Adams Morgan is unquestionably Washington's home of the sweaty, drunken evening out. It lacks the poshness of Georgetown and the polished hipness of Dupont Circle clubs, but it makes up in its critical mass of people out to have fun. Imagine the "main drag" from your university town, double-stuff it full of clubs, bars, and restaurants, and then drop it in a Latino neighborhood. You've got Adams Morgan, although the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. There's a place to get loaded for every personality, from downhome Madam's Organ to the well-heeled Felix and the decidedly moist and funky Heaven and Hell. To sum up: You will be drunk, you will have a good time, and no, you won't remember most of the details.

Don't believe the hype. This neighborhood is really just a long, upscale strip mall (M Street) attached to a collection of fabulously overpriced row houses. Long the breeding ground for Washington's old money, the neighborhood powers-that-be refused the construction of a Metro station, likely fearing that it would allow the commoners to invade more easily. Instead they swarm with cars, walk from Dupont Circle, or ride the bus. As a result, the streets are overcrowded as people queue up to pay top retail price for Benetton or Armani t-shirts. Restaurants are diverse and pretty decent, and Blues Alley, the neighborhood jazz club features top jazz acts. Still, you should find someplace real to hang out.

Dupont Circle is one of the more fun neighborhoods in DC. Lots of restaurants, shops, outside eating, etc. 17th Street is almost only gay with lots of bars and restaurants.