Dakota Cowgirls   

Formerly known as Hamburger Mary's, this newest incarnation of the old auto repair shop doles out enormous burgers, spicy fries and fried chicken salad. Just north of Thomas Circle, the space is a bright spot on an otherwise plain stretch of 14th Street. Look for a site rimmed in bright red paint and a neon sign above the old garage door still intact. The light-infused interior has yellow walls and a blue ceiling with funky lights that point downward like folded umbrellas. Meat makes the bulk of the menu, from whiskey pork chops and flat-iron steak to Chuckwagon ribs and sizzling fajitas. For healthier fare try a veggie or turkey burger or sample the super deluxe lean range-roving Bison Burger. The bar in the middle is the center of the buzz with a friendly crowd and free-flowing drinks. Like Hamburger Mary's, this hip burger joint attracts a mostly gay crowd. Cowgirl cranks up the music after 8PM when it's almost impossible to grab a table, so saddle up early.