed of an anesthetized snail -- most of the theaters are doing the midnight thing. So the two I just mentioned -- Gallery Place and Georgetown -- will have 12 a.m. screenings, as will others around town, like AMC Tysons and the Majestic in Silver Spring. It just may be the girliest weekend at the box office ever.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Psst -- hey, Gurus -- when is the sound check for the Memorial Day concert going to be? I promise I won't tell anyone else, I just want to go downtown and hear without all the crowds. Thanks!

Fritz: Yeah, I'm with you, SS. Stop by the Capitol on Saturday night, beginning at 7:30, and you'll get a runthrough of something resembling the full show without having to deal with massive crowds, long lines, etc. One of D.C.'s best-kept secre-- whoops.

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Arlington, Va.: Due to high gas prices, I'm staying in town this weekend rather than traveling to visit family. Know any good barbecues I can crash? Failing that, what Memorial Day festivities will there be (if any) on the National Mall?

Anne: For barbecue, I think you'll have to hang on until next month's megafest. Here are some of the activities on or near the Mall this weekend: the XM Kids concert, Capitol concert, Rolling Thunder, Memorial Day parade, and ceremonies at the World War II and Vietnam memorials. At the summertime Friday concerts in the Sculpture Garden, everyone is lounging languidly in the grass, so you could imagine you're at some Bring Your Own Barbecue backyard party.

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Capitol Hill SE: Hi Gurus,

I live on the Hill but never really venture out there (save for Pour House--love that bocce league). I'm trying to change that this weekend -- are there any fun bars you'd recommend for a little schmoozing and a little dancing? Specifically, I'd like to go out Sunday for a mini-birthday celebration. There'd be a small group of us, guys and girls in their mid-twenties.

Thanks, Gurus!

Thanks!

Fritz: You know, I actually tried to sign up for the bocce league but it was already full.

Anyway. I have not heard of much dancing on the Hill on Sundays, though I'm sure the Irish Times and My Brother's Place will be open and hopping for Memorial Day. My favorite bars for schmoozing, etc., are Finn Mac Cool's, the Tune Inn (though that's definitely an older crowd) and Capitol Lounge, though the 18th Amendment's been fun when I've been through.

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AdMo dining: I would encourage the poster to just get over feeling overwhelmed and start popping into places! Part of the fun of dining out is trying new places and finding your own neighborhood haunts rather than just the popular spots. Brunch in particular allows you the opportunity to sample places without spending a ton of money. I'll admit to wishing I would have saved money by going elsewhere (Grill from Ipanema, anyone?), but have also found some good places that I had never heard a word about.

With that rant over, I will second your Cashion's suggestion and the Meze brunch. Although I sometimes can't resist the Diner because of the 24-hour thing, it's usually too packed to even bother so venture down the street. Bourbon has a reliable brunch, the New Orleans place (name escapes me) has some decent-for-outside-of-Louisiana beignets and coffee with chicory, and the Little Fountain Cafe is good for a romantic meal.

Julia: Sweet, thanks for the tips. Bardia's New Orleans Cafe in the name you were searching for. I adore their coffee. Never had brunch at Bourbon; I'll have to give it a shot.

I agree about walking into some place just off the street. I feel like y'all are going to laugh at me for saying this, but Grand Central does a pretty good brunch. Sure, it may be lacking in "restaurant" atmosphere -- the bar looks, um, worse for wear in the daylight -- but the French toast is really good.

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the Dakota Cowgirl location.: ...and where exactly was this location? In D.C.!!?? A Rustico type bar would be great to have in the city...

Fritz: 14th just south of Rhode Island, near the heart of beeeeautiful Logan Circle.

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U Street: Every gorgeous summer weekend my friends and I talk about planning a day trip to a local beach. We try to avoid taking the Bay Bridge (inevitable delays!) but are looking for a low-key, clean (we actually want to go in the water) beach to travel to one day this weekend (and hopefully throughout the summer). I figured you guys were the best ones to ask for help! Thanks!

