Let's Do the Time Warp By Jen Chaney Special to The Washington Post Friday, April 25, 2003

Dressed to impress at Continental. (Photo by Mark Finkenstaedt for The Washington Post)

Marty McFly did it in a DeLorean.

Bill and Ted did it in a phone booth.

Even Scott Bakula did it on a weekly basis on the television show "Quantum Leap."

We're talking about time travel -- leaving behind the pressures of the present day and, for a little while at least, immersing oneself in the sights and sounds of a bygone era.

Unless you're in tight with Mr. Peabody and Sherman (from "The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle"), you probably think it's not possible to revisit a long-gone decade. But that's, as Bill and Ted might say, bogus.

In fact, it's easy to jet back in time without leaving the Washington area. To prove it, we chose three 20th-century time periods -- the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s -- and unearthed a treasure trove of bars, shops and upcoming movie releases that may remind even the most contemporary citizens of the days of Camelot, Evel Knievel or Culture Club.

Now the journey begins. Fellow travelers, we're history.

The 1960s are back in vogue, and that is especially apparent in Washington's bar scene, where some newcomers to the nightlife landscape are making the most of the mod.

Continental, a brand-new pool hall/lounge in Rosslyn, simultaneously celebrates the jet-set lifestyle and the bold designs of the '60s and early '70s. Designers have doused the interior of the large space in eye-popping colors, from the bright indigo of the entryway to the rich green of the tiki lounge. Other artistic touches, such as striking murals and spaghetti lights, salute the worlds of aviation and space travel.

"It's kind of 'Barbarella' meets 'Austin Powers,' " explains M.L. Banchoff, director of operations for Bedrock Management, which owns this spot as well as numerous others, including Bedrock Billiards and Aroma, in the Washington area. In fact, just looking at the leopard-print light fixtures and massive tiki statues makes one feel compelled to unironically shout "Shagedelic!" -- an appropriate response, because designs by the Los Angeles artist Shag, who specializes in vibrant pieces that celebrate the swinging lifestyle, are part of the splashy atmosphere.

Cafe Saint-Ex, a recent addition to 14th Street, also celebrates the '60s and aviation with its basement Gate 54 lounge. While the aluminum ceilings and suspended model jets scream airplane hangar, the framed photo of John F. Kennedy behind the bar adds a '60s vibe to the intimate space. In fact, Gate 54 seems like the sort of spot Frank Abagnale Jr. might have frequented during his freewheeling "Catch Me If You Can" pilot days. Every other Thursday, DJ Beat Neat-O (otherwise known as Eric Litts) hosts Groove, a mix of mod garage and soul from the '60s and other eras.

Other options: If '60s guitar rock piques your interest, try a few doors down at the Black Cat, where a garage-themed DJ night called the Wag happens on the first Saturday of the month. Or check out the Washington Plaza Hotel's International Bar, a simple and swank lounge that serves Goldfinger martinis (Stolichnaya Gold vodka garnished with 24-karat gold flakes) in an atmosphere even James Bond would appreciate. DJ Mr. Majesty currently hosts Snap!, a mix of '60s bossa nova and '70s funk, on Thursdays.

Where to get the look: On a recent Saturday afternoon at Polly Sue's Vintage Shop, a teenage girl with flowing hair stares indecisively in a mirror, unsure whether she should wear the off-white dress she sees in the reflection to her prom.

"But it's so '60s," she says.

"That's the whole point," her mother reminds her.

Indeed, that is the whole point at Polly Sue's, where vintage fashions from the 19th century through the 1970s fill the racks on two levels. Those who want to find some authentic '60s gear would do well to visit, as owner Susan Collings carries Jackie Kennedyesque styles from the decade's early years, as well as the bold prints of the latter portion. (By the way, as this reporter left the store, the waffling teen happily plunked down the cash for that retro-chic gown.)

For stylish vintage clothes, there's also the Remix, an Alexandria store filled with fun and fashionable offerings, including numerous selections from the '60s and '70s.

Polly Esther's is the place some people love to hate. It's tacky, flashy and in-your-face retro. In other words, it's exactly like the disco era it seeks to reincarnate. This national chain of nostalgia-driven nightclubs, with local locations in Washington and Rockville, features music from the '70s to the present. But it's the late-'70s vibe that gave the place its name and still attracts plenty of cover-paying customers to its boogie-fied dance floor.

