The bar at Rumberos in Columbia Heights (photo: Rumberos)
Got a taste for sabor Latino, or just looking for a cool gathering place for drinks? You might miss it on a drive through Washington's busy sector of Columbia Heights, but Rumberos is well worth a visit. Located at 3345 14th St., N.W. between Monroe and Park (it’s closer to Monroe, pull over when you spot neighboring Ruby Tuesday’s), the place is spacious and spicy, with its long bar, dining tables as opposed to booths, and a people-watching window on 14th Street. Columbia Heights is a largely-residential, but increasingly commercial community. The area is upscale, and presents a cultural side of The Nation's Capital some tourists might find surprising.
Rumberos' location not only allows visitors a chance to avoid the weekend bustle and boozers of nearby Adams Morgan, it’s an added excuse to see a play at Gala Hispanic Theatre on the corner of Park Road- as a theatre-and-dinner outing. The menu is heavy on the tapas-based appetizers, one of which features filet mignon. Several appetizers are a meal unto themselves. For those leaning toward an entrée, Cuban delicacies such as mofongo, ropa vieja, and black bean soup are all served up well, and not in overpowering portions. Prices are moderate by local standards.
Rumberos has done well to stock an eclectic wine list, and offers mixed drinks native to Latin America, such as Brazilian caipirinhas and that Hemingway favorite- the mojito. Recorded samba, Peruvian flute, and salsa music add to the atmosphere. The staff is attentive, and the crowd fashionable. This restaurant-bar is comparable to those in sections such as Georgetown and Dupont Circle, but situated near fewer competitive establishments. Catch a cab there- or ride the city's Metro subway system to the nearby Columbia Heights station.
Comments
The one time I went there, we had absolutely abysmal service. No one to be seen for many, many minutes, no one seeing if we needed new drinks, etc, and when we did flag somebody down, he brought the check instead. They forgot about half of the tapas we ordered too. And when asked how a dish was, the waiter said "your guess is a good as mine." Terrible, never going back.
Andrew:
Sorry to hear that. I hope the folks at Rumberos read this, and see the error of their ways.
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