Fritz: Stick to the eastern side of the Bay: There's hiking, birdwatching and a wide, sandy stip of beach at Flag Ponds Nature Preserve in Calvert County. (It's just north of the better-known Calvert Cliffs.) Closer to the Bridge itself, it's hard to beat Sandy Point State Park, which has a huge beach that's perfect for swimming and sunbathing and plenty of picnic areas, plus -- and this is awesome -- you can actually go crabbing off a pier. You probably won't catch a bushel, but you can buy all the supplies there.

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Burke, Va.: I am an avid blues fan and find this a disappointing town for hearing good blues (or any for that matter). Any suggestions for the long weekend?

David: On Saturday there's a blues party at what used to be called Chick Hall's Surf Club, now called Surf Club Live, in Bladensburg. Even with the turnover in ownership it's still the go-to place for blues around here, at least through the summer. Charles "Big Daddy" Stallings and Nadine Rae are on the bill Saturday. For something that's a bit less of a hike for you, maybe try Tab Benoit at State Theatre in Falls Church on Friday.

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Washington, D.C.: Do you have any suggestions on cute towns my girlfriend and I could go to and back on Saturday for a roadtrip? I was thinking of going somewhere in Shenandoah or the Eastern Shore but would like to have a specific destination in mind.

Jen: Hmmm ... I would say St. Michael's but think it might be best to avoid anywhere in the remote vicinity of the Bay Bridge.

I have stayed in Sperryville in the Shenandoah Valley, which is close to some of the wineries, the Inn at Little Washington, etc. Heading anywhere in that general vicinity, especially if you want to hit some of the wineries, would be a good bet.

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Lord of the Rings: I went to see the Lord of the Rings concert thing at Wolf Trap last night, and it was amaaaazing. Ok, it's too cold for outdoor concerts, but with many layers we survived. It was cool just to see the movie on the big screen again, and the live music made it even better! Anyway, I think they're doing it again tonight, and people should go. Uh, crazy people who are freakishly big Tolkien fans and don't mind a little nip in the air. Not that I know anybody like that.

Jen: Frodo, consider your recommendation passed on to the other members of your Baggins family.

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What to do in Old Town?: Happy Memorial Day! The boyfriend's parents will be in town this weekend and we were thinking of spending a day in Old Town. It's been a while since I've walked around there - what would you recommend not missing? Thoughts on places to dine - casual/mid price for lunch or dinner? Thanks so much!

Julia: The Torpedo Factory is a good with-parents activity. I also like just cruising down King Street, stopping in any shops that strike my fancy. You could start the day with a trip to Mount Vernon. Even though it's touristy, the mansion and the surrounding museums offer a nice slice of national history.

I'm a broken record on Vermillion, but I think that's a good bet for dinner. Maybe the Chipper for lunch?

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the bar looks, um, worse for wear in the daylight -- but the French toast is really good.: Many of us look worse for the wear on a Sunday morning. Good French toast is all you really need.

Julia: Well said, Chatter. Well said.

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Dupont Circle: Do you have any information on the opening of D.C. outdoor pools for the season (particularly East Potomac)? I imagine they are open this weekend, but based on past years I wonder if they will be weekend-only until school is out. Thanks for any enlightenment you can provide

Fritz: Some open this weekend, some open next. Near you, Georgetown and Banneker will be open starting tomorrow; Cannonballs at East Potomac have to wait until May 31.

BTW, you can enjoy the pool at the Omni Shoreham's happy hour tonight.

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Washington, D.C.: In Adams Morgan, I also highly recommend Jyoti on 18th... VERY good Indian food and reasonable prices.

On another topic, quick question-- what are the places to avoid this weekend? In other words, what places are going to be too packed with special holiday specials/crowds?

Thanks! Love the chat!

Julia: I've found Jyoti to be hit or miss in the past, but the price sure is right.

Clearly, the Mall and the museums are going to be scary busy. Venture into these tourist spots at your own risk. I'd also avoid the Zoo.

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Capitol Hill: Know anything about this year's Screen on the Green?

