The term “Tavern” carries a few definition. Near Logan Circle, there’s a place that represents a couple of those definitions admirably. All that’s lacking are the lodgings of an old-style inn, and the variation that describes a low-budget, local dive.

Connecticut Avenue in Cleveland Park is a neighborhood in revival. What would such a neighborhood be without an Irish Pub? Nanny O’Brien’s fits the bill, even if there is room for improvement.

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.

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.

The Ventnor Sports Café doesn’t stand out among the many bars and restaurants along 18th St. in Adams Morgan. But it measures up fine, filling the prerequisites of a decent sports bar: beer, food, and lots of TVs. As in so many sports bars, the beer selection will not amaze. But if you go at the right time, a $12 pitcher of Yuengling is nothing to sneeze at. This seems to be a happy hour special, but the specials change regularly, and some nights happy “hour” goes until closing time. Though it might be tough to plan around, the good news is there is almost always a special on food, drink, or both.