The Reef
2446 18th Street NW
Washington, D.C.
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This is the bar-of-choice for Washington's fabled bike couriers. After delivering end-of-day documents from nearby Embassy of India, the boisterous cycling lads like to stop by for a libation lift and a chance to hook up with fit females who frequent The Reef. An open-air urban cantina shaded by three giant umbrellas, the Adams Morgan bar is as lively as the guys who ride two-wheelers for a living, and its location on perhaps D.C.'s busiest street means plenty of hubbub below. Up on the roof, 14 beers are on draft along with signature drinks. The menu covers free-range meats and organic produce on an extensive tapas carte including Maria's house-made pork tamales and zesty fish tacos served with California slaw. You may need to wait half an hour on busy weekends to be allowed access since there's a one-in, one-out policy when the small rooftop bar reaches capacity. Since The Reef doesn't have an elevator to gain entry to the upper limits, be prepared to mind your time while slowly mounting three sets of cement stairs. Don't worry though; it's worth the wait and the workout when you get to the bar.

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Photos: Courtesy of The Reef