My new favorite.

Went to Washington, DC for Thanksgiving. Had an incredible time with Mike, Julie, Ethan, Kelly and Jeff.

The boys went out on Saturday night for a cocktail (Ethan excluded). Mike had stumbled upon this place in his first weekend there after a satisfying day of unloading a moving truck. It's called Shelly's Backroom. Unremarkable from the street I would have passed it a million times without a second glance. Open the door and the intrigue begins. The light is dim, but warm and that feeling is helped by the natural looking log walls on one side, and matching wood doors of the humidors on the other. Yes, it is a cigar friendly bar, which is a total plus because who doesn't enjoy a cigar every once in a while? Seating is comfortable and classy, tables and couches in the main area not cramped, but it certainly wouldn't promote standing around between them, and a separate bar area. The music was predominately jazz standards with Christmas carols. All the greats were singing them, Sinatra, Bennett, etc. Most people my our age would say they can't relate, but I freaking LOVE that music. I could listen to it all day, and probably should set aside a day soon. In addition there are a bunch of HiDef TVs to enjoy football on. If you don't have HiDef, you need it. Food: Get the wings they are delicious. Drinks: Mixed to perfection. Put it all together and you've got an easy-paced bar with laid back folks, and none of the frat boys or future go-go dancers of America I prefer to avoid. So if you're in the DC area it's on F street you won't be disappointed.