Some of the best bartenders around mix drinks behind the tiled bar at Cleveland Park's cozy, low-lit neighborhood cocktail lounge. The staff and customers often know each other by name, as this place has a loyal, diverse crew of regulars. Aroma is a narrow room with a bar down one wall, high tables and stools along the other and a small circle of seats in the front window. No matter where you sit, you'll hear a steady buzz of conversation. The overall style is hip '50s martinis -- check out the vintage cocktail shakers in a cabinet -- with warm orange walls. Through a doorway in the rear is the "More Lounge," with plenty of '60s mod sofas and coffee tables that are better suited for groups than the narrow bar area.
In Your Glass: Cocktails. There's no formal list, so it's best to just tell your bartender what you're in the mood for -- something with rum, something fruit, a summery vodka drink, etc. Four beers are also available on draft.
Smell something burning? The bar's not on fire. Aroma, which sells cigars and cigarettes, has one of the few exemptions from D.C.'s citywide smoking ban. If you can't stand the smell of tobacco, consider yourself warned.

Fri-Sat 6:00pm - 3:00am
Sun-Thu 6:00pm- 2:00am