By Mark Finkenstaedt/TWP

This week, Post nightlife guru Eric Brace brought his first ever Nightwatch - Live guest – Geoff Dawson, the head honcho behind D.C.-area bars you know and love like Buffalo Billiards, Bedrock Billiards, Carpool, Atomic Billiards and more.

The transcript is below. Until next time, you can reach Eric by e-mail at nightwatch@washpost.com.

From backstage at the annual Wammies (Washington's own Grammy Awards) to metal night at Phantasmagoria to waltz night at the Glen Echo Spanish Ballroom, every week Post staff writer Eric Brace throws himself on the front lines of the bar-n'-music beat in the Washington, D.C. area.

A Washington resident for nearly 30 years, Brace started with the Style section in 1990, where he wrote live music reviews and filed longer feature stories on the likes of Fugazi, Jawbox, Pearl Jam, Stephane Grappelli and many others. Then he created the Nightwatch column, which appears every week in The Post's Weekend section and on washingtonpost.com's Music & Nightlife Web page. He also plays rhythm guitar for the country rock band Last Train Home.

Eric Brace: Hi folks... thanks for logging on today.. I've got a guest today, my first! It's geoff dawson who's the man behind most of the DC area's cool poolhall revival.. in 1992 He and his partners opened Bedrock Billiards in Adams Morgan, and in 1993 they opened Atomic Billiards in Cleveland Park in DC... Since then they've opened Buffalo Billiards in Dupont, Carpool in Arlington, Buffalo Billiards in Gaithersburg, and recently opened a Buffalo Billiards in Nashville, with one more to open in Austin in a month.. On top of that, they're opening James mackey on L St NW between 18th and 19th St., where Samantha's used to be. Let's start by asking Geoff what that's all about....

Eric Brace: So Senor Dawson, James Mackey is not a pool hall.. diversifying? When does it open and what's it going to be?

Geoff Dawson: James Mackey is an Irish pub and we've gone into partnership with 2 native dubliners who have worked with us for the last four years: Shay Rourke and Rich Mackey and we're building THE pub of their Dublin.

Washington, DC: So what are some of the non-obvious DO's and Don'ts of starting your own bar or nightclub?

Geoff Dawson: Don't depend too much on lawyers and accountants. But use your instinct and build a place that feels good to you. In doing that, consult with every friend you have. Use the talent of every source available. Pick your partner carefully. In my case, I've had a partner who's got an MBA and is very business-minded. I'm more of an artist and came out of the construction industry, so our talents complemented each other. That way we don't fight over what color to paint the walls or what accounting program to use.

Arlington, VA: Seems to me (and I stress "seems") that Carpool in Ballston doesn't have the "meat market" vibe going on as strongly as it used to. i've had friends who told me they thought the place was a lot mellower these days... is this anything you as an owner had any control over or planned to do, or is it just the usual trend with bars and nightclubs?

Geoff Dawson: Unfortunately as I sit here and await the arrival of my third child, I can't relate anymore to the meat market syndrome. If I'm lucky someday I'll be able to influence the situation with a big smile on my face. Having said that, from where I sit, the crowd there looks pretty fine!

Washington, DC: Does pool tend to bring in a bad element to otherwise decent neighborhoods?

Geoff Dawson: No, that's an old myth. Pool is actually something to do while you go out to eat and drink. Our crowds tend to come from the neighborhoods where pool halls are. They control the atmosphere and become very proprietary about their local hangout. In fact, most of the people who work in our neighborhood places are former customers.

Arlington, VA: Why oh why does it cost so much to play pool at Carpool?? That's the only reason my friends and I avoid the place--it's overpriced.

Geoff Dawson: We put a lot of money and effort into buying and maintaining the best equipment available for playing pool. Brunswick, Gold Crown pool tables are the industry standard and cost with balls and sticks about $6,000 each. It costs what it costs to keep a place clean and in good repair. Carpool won the Billiards Digest Best New Pool Room in 1995 because we put a lot of attention into the details. There are places you can play cheaper but I think they lack some of the character that our businesses have. I agree. It is expensive and I've seen people with sticker shock at the end of a long night, and for that I apologize.

