Co Co Sala Expands, Adds 57 More Seats (927 F St NW)

Hopefully they will be more like the dining room area, rather than the lounge. We had dinner reservations there and got seated in the lounge with claims that there were no tables for 4 available in the main dining room. What an awkward dining experience–we were sitting on ottomans and eating off a low coffee table. Thank goodness us ladies were wearing jeans–if we were in skirts there would’ve been problems!

If their menu changes I could see going here for dinner, but with just those small plates this will always be a drink & dessert place for me. Mrs Columbo & I were thinking of heading there tonight for a couple of ($12!!!) Kasteel Rouge’s.

they came before the ANC last night to get a letter approving their request for a change in nature of the business (basically just to say that the community has no problem with the expansion). was passed unanimously.

They actually went to the ANC2 meeting? And something there was actually passed unanimously?

Shocking….

Now that they’ll have to recoup for the expansion costs, maybe the single slider will go from $7 to $10. In this economy, I can’t imagine this place will do very well.

We went recently and really enjoyed the experience. We had a cozy booth area and the food was really good. The portions were small, and it was pricey, but the quality was top notch. Very creative, delicious, and well thought out. I would go back for a special treat, no question. I thouhght they were opening a patio out back?

It is definitely a cool lounge. Drinks and snacks run you around $50 for two but it is a good time.

See now I agree it’s cool & fun, I’m not complaining about the place at all. But $50 for two people? I guess if you limit yourself to one drink each (that’s typically not the Columbo way) you could do that. But at $12 or so per drink, two drinks each, you’ve already reached $50 without touching food.

Again not a complaint, but the fact is it’s an expensive place. Sometimes I want to go to an expensive lounge, other times a cheap dive. We’ve got both (and then some) in our neighborhood. That’s why I love it here.

Columbo – out of curiosity, what are your favorite cheap dives? I feel like we’ve got too many that lean the other, too expensive, way.

That’s true #9, we’re low on real dives, like Dupont’s Big Hunt. In this weather a pitcher of Bud at Harry’s is a good time. I’ve stated my love of Lincoln House (aka Waffle Shop) numerous times on this blog as well.

Not exactly dives, but for low key I really like Rocket Bar as a hangout, and like PQ Sports Bar (formerly Top Shelf) for beer, sports and food.

I’m not crazy about the atmosphere or food at these next two spots, but I love their beers: Gordon Biersch & DC Chop House.

Finally I know they’re not dives either, but I really like the bars at both Bistro D’OC and Les Halles. At both you can get good beer for a decent price, and excellent food. Both bars are very low key.

I’m probably missing other dives/cheaper spots in downtown, but it’s 5:30 on Friday and I’m ready to go home!

EDIT: See I already remembered another: Cafe Mozart!

Tried to stop by CoCo Sala last night around 10pm after dinner at Bistro D’Oc. There was a line out the door. Don’t know if it was a special event, or if that’s what it’s like normally on a Saturday night.

Not too many dives in the neighborhood. Unless you are getting late night Chinese food and want to be served “cold tea” (teapots of Heinekens afterhours).

Irish Channel is not a dive per se, although you find some divey-people there sometimes, which is just a good.

Near the convention center is Old Dominion Brewery, they have some nice beers in a sport bar setting. Food isn’t offensive.

Central though has the best bartenders in the hood, hands down. These guys actually make cocktails that are worth the $10+. And the entire restaurant has a very fun atmosphere.