Despite its connection to the McCormick and Schmicks seafood restaurant chain, the M & S Grill in downtown DC deserves to be assessed by its own merits as a bar, and, more importantly, as an after-work meeting spot.

New York is known for its mixing of various cultures including many from the Caribbean. At Negril Village patrons have the opportunity to be introduced to the culture of the Caribbean through drinks, food and music.

In Downtown Manhattan between Mott & Mulberry streets lies a small dive bar called Nolita House. Located right across the street from the Puck building and a short walk from the 6 Train, Nolita House is a chill bar with good drinks and great people.

Duffy’s Irish Restaurant & Pub – usually just referred to as ‘Duffy’s’ – is thoroughly unpretentious. Its location a block or two off of U Street is perfectly suitable; it stands out from the barren surroundings, yet does not meet U Street’s usual hipness quotient. It is virtually a dive, but in the best sense. And the Guinness is surprisingly good.

The DC branch of the small, national ChopHouse & Brewery chain is justly praised for brewing beer in house in the heart of the capital. But given the obvious effort and expense that has gone into creating an inviting, impressive brewhouse, it is a sore disappointment that most of the tap beer is lifeless, and most of the menu is nothing if not overpriced.

The Cleveland Park Bar & Grill is an appealing little establishment which should consider a name change. The ‘location’ + ‘bar and grill’ format is too generic for such an interesting place. While twenty or so TVs serve your sports-viewing needs, the mirrors and artwork on the painted red-orange walls suggest a stylish trattoria. On the website, the term ‘Sports Bistro’ is used, and, if this is not the perfect label, it is at least more suitable.

U Street has a reputation for trendiness, which may or may not be deserved. The existence of Solly’s certainly helps to keep that reputation in check. The most unpretentious place in the neighborhood, Solly’s is the dive DC needs. On the surface it has almost no charm, no frills, and little to make it stand out. Again, on U Street, that’s what makes it stand out.

A requirement for any sports bar is a quality beer list. Lazy Dog serves an assortment of amber, wheat, IPA and pale ale on tap, along with the standard bottled beers (Amstel, Bud, Coors, Heineken, etc.). Select local brews are also available, including New Belgium, Boulder Beer and Avery. If you still can’t figure out what beer to choose, there is always the Beer of the Day option. Choosing the respective Beer of the Day makes it easier on you and your wallet.