Arlington, VA: To the "meat market" question:
I disagree, Carpool is just as meat-market as ever. Old men, techies, maybe they've just stopped approaching you and your friends. (lucky)

Geoff Dawson: A solid observation.

Washington, DC: Do your Dubliner partners think it's possible to get a truly good pint of Guiness in the U.S.?

Geoff Dawson: Absolutely. Shay is perhaps the most finicky Guinness provider in the continental United States. He compares the date and shipping stamps on every keg of Guinness and makes the poor beer delivery guy take back the ones that don't meet his approval. He's methodical about training his staff currently at Carpool in pouring an expert pint of Guinness. So I think if it's not as good as what you find in Ireland it certainly is the best you can find in the U.S. I'm sure Mackey's will carry that torch.

Washington DC: I love the funky environments you create in each of your establishments. You mentioned that you were the artist of the two partners,do you collaborate with anyone else for the design work?

Geoff Dawson: I do collaborate with lots of people. When I started this with Mark Handwerger I was a carpenter and hung out with tons of artisans and craftspeople around D.C. I called on all my friends to help me create atmospheres that were comfortable and people could sink into. A lot of the things you see at all the establishments came from friends and buddies. To them, I'm extremely grateful.

Washington, D.C.: It seems like every pool hall that opens does business like gangbusters and immediately has crowds waiting for tables.
Is there any sign that the boom will ever dissipate?

Geoff Dawson: I don't see any signs of it slowing down. We are really in 3 businesses at one time: the pool business, the bar business, and the restaurant business. We have to balance those carefully. But the fact is that pool is one of the few things that you can actually go out and do at night while eating and drinking. Another thing that we try to keep in our bars is board games. We love having people come in and play Scrabble, Backgammon, chess and just hang out. It's comfortable.

Arlington, VA: For Eric:

Is Fado a chain? I could swear I saw one in Austin, TX when I visited last.

Eric Brace: Indeed it is a chain....the one at the corner of 7th and h sts NW is pretty much the same blueprint as in all the cities.. I think it's in Austin, chicago, Philly, Atlanta... I'm impressed with their music, booze and food (qualified by saying it's all too salty) but not impressed with the faux traditional design and the aggressive marketing of t-shirts, caps and such... I don't go to an Irish bar for fake wishing wells.. they overdo the decor.

Geoff Dawson: There is an amazing attention to detail at Fado. I've heard some folks call it Disney-ish but I think they have created a very comfortable place to gather and it's serving that neighborhood very well.

Arlington, VA: (sigh) Why *another* Irish pub? Aren't there any other nationalities known for the quality of their drinking establishments? Sorry, but I think this Irish pub thing has been done to death.

Geoff Dawson: Shay and Rich are Irish! This goes back to having input from all sources when we decide how to build these places and what we'll build. Shay has been the manager at Carpool since it opened and has done such a great job that we know he will create a great place at Mackey's. Also, seem to be a lot of Irish folks around! IF someone wants to open a Parisian cafe, sake shack or Italian trattoria more power to 'em!

Washington, DC: Didn't you have something to do with Velocity Grill at MCI Center? What's going on there?

Geoff Dawson: We were involved with the creation of Velocity Grill and used to be associated with it. Unfortunately, our partnership with the current owner didn't last. We wish them tons of luck and are glad to retire to our little niche. Pro sports is a little brutal these days.

Washington, D.C.: I understand that Mr. Dawson grew up in Washington, and (could it be?) may even have attended D.C. Public High School. What in that background (if anything) has contributed to his success as a local entrepeneur?

Geoff Dawson: I graduated from Wilson High School in 1981 after being released befor my contract expired from St. Alban's School, also in D.C. Both schools have had an impact on my arriving where I am today. St. Alban's provided a solid education, Wilson continued that and really gave me a chance to meet a lot of people who I'm still in touch with today in D.C. I'm glad to see D.C. public schools getting some attention and I hope that money and effort are put into restoring them to their original glory.

Rockville, MD: What do you think of places like Dave & Busters? Do you think that those sort of places are going to have a large impact on the bar scene in the near future?

