So I darted out to the loosely packed crowd on the outdoor patio. From the patio you can see everyone coming from the parking garage and making their grand entrance down the concrete staircase. Pivot to the side and watch the random bumping and feet tapping of dancers sweating to very loud pop-techno music inside. You get much easier access to the two bartenders on the patio, but you might have to wade through a cloud of cigar smoke to get there. Check out the walk-in humidor near the main entrance.
Regulars even keep a locker for their private stash.
Pool tables are harder to come by, clearing up only after an hour or more. This is the coolest room on a hot summer night, so many people want to be there. Beverages are on par with other trend-setting Bethesda bars. Dinner is available if you come early enough. Some nights you'll find karaoke, live music and martini specials.