After walking into the Rockville club, which is divided into two sections that play completely different music, it's hard not to experience sensory overload. To the left, Earth, Wind & Fire sings "Let's Groove," while to the right, on the late-'80s/early-'90s side, Prince insists that everyone "Gett Off." It's hard to know whether to bump or grind. Ultimately, we go with Earth, Wind & Fire, on the side where the '70s and early '80s reign. Here, alcoholic beverages with names like Brady Punch and the Sea Monkey ("Just Add Water") are available at the bar. The movie "Jaws" screens silently on several televisions, lava lamps adorn the walls and the squares on the dance floor illuminate, just as they did for John Travolta in "Saturday Night Fever." Speaking of which, the DJ goes by the name Andy Travolta (though he doesn't wear a white leisure suit), and he plays hits such as "Ladies Night" and "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough." He's been spinning tunes at this Polly Esther's since it opened two years ago, and -- even after infinite requests for "I Will Survive" -- doesn't seem sick of it.

"Honestly, I really have to say that today's music is not good," he says while cuing up a song from the movie "Grease." "The '70s and '80s had its own groove."

Spoken like a true Travolta.

Other options: There aren't many bars that focus solely on tunes from the '70s; apparently that retro phase has been replaced by bar events that focus on '80s hits. Nonetheless, Disco Ducks can hear a few '70s singles on weekend nights at Chief Ike's Mambo Room and Crush, two Adams Morgan clubs that play a mix of pop music, including a few '70s favorites.

Where to get the look: Those in search of '70s fashion often flock to Meeps, a popular U Street location that carries formal and casual attire for men and women from the '30s to as recently as the '80s. Still, the most popular items, according to owner Danielle Sharkey, are the '70s pieces, which some pick up for parties and others don as everyday wear. Co-owner Leann Trowbridge now creates handmade items reminiscent of the era, including blazers with eye-catching hand-stitched designs emblazoned on the back.

Other options: Funk & Junk in Alexandria is a cozy store overflowing with clothing, toys and trinkets from various eras, including the '70s. Among the treasures recently discovered: a set of Kiss Colorforms (clearly priced for collectors at $85) and a "Welcome Back, Kotter" coffee mug ($14). The indie music and alternative clothing store Now! Music and Fashion, formerly of Arlington, recently set up shop in Alexandria and sells a few '70s (and '60s) duds. And there's certainly no shortage of polyester at Rerun, a late-'60s/early-'70s store that carries plenty of terrycloth shirts, plaid paints, peace sign necklaces and tie-dyed T-shirts. The shop, which used to be in Wheaton, re-established itself in Takoma Park last December.

The people who come to the '80s Dance Party at Club Heaven have no shame. They sing along to Dexys Midnight Runners. They squeal with delight when the DJ spins "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go." At this Adams Morgan nightclub, everybody has fun, and a few people even Wang Chung, on Thursday nights.

The party, which became a weekly occurrence in 1994, has existed for nearly 10 years, almost as long as the '80s themselves. Though perennial host DJ Jon recently left his post, the retro revelers, at least so far, don't seem to mind.

Throughout the year there are theme nights such as the '80s Prom -- which prompts people to don their most appalling formal '80s apparel -- this Thursday. But on most Thursdays, a variety of seemingly disconnected people -- from bachelorettes wearing boas to guys in button-downs who love George Michael -- come together to watch old music videos and dance to Duran Duran.

One former Club Heaven regular who made her first return trip in a year got a bit wistful on a recent Thursday while listening to a certain Madonna track.

"I remember when 'Desperately Seeking Susan' came out," recalled Renee Henderson, 27, while the song "Into the Groove," which appeared on the film's soundtrack, blared from the speakers. "That is so sad. I bet no one else here even remembers that movie."

Glancing at the gyrating bodies and many sets of lips mouthing the song's words, we knew this much was true: Henderson wasn't the only one who remembered.

Other options: In addition to Club Heaven, the aforementioned Black Cat also hosts dance nights that dip into the '80s vaults, including Right Round and a Depeche Mode Dance Night. On the second Sunday of every month, DJ Dredd spins all Prince and only Prince at the Lovesexy DC event at Modern. And if you live in Waldorf, you can make sure you got the beat by hitting Club V's Retro Nite every Wednesday.

Where to get the look: There aren't many local shops that specialize in items reminiscent of the Pac-Man period. One of the few is Hot Topic, a mall-based chain that sells quirky, mall-ternative clothing and accessories, including numerous items that look straight from the '80s. Those include T-shirts featuring scenes from John Hughes movies such as "Sixteen Candles" ($19), stackable black jelly bracelets ($4) and a variety of Care Bear-related paraphernalia.