(circaatclarendon.com) – Foggy Bottom, Washington, DC

How I heard of this place: Knowing of the corporate-style establishment in Clarendon, I wasn’t surprised to hear that another existed in Foggy Bottom. After a trip to the Kennedy Center for a Bolshoi dress rehearsal of Coppelia, we made our way to Circa for a refreshing, thirst-quenching beverage on this hot spring afternoon.

Type of cuisine: Circa offers typical American cuisine “with International flair, complimented by the extensive wine list, including over 20 wine offerings by the glass, and an original cocktail list for every season.”

Ambiance: The space is expansive, yet cozy, and bustling both indoors and outside, in the patio. The floor-to-ceiling windows along the corner front of the establishment, allowed us to glimpse outside at passerby, while the interior maintained a dim-lit mood-setting ambiance. A large chalkboard lists daily specials, tiled floors hold brown, wooden tables, adjacent to yellow-leather cushioned chairs, and other wooden-backed chairs. Three diligent and attentive bartenders attended our every need, established rapport and thanked us graciously for coming in, despite our short visit.

What I ordered: I wanted something cool and refreshing, hoping for a freshly squeezed orange or grapefruit juice. When I found out none of the juices were fresh-squeezed, I requested the bartenders recommendation between the grapefruit and the pomegrantite, and, without a pause, the grapefruit juice it was (Ocean Spray from a bottle), no ice. My dining companion selected a Ginger Ale, no ice, topped with a spritz of bitters. Feeling the need for a snack, she also went with the soup of the day: a beautifully bright Yellow Tomato Gazpacho.

What I loved: The cool, refreshing, slightly sweet, not too bitter grapefruit juice, filled to the top of the long, slender glass, decorated with a lime wedge.

Why I loved it: Friendly bartenders, bustling environment with music playing in the background made for a perfect happy hour visit with a friend.

Cost: Low to average ($3 – $5 per non-alcoholic beverage)