Jen: I think it begins July 11, but I don't believe the schedule has been set yet.

If I am wrong and you happen to have the schedule, feel free to post it.

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Arlington, Va.: How is it possible that we have '80s nights and Brit-pop nights, but no New Jack Swing or golden age hip-hop nights? Is there a place where I can hear Guy, Heavy D, Kool Moe Dee and Color Me Badd on the same night?

Rhome: The popularity of '80s nights is somewhat a matter of chronology. They've been established longer because that era has had more time to become iconic. And there's the whole cheeseball irony factor too that has kept it going. '90s nostalgia is just now coming into vogue, a bit prematurely if you ask me. The popularity of Brit-pop nights is a function of a scene culture that's bigger than the music itself. That doesn't exist for NJS and golden era hip-hop in D.C., although their timeline overlaps more closely with the '80s so you'd guess there would be a ready made crowd for it.

A lot of the '80s hip-hop babies in D.C. don't really party like that anymore. They've either been assimilated into mainstream club culture, gone "adult contemporary" or don't even go out at all. I'm talking about my peers here, so I've seen them a lot of them retire from dance clubs. I think that's the main issue.

Other than when True School's in town or Dredd's doing his hip-hop thing, you can get a taste of what you crave at Laced.

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Columbia Heights: Can I ask Rhome out on a date?

Rhome: Only if you're not a creepy dude who thinks I'm a woman.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Gurus,

So I just started a new job in D.C. at 20th & M NW (after working for nearly five years out in the 'burbs of Bethesda). Where's a good place to grab a happy hour drink? I'm looking for low key, decent drink specials, and not too many "kids" on the scene (I'm a part of the 30+ grown and sexy crowd....know what I mean?).

Thanks!

Fritz: Sounds to me like you should check out Hudson (21st and M) for the patio and some wildly inventive (and sometimes hit-or-miss) cocktails. It's a very modern lounge, yet pretty chill and with a good clientele. Skye Lounge and 19th and I draws a cool international crowd, thanks to its location near embassies, the World Bank, etc., and the patio is one of my new favorite spots to hang outdoors after work when the sun is out.

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Dakota Cowgirl on 14th is closed: Hi there.. Just saw a post about Dakota Cowgirl, and wanted to let you know the location on 14th and Rhode Island has closed... I'm not sure if it moved.

Fritz: Yes, it's been closed. We're talking about the new beer bar that's moving into its old space. Sorry for any confusion.

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Washington, D.C.: A recommendation and a question from a nostalgic reader:

Geisha is killing it lately, and reminds me a bit of Red. It's cramped yet cozy, attracts a diverse and unpretentious crowd, has great DJs, and people actually go there to dance.

Society Thursdays at Chief Ike's was billed as the next Reunion -- does it live up to that claim? I haven't heard much of anything about it since the announcement of their first event.

Fritz: Really? I've been to Geisha twice and thought the crowds were weird -- not really packed, not really empty. Certainly an attractive and unusual space, but hadn't thought it was living up to the potential of its DJ lineup. I'll give it another shot soon.

Neither Rhome nor I have dropped into to Society Thursdays -- he has a radio-related excuse, I do not -- though DJ RBI's name on the bill is a reminder that I need to remedy that quickly.

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Saturday Road Trips: I think St. Michael's is overrated. I found it to be lacking in character. A much better road trip would be Easton - about 10 minutes away from St. Michael's. It's not on the water, but it has great food and was quite charming. If you go, you should definitely check out Thai Ki, Scossa and Mason's.

Jen: Good to know. Thanks!

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Old Town and Mount Vernon?: Is there any way to get from Old Town to Mt. Vernon without a car? Any shuttles that go through there?

Fritz: You don't got a car, but you can take a boat.

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AdMo Eateries: I just wanted to second my adoration of Bourbon for brunch and dinner/late night comfort food. The bourbon French toast is delectable and the grilled cheese + tomato soup hits the spot on a rainy day. The sweet potato chips are also to die for, and the outside patio makes for the perfect setting to indulge on a warm night (I can't believe I'm sharing my fav secret haunt with you)

Fritz: The hot brown is to die for. The bloody marys are large and delicious. And then there's the bourbon.