Geoff Dawson: Dave and Buster's is a little loud for me. But I think it's a good business for the owners. They certainly put a lot of effort and energy into bringing the latest toys to adults. At one point I entertained virtual reality as a possible addition to our places but was disappointed with the hundred dollar learning curve and felt that it would not bring anything to our places. We really try to be a place where people can have a conversation and interact with one another in this age that's so focused on virtual interaction. So we'll pass on all the games and try to keep the volume turned down a notch.

Eric Brace: As far as the Dave & busters question, since it's way out in Rockville, I dont think it has any real effect on other nightlife options in town, but when the ESPN Zone opens up downtown (near 12th & F) I think it will have a huge impact (like it does in Baltimore's inner harbor) on the area just in terms of bringing people to that neighborhood.. Other bars and restaurants will benefit from the spillover effect, and to a certain extent, people will begin to expect more: more tv screens, more games, more music... but small joints will still prosper, and that area will show more activity.

Adams Morgan: Geoff -- ok you've made "done" pool, now you're going "Irish" -- 2 questions ... Is the food any good? What about live music?

Geoff Dawson: The food should be great. But you be the judge. Call me if it's not! AS for live music we're waiting to see what the crowd is like and what nights live music would work for us. WE do have live music at Aroma across from the Uptown Theater and that has served as the learning curve for us in terms of booking and balancing musical talent with the other things we do. D.C. definitely has a lot of great musicians and we hope to be able to put some of them to work.

Arlington, Va.: Will we ever see an ESPN pool event at one of your locations?

Geoff Dawson: ESPN hasn't called us yet but we would love to try that sometime. One of our problems is that none of our rooms is easily transformed into a stadium venue that would allow a lot of people to view the action but we will certainly entertain it if it comes up.

Arlington, VA: What's the next "cool" area in the D.C. area (or in town)? Clarendon's gotten too packed, Adams Morgan is a parking nightmare, Dupont Circle is still okay, U Street is getting old. Any predictions?

Eric Brace: Things sure are hopping at 18th and Conn... the new place MCCXXIII, Dragonfly, Lucky Bar, Geoff's James mackey (soon to open), Red, Sesto Senso, Andalu, Eighteenth Stree Lounge, the Garage (ex-roxy/ozone/steel/alcatraz..soon to open).. have all made that a pretty swell area (not to mention Big Hunt, Xando, Bravo Bravo, Ascot, meeting Place, Mr Egan's... etc etc). Parking's tough, but people love going to where the crowds are... also, look for slightly cooler places to open on Capitol Hill this year... I always wondered why wheaton and places like that that have low rent don't have better nightlife (County laws are part of the problem) Falls Church, with the soon-to-open State Theater might get some cooler stuff happening.

Geoff Dawson: Montgomery County is very strict with liquor licenses and any establishment that opens there has to serve 50% food to alcohol. There's nothing wrong with that from my standpoint, but it makes it hard for critical mass to form the way it has in Adams-Morgan or U St. IT costs upwards of $50,000 to build a kitchen and then you still have to cook food that tastes good.

Eric Brace: Also regarding the next cool areas.. I just took a tour of a club under construction along the waterfront, Maine Ave SW.. the old Foxtrappe club will become Zanzibar by the end of February.. they've done an amzing job of turning it into a beautiful space, taking full advantage of the city's natural shape and beauty.. Why the city doesn't direct activity to the waterfront mystify's me.. Look for more stuff to happen along the waterfront.

Washington, DC: Geoff and Eric:
My name is Geoff Herbert. I used to work with Anthony and Andrew (of Carpool) at Sequoia.
I have about 12 years experience in the restaurant/bar business and now use that experience to help people of similar backgrounds to locate and negotiate for space thoughout the DC metropolitan area. That's right, I broke out of the restaurant/bar business and am now a commercial realestate broker. Two of my recent deals were MCCXXIII and the new Osteria Goldoni.

