The Wonderland Ballroom

Everyone's favorite dive bar.  Great dancing on weekends, and great prices.  They are loyal to Columbia Heights and DC by having basically any musician who applies play at least once live.

Tucked in a corner of Northwest, just a few blocks from the Columbia Heights metro station, Wonderland Ballroom hosts a colorful brunch crowd on weekends starting at 11 am.  The picnic bench-adorned outdoor patio is chirping with laid-back youngsters curing last night's hangover with $11 bottomless mimosas and bloody marys.  Additional outdoor seating trails down 11th street for larger groups to enjoy their concoctions of choice.  Most breakfast options are accompanied with the works; a surprisingly savory mix of grilled peppers, onions & cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar and home fries.  All skillets tend to please, but The Hollywood is my personal favorite with veggie sausage, avocado, eggs, and the works.  For those who really did drink too much tequila the night before, the mac n' cheese pancakes and pulled pork sandwich served with fries and slaw await.  When the sun isn't shining, don't be discouraged- the indoor bar area is perfect for grooving and boozing with fellow Washingtonians, thanks to a jukebox that spits LCD Soundsystem and Beastie Boys tunes for a quarter a pop.  Just look for the big blue umbrellas sporting the unmistakable Delirium Tremens elephants and prepare to get a tad delirious yourself.

I've been to Wonderland a handful of times, and generally enjoy it. The beer garden is its best feature, and I could sit outside all day long. There's great people watching, good brunch specials, and I found the brunch to be tasty. Coffee is not good -- but you should be drinking if you go to Wonderland for brunch. I will go back often. Not totally sure about the night scene there, hoping to check it out soon!