Andalu   

1214 18th St. NW
Washington, DC 20036
202-785-2922
www.sesto.com/andalu/index.html

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Andalu is a swank, dimly lit European-based lounge dressed in Moroccan dcor and dripping in pretension. The crowd is a showy mix of house/electronica fans and young, chichi, DC scenesters, who don't mind waiting behind the velvet ropes. DJs spin soft, soulful, romantic house music accompanied by live bongo, flute, sax and keyboard players. The small club has flair bench-style, velvet seats with fancy, silk pillows that are classy and comfy. The menu features food from Sesto Senso. Be warned: bottle service only at tables, which means you'll drop $150 for a bottle of $30 liquor. The fee includes mixers and ice (thanks!). Champagne will run you between $110 and $600, and the 1995 Pierre Jouet Reserve La Ballepoque is listed at $3,500. To avoid the hassles: Call ahead, get on the list, buy drinks at the bar ($10 each) and don't arrive a minute before 11PM. -- Wendy Baker