Caf? Citron 1343 Connecticut Ave. N.W. (202) 530-8844 Metro: Dupont Circle (red line) Price range: $5-$15 for a good portion
Grade: B
Belly dancers, loud music, funky style and Latin American-inspired cuisine all highlight Dupont Circle's Caf? Citron. The restaurant indulges the senses and creates a unique dining experience in D.C. Unfortunately, the restaurant can sometimes wallow in its own trendiness, forgetting that some people just came to eat.
Typically considered a nightclub, Caf? Citron serves restaurant fare and guests may chow down on Latin American cuisine throughout much of the evening. However, those under 21 must be out by 9:30 p.m. The place is nonetheless hopping at all hours of the day and makes the most of its cramped space.
Caf? Citron boasts brightly colored walls and furniture, as well as dazzling entertainment from belly dancers and other entertainers. Live DJ sets are featured during much of the week and include a wide selection of Latin and salsa music. Many young people in the D.C. crowd seem to have caught on.
Caf? Citron is filled with people in the know about the best places for good eats, drinks and dancing in D.C., making it brim with New York trendiness and sophistication. While it may not be the newest restaurant or bar on the scene, it feels like the place to be.
The atmosphere is lively and fun, serving as a perfect place for a fun, dance-filled night out on the town. Drinks are cheap (for a D.C. nightspot) and plentiful (there's a full bar that includes their renowned mojitos). Happy hour is from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and two bars, one upstairs and one down, can keep the nightlife highly entertaining.
Perhaps the most offbeat offerings of Caf? Citron are the unexpected twists. Flamenco dancers are present every Monday and the weekly salsa dancing classes are free.
But while Citron knows how to please those looking for a fairly inexpensive yet atmosphere-rich bar hop, it does not always know how to please with food. The menu is infused with influences of Spanish tapas and Mexican classics, as well as other cuisine from throughout Latin America, but the food falls short. The chicken fajitas are sometimes dry and lack any sort of personality. Dishes like a special Peruvian shrimp platter are not up to par with even the most average of Latin American restaurants. The chips and salsa are reminiscent of Tostitos party platters. All in all, the food is an underwhelming experience.
This lack of special care and sophistication paired with such a fun dining experience is where Citron loses some points. It seems to be caught up in its image as a party spot and prefers to divert attention away from the ever-important menu.
But maybe Caf? Citron doesn't need to have an excuse for the food. When adding up all the points, good grub may not be the only deciding factor. Despite its shortcomings, for a night-on-the-town experience, Caf? Citron has a formula that works.
