The unseasonably warm weather Friday night brought out many people to Clarendon's night life scene, and probably helped boost the crowd for opening weekend at Mad Rose Tavern. Although the day started out in the mid 70s, later that night the fierce winds started thrashing around the more scantly clad party goers.
Mad Rose Tavern's front bar was packed beyond capacity, but we still managed to get a seat at their rear bar near the dining tables. If you were making a list of everything you would expect from a nice or "upscale" bar in Clarendon, this place has all the items checked off. Similar to Arlington Rooftop Bar & Grill, except with less flat screen TV's. Except it seemed to lack one critical factor: personality.
On the opposite end of the night life spectrum, Hunan Number One has plenty of personality. Located slightly off the beaten path on Garfield street, the Chinese restaurant and bar was very popular Friday night. We also ended up at the rear bar at Hunan Number One, which was slightly less packed than their front spaces. Another reason for their popularity: they offer huge 32oz beers like the pictured Yuengling next to a normal sized Blue Moon.