2321 18th St NW

"Adams Morgan’s hip new hangout to play pool, drink drafts, and crush burgers came to life in May. The rectangular-shaped bar comes from longtime D.C. chef Darren Norris and his wife Candice Wise-Norris, who transformed their sleek hot-pot place Shabu Plus into a casual dive called Billiards Room. A newly built-out wooden bar in the back joins three pool tables, air hockey, neon-lit Modelo signage, and vintage concert posters of the Ramones and Grateful Dead affixed to its crimson-painted brick walls. Drinks include local drafts by the pint or pitcher and cocktails like a cold brew martini and hibiscus margarita. Death Punch bar, situated atop the original three-level Japanese dining complex since the start, remains open as usual." - Tierney Plumb