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The perfect outdoor deck: Local 16

Just got off work and looking for the perfect outdoor deck to unwind while letting a long day's work soak away in a glass of Terrabianca Scassino Chianti? Head over to Local 16, the new "local" hangout spot off 16th Street.

From the creators of 18th Street Lounge and Red, along comes Local 16 to add style and funk to the up and coming U Street area. This three level "townhouse" features ultra chic red walls and a sexy chandelier in addition to an outdoor deck big enough for about 20 outdoor tables and a full stocked bar. You'll find a variety of martinis, wines and beers , so making a selection will be your only predicament at this laid back and easy going abode.

From about 5pm onwards, on any given warm evening, expect the outdoor deck to be full, and the crowd friendly and ready to socialize. During the early evening, the down tempo and house music beats can be heard at a distance, as the outdoor deck is more to catch up with friends or make new ones. The after work outdoor deck crowd can be a little bit on the khaki pant/blue collared shirt cusp, but then again by 10pm everyone’s a hottie after you’ve been soaking up the margaritas for several hours straight! The nighttime lounge crowd is a little different. A nice variety of chic, trendy, sophisticated, fake and baked, martini sipping, Coach-purse clutching, Clove smoking, modelesq figures stroll throughout the lounge.

If you're looking to sit outside and enjoy the mezze menu, show up no later than 7pm, or expect to wait at least an hour. We recommend the Fisherman Soup and the Hommos with Grilled Pita to start. You must then forget about carb counting and indulge in the Kefalograviera Saganaki --a mouthful, really!-- where you'll have baked greek cheese with tomatoes, mint and ouzo. For the fish lover, try the rainbow trout wrapped in phyllo with mushroom and yogurt. Top off your meal with one of the city's better espresso and gelato. Service is a bit slow, so prepare to wait about 20-30 minutes in between server visits.

Overall, Local 16 is the perfect deck for an easy going summer night with all the right components. What’s next for this hot venue? Rumor has it that Blue Room DJ Medusa will be starting her residency on Saturday nights in the next few weeks so check back for updates!

Local 16 - 1602 U Street NW - 202.265.2828
www.localsixteen.com