"Savor the flavor of West Africa in Adams Morgan" at this popular spot. Although the space is VERY tight, the band Culture Shock brings 'em in until they're bursting out the front door! Playing world beats which comprises a mixture of afro-pop and reggae (Bob Marley fans will be satisfied), the band keeps the crowd dancing non-stop. The atmosphere invites people from all walks of life ranging from ages 21-45+ and all ethnic backgrounds you can think of. The majority of the crowd is West and East African along with a good handful of Americans.

Admission: Free all night

Food: They offer a full menu starting with appetizers such as an African Salad at $3 and Pepper Soup at $3.75. Side Orders include Jollof Rice at $3.50 and Fried Plantains at $3 among others. Entrees range between $6 - $9.25: Fish and Plantains, Chicken Yassa, Cassava Leaves, and Egusi to name a few. Deserts such as African Sweet Pie and Rum Cafe are also served. All cocktails are served with a few added specialties: BUKOM BOMB, AGEGE SLAMMER, and MANGO LANE. The bar also hosts popular imported beer along with Mamba (Cote d'Ivoire) and Ngoma(Togo).

Music: Live African Music: World Beats, Reggae, Highlife, and Soukous.

Hours: Live entertainment six nights a week (Tuesday through Sunday) 8pm - 2am.

Decor: Space is limited with 2 levels of seating area for diners in the rear. There is also a VERY tight dance floor located directly in front of the band's stage. On a good night one shouldn't even think about passing by the bar to get from one end of the room to another! The walls are adorned with artwork that changes frequently and are for sale by the owner who is from Nigeria/Ghana. A different theme is featured periodically and highlights artists from all over the globe.

Rating: ***

KALA KALA

2439 18th Street, NW Washington, DC, NW (202) 232-5433

Another "hotspot" in Adams Morgan, Kala Kala has a DJ spinning its lively tunes. Everything from Zouk to R&B is played while a large television screen blares against the back wall. Kala is owned by a married couple from Ghana offering happy hour specials during the week and dancing "all night" on the weekends. There is no full menu offered here, but two skewers of Spicy Beef Kabobs is available during happy hours for $5 per person. Beers are domestic and imports including Star (Nigeria), Tusker (Kenya), and Zambezi (Zimbabwe). The owners are from Ghana (one of them pictured above) and the crowd is usually from West Africa. This location is also popular among young Americans out on the town.

Admission: Happy Hours - minimum 2 drinks per person. Weekends - $5 per person.

Music: African Rythms, Zouk, Salsa, Reggae, Top 40.

Hours: Happy Hours - Mon-Fri, 6-9pm. Weekends - 8pm until 2am.

Decor: Underground with low lights, featuring a long bar with a decent size dance floor. The tables, chairs and booths are lined up along the walls.

Rating:***

LE MOLOKAI

1823 L Street, NW Washington, DC 20016

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