Perfect day for me should probably involve curly fries with Old Bay and a glass of Willet or Four Roses.

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I'm talking about my peers here, so I've seen them a lot of them retire from dance clubs.: Uh huh. Hard to go out clubbing when you're at home with the family. I still have my own '80s nights, but just at home and DJing from my iTunes '80s one-hit-wonder playlist. Sometimes we put a lot of mousse in our hair.

Rhome: I see a problem with this though. I feel like you can't stay sane if you don't get it in every now and then, especially with the hectic pace of our lives as grown folk. Get a babysitter and carve out time to party. It'll help your marriage. Our parents did it, even if they just threw on some P-Funk records in the basement and had all their friends come over. You don't have to be in the streets all the time like you were 22 years old but I sure as hell don't plan on evolving into a fuddy duddy. Of course I don't have a wife and kids so... *shrug*

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Arlington, Va.: My parents are coming for the weekend and I need to figure out where to take them for dinner. My dad is not a very adventurous eater, his idea of ethnic food is Italian or Chinese. Any suggestions? What are your thoughts on Liberty Tavern in Arlington?

Julia: Liberty's okay for good, standard American food. That might be a good choice. Sette Bello's another option for delicious Italian food. You could also consider Willow.

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Washington, D.C.: Hey Gurus,

I'm turning thirty this year and decided to do a nice birthday celebration. I was hoping to find a restaurant with dinner and dancing (and not bootie shaking...more like a jazz club...). Do you have any suggestions for any places where I could eat fabulous food and dance the night away in the Washington area?

Fritz: Okay, the food at Carlyle Club is a little short of fabulous -- more like good -- but when you've got Doc Scantin's Orchestra playing 1920s Duke Ellington rags or Eric Felten crooning tender World War II ballads, it'll completely make up for the menu.

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Adams Morgan: Ew, Jyoti is NOT good Indian food. Trust an Indian girl.

The new deli (haha) that just opened up in the old Yazuzu space is good for a quick cheap breakfast. Bourbon is yum, and let's not forget Cafe L'Enfant!

Julia: Ah, L'Enfant. I just went to a rehearsal dinner there last weekend. I love that place.

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Falls Church, Va.: re: Blues clubs

Check out Bangkok Blues in Falls Church. It's a Thai restaurant and features good blues music. Plus the entire place has a blues and jazz music theme...and the food is really good, too!

Rhome: Supposed to be a real community feel out there. They've definitely been holding it down for blues in northern Virginia for a long time.

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Dupont Circle: Hey Gurus - Hoping you can help me out. My husband and I are celebrating our one-year wedding anniversary in June and need a place to eat. We are both vegetarians and are looking for a place with a romantic atmosphere and great vegetarian food. Our anniversary is a Monday, so that rules Vegetate out (they are closed on Mondays). I've seen you suggest City Zen, but its a bit out of our price range. Any ideas for a romantic place with some good veggie options? Thanks!

Anne: Happy anniversary in advance! I was just about to say Vegetate. With flickering candles, I think it can be very romantic. So if that's off, now we're into the romantic restaurants that won't make it impossible for us non-meat eaters to find something of substance. (And why aren't there more options in this town?) I'd vote for Al Crostino -- many veg pasta options, and sweetly intimate. Would Restaurant Nora's vegetarian tasting menu ($65) possibly fit your budget?

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Eats in Adams Morgan: Hi! Asylum has great brunch -- especially if you are vegan/vegetarian. I know, 'twas a total surprise to me as well!

Rhome: The tofu scramble is MAJOR.

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Crab Imperial Will Speak With You Now: Aight. Need you all to hook it up. Where to go for a reasonably priced seafood tower? Happy hour prices would be even better but I'd rather something really solid than something that's just cheap. I'm thinking $40-$90 for a huge mess of oysters, peel and eats, cherrystones, stone crab claws, etc. I'm thinking there's a sleeper out there (somewhere kinda forgettable like McC and S but just happens to hook it up for the seafood tower). Outdoors would be great but in all honesty I'm more interested in worship of bivalves and other related deities.

