Originally Published 04/28/99

Bar: Polly Esther’s
Where: 605 12th St., NW (between F for funky and G for groovy)
Crowd: Twenty and thirtysomethings
Getting in: You’ll be carded at the door
Prices: Extremely pricey
Food: Nope
Dancing: More than you can imagine
Pick-ups: Everywhere you look
Pluses: Three floors of dancing
Minuses: Expensive

If you’re looking for a great, sweaty night of dancing, head to Polly Esther’s. Just make sure you hit an ATM before you go.

The first expense is the cab ride. Unfortunately, it’s pretty far so you’ll need to foot the bill for a taxi. Then comes the cover charge. The Bar Belle was dumb and headed to Polly Esther’s on Saturday when it’s $10 to get in. Cover is $8 on Fridays and only $5 on Thursdays. Save your pennies whenever possible because you’ll need some money for the expensive drinks.

The Bar Belle had two bottles of Bud Light, a cheap beer, and paid $7 – you do the math. Rail drinks are $4.25. The only drink special is a $2.75 shot of some concoction. Last Saturday, it was something like raspberry-apple. If you need to drink, the Bar Belle recommends throwing back a few before you go. Fortunately, Polly Esther’s is so much fun you can skip the drinking.

The highlight of the evening is the dancing. Three floors, each with music from a different decade, assure that everyone will find their groove. The ’70s floor is trippy with bright neon lights swirling. The first floor is the ’80s floor, so a lot of people stay there. Plus, what else can get you music like “Footloose”?

The Bar Belle spent most of her night showing off her moves on the ’90s floor, where great dance songs blared. With Ton Loc, Tag Team and Will Smith, the music covered the entire decade instead of focusing on recent hits.

As for pick-ups – even the Bar Belle, who was lucky enough to be escorted by three handsome male dance machines, could have scored if she wanted. All you really need to do is smile and someone will come your way.

Despite the prices, Polly Esther’s is a must. Just don’t stay too late – you’ll need to shower when you get home.