What is your opinion about the resurgence of nightlife in the CBD. Do you see it as a longlasting trend? What about Georgetown? Having experienced the DC nightlife throughout the 80's and 90's I wonder if you have an understanding as to why, in my opinion, the nightlife was rather subdued for the past few years but now appears to be making a comeback? I would like the opportunity to assist you and your partners in your next endeavor or at least speak to you at length regarding what you see as upcoming trends.
Geoff Herbert
The Ezra Companies
301-652-9030

Geoff Dawson: I'll give you a call. The D.C. downtown scene is only going to get better. As you know, the whole situation in D.C. has improved dramatically and that is going to bring a whole nightlife improvement. I'm amazed at the growth south of Dupont Circle and have seen it first-hand at Buffalo Billiards where a whole new group has come in thanks to the clubs that have opened on Connecticut Avenue. In my opinion, the best place to open a restaurant or bar is next to a successful restaurant or bar and I love it when people open near us. The more the merrier.

To address a little more of the question about where the next hotspots are, I always look for a good balance of residential and business. Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays are lonely without local foot traffic and that definitely hurts the CBD but I think as people realize that D.C. is really a pretty safe place to be at night they'll be coming here regularly.

Washington, D.C.: Gentlemen:
Some states now, at least Virginia, have lowered the BAC to 0.08 for DUI. As far as you have seen, has this affected peoples' consumption habits? Are patrons less rowdy? Is there an apparent designated driver in a group of bar hoppers?
President Clinton wants to make 0.08 the national DUI level. What do you think of this; do you think most people
are impaired at this level??

Geoff Dawson: I support that 100%. We take very seriously our responsibility to keep people who should not be driving off the road. People complain that our bar prices are too high but we aren't in the business of trying to encourage people to drink too much. No $.99 shooters, no two fers, just a reasonable product at the high end of the market. That does two things: it keeps people more sober, and it keeps trouble at bay. The only bar fights I've seen have been in discount bars, and those fights have been rough! Luckily, I was a customer and run fast! Our bartenders are trained to watch for people getting drunk and to offer them something other than alcohol, to call a cab, to order some food for them, and to generally keep people level-headed. SO far, our efforts have paid off. We have had precious few incidents involving alcohol and violence.

Arlington, VA: What's the CBD?

Geoff Dawson: Commercial Business District? I don't know, sounds good, though.

Washington D.C.: Yes Hi I have a quick question. I go to bars all the time but some nights I just want to stay home and make drinks here. Do you know of any names of books that tell one how to make drinks? Thanks!

Eric Brace: Lots of bartending books out there... especially now, in the current Cocktail Culture..there are lots of very groovy mod books... but when at home, do what I do.. make up drinks.. throw in the kitchen sink and see what happens..

Geoff Dawson: Use the blender! and always add a dozen jelly donuts for that extra kick.

Falls Church: How important is the metro-accessibility factor to a bar/club's success?

Geoff Dawson: Not critical. It's great if people can walk. That's the big component.

Arlington, VA: I saw Black 47 is playing the Black Cat on March 20. Would bands like that be a target for the soon-to-open State Theater?

Eric Brace: At this point, the State theater is going to be booked by Cellar Door... it will hold up to 750 people, so if black 47 can bring in that kind of a crowd, then heck yes they'll be booked... they haven't determined what their stylistic niche will be. I suspect it will be whatever draws the people

Geoff Dawson: I've seen the State Theater under progress and it is going to be a GREAT place. They're putting a lot of energy into the right areas and they've brought Bruce out of retirement from the back bar behind Tucson Cantina to make the food great and add that extra attitude that guarantees success. I hope they have a great run and succeed wildly.

Washington, DC: Hi, Geoff -
You're places are GREAT. Any plans to open more?

Geoff Dawson: Thanks for the compliment. We do have plans to open in some other cities. Likely candidates are Philly and Atlanta and we are opening in Austin, Texas in a month. Locally we're always keeping our eyes open so we don't walk into signposts! Seriously James Mackey will open in a month or so on L St. between 18th and 19th.

Before we sign off, thanks for all your questions. It's great to hear what people think be it negative or positive, and it's a lot of fun to be in a business where you meet people from all over the city.

Eric Brace: Thanks everybody for logging on, asking questions, staying tuned.. sorry if we didn't get to your question.. I'll be back in two weeks, perhaps with another guest, perhaps not. Depends on what's going on in the scene. Meanwhile, if you have thoughts, complaints, suggestions etc, feel free to send them along to me at nightwatch@washpost.com