Fritz: After a recent cocktail dinner at Proof, I partook of a huge seafood tower at Clyde's in Gallery Place. Oysters, lobsters, peel-and-eat shrimp, stone claws, everything. It was $90 regular price, I think, but everything in the raw bar is half-off late at night -- 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Or you could go between 3 and 6.

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Single in D.C.: Hey GOGs, you guys rock.

I am the only who thinks dating in this town is so darn hard.

Any suggestions on places to meet single people, who are sane?

Thanks GOGs.

Julia: You're not the only one. In fact, this is a perennial question in Got Plans, and one that always generates a lot of comments. We usually give the "do something that interests you!" "take a class!" etc. type of advice, and while I know there's a lot of truth to that, I know it doesn't help much.

I find I meet the most new people at things like openings for new exhibits at the local galleries or just going to a mellow bar like Bourbon, Polly's or Galaxy Hut and striking up a conversation with those around me.

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Southwest: Hey gurus,

I seem to remember some of the Smithsonian museums staying open late on Thursday nights -- or am I imagining things? Might have some time to kill in that area tonight -- anything worth checking out?

Julia: You're not imagining things, but you're not in luck tonight. The Natural History Museum is the one that reliably keeps late hours in the summer, but alas, it closes at 5:30 tonight.

The Archives are open until 7 p.m., though, if you've got a fever for the Charters of Freedom. (I'm not trying to be a hater; I actually really like going to the Archives.)

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Northwest D.C.: Hello Gurus!

I've got $350 for a road bike (bicycle). Where's the best place in D.C. I could spend it?

Warm weather thanks!!

Rhome: Craigslist, Big Wheel Bikes or the next WABA swap (June 14). You might get lucky and come up on something at Community Spokes.

At $350, you won't really get a decent new road bike. You could come up on a hybrid or comfort bike at that price but you're pretty much just getting beyond the department store bike level.

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Dating....: People are wary of it, but you really do meet people with online dating! I met my current wonderful boyfriend through match.com.

Julia: That's great! I have some friends who have had great success through match, jdate and the likes.

They also have some horrible dates...but those eventually become funny after time. Like the time this guy spent all dinner with my friend talking about two blond women seated nearby -- how hot they were, if they were a couple, etc. etc. etc.

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Birthday girls' night out, D.C.: Hey Gurus!

We have a birthday HH and early dinner at La Tasca in D.C. - is this a good bet? are there any specials? is it better than Jaleo?

And is there anything else fun to do in Chinatown tonight afterwards? (we are mid-late 20's)

Fritz: La Tasca has a great happy hour, actually. Just talking about this with a group of female friends the other day. $15 pitchers of sangria (or $3.50 per glass), $5 margaritas, a selection of tapas for $2.50 each, $15 bottles of wine, $3.50 draft beers ...

I don't think it's better than Jaleo, but it's cheaper and livelier at the bar. Afterwards, depending on how late dinner runs, I'd head over to Indebleu for the new Surena night, which features South American music and drinks.

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Crustaceans, bivalves, et al: Old Ebbitt has the same deal as Clyde's on the seafood platter. I like the atmosphere (and bartenders) there a bit more than Clyde's.

Fritz: You are correct, sir. The deal is offered at all Clyde's as well as Old Ebbitt. I like the bartenders at OE, and it's usually less crowded.

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Cubicle City, USA: We'd like to go out for dinner tomorrow evening near downtown, and we have a baby. We'd like to go somewhere that isn't soul-less like Friday's or Bertucci's, but obviously a place that would have a high chair and other diners who may be tolerant of a generally well-behaved little one. The City Guide offers suggestions like Potbelly's, which we don't consider dinner. Help!

