Sweet (Local) 16

A few of my friends like to get together and discuss a trip we're taking in August-September at Local 16. It features a pub, a lounge, dining, and a rooftop deck. With spring arriving I expect the rooftop to become a main attraction. The $5 happy hour highlights were the Loose Canon IPA and the Hemmingway, both which paired well with roasted prime rib slider and the original pizza. Ed, one of the quick-handed bartenders, makes a mean Manhattan.

The atmosphere for happy hour was really laid back; the lounge and the rooftop were filled with mostly slender disheveled Europeans and exotic black hipsters smiling wide and bouncing from circle to circle talking to old friends. The music was provided by a friend that particular night so I had my choice of electronica and soul fusion sounds to pick from. The people were particularly interesting. I met a gorgeous dance theater director from the Philippines who did charity work for disadvantaged youth, and her demure friend, a software engineer with a dirty mouth who designed movement for video games. Two musicians, a sax player and a violinist, and I had an awesome conversation about some of the projects I'm working on and lent some great advice for playing venues in DC.

Overall it was a good experience. I'd love to see a DJ for happy hour on the rooftop and a couple more local beers on tap. I'll have to drop in in a few Thursdays for more of those Manhattans.