Bring on the Drinks! (Martini Grill)

You know those times at work, when you're practically glued to your computer screen, madly typing away, answering phone calls, and thinking, "Dear Jebus, I need a drink?" Yeah, I've been having those days all week. So, being Friday, I need to discuss prime drink destinations. The best place for a creative drink is Martini Grill on Central near Washington.

A word of warning (actually, two): you must provide an id to even walk in the door and the interior is extremely dark. Don't expect to be able to see your drinking companions...because you won't be able to. Reading the menu is even harder, though slightly doable if you hold it over the candle conveniently lit on the center of your table (or, if you're super cool like my mother, you'll whip out the sexy l.e.d light attached to your key chain to illuminate your choices). And you'll definitely want to read it- they offer a whole slew of martini concoctions. I am not a straight martini drinker, but I do love all of their non-traditional offerings. The martini split (a banana split-like mix) is often my choice, though I also greatly enjoy their bellinis. No matter what your taste is, you're likely going to be able to find a martini that suits you.

To go with the alcohol, Martini offers delicious sandwiches and waffle fries with tasty dipping sauces. Their burgers are outstanding, so I always tend toward ordering those. They also have good salads, but I'm not sure that they do as much to sop up the excess alcohol in your system. Instead, I recommend going for a little grease and imbibing a little. If nothing else, get an order of fries so you can try out all the dips. Each order comes with your choice of four- be sure to order a spicy one to balance things out.

Because this place is a bar that's open late, get there a little early for food and while you can still hear your dining companion. Past 10 pm pretty much guarantees a lot of noise and possibly some song and dance. Also, later nights mean lesser service. That said, Martini Grill is a good bar as well (albeit, somewhat slower), if you're not looking for a dinner experience.

Either way, Martini Grill will satisfy your need for a good stiff drink.