Anne: We suggest Potbelly's, really? I'll have to figure out where we did that. I'd give Chef Geoff's a call. I have a feeling that might suit your needs. And you'd be surprised, but Zaytinya has highchairs and if can be a good bet when not crowded. Ella's and Clyde's should also work.

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AM: Julia - was that the reason L'Enfant was closed on Friday night? So upset you have no idea...

Julia: That was, and for that, I apologize. I have no idea how much it cost my friends to shut the place down, but it was well worth it. What a sweet spot for a private party. (The bride is French, so the European feel was a perfect touch.)

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Later Smithsonian hours: Portrait Gallery/American Art are open until 7 p.m. all the time.

Julia: It's true -- and I should have mentioned this. My bad.

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Buzzer Beater!: How's Rocket Bar on a weeknight, say after peak HH time? I was once on a Friday night, and it was swamped. That place is awesome, but I can't stand the crowds.

Thanks!

Fritz: It's seriously moving into my top tier of favorite D.C. bars. Skee ball? That spacious new room with pool tables, shuffleboard and darts? Great beers? $3 PBR when I'm feeling broke? A jukebox that rocks and isn't connected to the internet?

Seriously good, and completely awesome Sun-Wed.

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Washington: What are some of your favorite spots to just sit and hang out, enjoying nice weather?

Rhome: Malcolm X Park on Sundays.

Julia: On the bank of the Potomac, right across Ohio Drive from the FDR (but not this weekend, when it'll be packed).

Fritz: The back patio at Bourbon, Rock Creek Park (near the Million Dollar Bridge), the patio at Cafe Berlin, on the water at Cantina Marina.

Jen: Cabin John Park, though it helps if you have kids or at least a niece or nephew. It's a rugrat fest.

I also love Great Falls, on the Md. side.

Anne: The Haupt Garden. Kennedy Center Terrace.

David: Fort Reno Park. The grass is really tasty, I'm not sure what they put in it. (Sounds like good news on that front, btw, more info next week.)

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Now I'm Ballston Dude: So I just started a new job in Ballston after working for nearly five years out in the 'burbs of Fairfax County. Where's a good place to grab a happy hour drink? I'm looking for low key, decent drink specials, and not too many "kids" on the scene I'm a part of the 30+ grown and handsome crowd....know what I mean?.

This place has changed since I lived here in 2001

Fritz: Rock Bottom if you don't go on Wednesday, or Caribbean Breeze for tasty apps and good mojitos.

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The Space: What's the deal with this new place? Looks a bit exclusive...

Rhome: The Space isn't new and we talk about it now and again but since there's another question in the queue about it...

It's not exclusive, they just don't go out of their way to draw attention to themselves. Just dress yourself nicely. It's a really fly space with lovely rooftop patio. It's a loungey drinks and conversation type spot. I haven't been since a management change a while back but they've been bringing in good DJs so I still recommend it.

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Washington, D.C.: It's my last night in the city tomorrow, and my friends and I want to start off with an outdoor happy hour. Any recommendations for a rooftop or patio?

Julia: Fritz and I recently wrote about some of our favorite off-the-beaten-path patios, so maybe these suggestions could help you out -- or any of the bars listed in our patio map.

For a last night in D.C., I might try some place like Marvin, with its decidedly hometown feel.

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Washington, D.C.: Family coming into town, and they want lobster rolls. Where is a good place to grab one in D.C.?

Julia: If they're coming in from New England, they're likely to be disappointed. But as a former New Englander, I've found credible ones at Hank's Oyster Bar. The lobster roll at Tackle Box is also getting good reviews from some of my friends.

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Last Night in D.C.: Julia, don't send that person to Marvin tomorrow night! You already answered a question in which the poster stated the entire upstairs of Marvin would be closed Friday.

Julia: Just called Marvin to get the scoop on this seemingly contradictory statement. There isn't a private event upstairs, the restaurant is just fully booked for Friday. You can still have drinks on the patio.

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washingtonpost.com: Look, that three-day weekend is now an hour closer! We're so almost there. Remember your sunscreen, and we'll see you next week.

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