1824 Columbia Road, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 638-4271
If you're in the mood for a night of dancing, salsa and merengue that is, Club Habana is the spot to hit for an authentic Cuban experience.
Admission: free
Food: Habana Village is a restaurant and Cigar bar. The menu is simple and to the point. They offer two wines, L'Aiglon and Charamba and handmade cigars. The menu offers everything from Sandwich Cubano to Aporreao de camarones(shrimp cooked in a wine sauce). For dessert there are the traditional Spanish dishes of flan and bread pudding. All entrees are served with rice and beans, plantains and salad. Other tasty side dishes include: yuca, maduros and tostones. The prices range from $4.00 to $9.00 for entrees. Wines cost $20.00 per bottle.
Music: Salsa and merengue are the only types of music played for a crowd that ranges from mid twenties to mid sixties. Dance lessons are given on Tuesdays and Saturdays for the Tango and Thursdays for salsa and merengue. The cost is $10 per person for merengue and salsa and $5 per person for the tango.
Hours: 5pm-2am daily
Decor: Four levels with the first level being the restaurant and cigar bar. There is a free coat check room on the lower level and the partying takes place on the second and third floors.
Rating: ****
810 7th Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 (202) 289-2626
If you're in the mood for a more commercialized version of salsa and merengue, then Coco Locos is the place for you. The only positive thing about this place is the free dance lessons they give in salsa, merengue, tango and mambo. Every Wednesday from 8pm to 10pm. We were unable to see a menu, but we're sure it's a lot higher than Habana Village . There was, however, ample table space, chairs and a patio that is probably used in the summer.
Admission: $5 for women and $10 for men
Music: Salsa and merengue, including techno and acid versions of salsa and merengue.
Hours: 9pm-3am
Decor/Atmosphere: Very South American. Palm trees, tropical motif, etc. The crowd is very mixed and the ages range from 18-50.
Rating: **
Go to Kwasakwasa
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