The Dubliner

It's kind of odd, yet strangely soothing, that one can find a bar as subdued as The Dubliner dead in the middle of the Washington drag. With Irish fixtures and signs galore, this place has more in common with a Richmond dive bar than, say, Pearl Bar across the way. Its previous incarnation was the Chaise Lounge and, even before that, bluesy music venue Silky's. On weeknights it's downright homey, with The Pogues and Flogging Molly softly warbling on the Internet jukebox and a dimly lit back room perfect for late-night bull sessions. By the weekend, the bar turns into everyone's last resort when they tire of long lines and stronger attitudes elsewhere on the drag. But if you don't think the Dubliner is worth a shot any night of the week, póg mo thóin.

• Features: Patio/Sidewalk Dining