Location: 1319 Connecticut Ave. NW

Readers’ pick: Barcelona Wine Bar’s “Eggplant caponata”

In “Alice in Wonderland,” the Cheshire Cat proudly declares to Alice “We’re all mad here” — my exact sentiment the first time my friend and I ordered beef brisket sandwiches from Madhatter DC.

We have since gone back three times specifically for this mind-boggling sandwich ($14).

Nestled in the crowded suite of nightclubs along Connecticut Avenue in Dupont Circle, Madhatter serves casual American pub food in their formal dining room complete with white-clothed tables and oak wood paneling until 9 p.m. Monday through Sunday. After dusk, the restaurant slips down a rabbit hole to transform into a nightclub where patrons mosh to 2000s pop hits while sipping blue watermelon rum punch out of life-size glass top hats ($40).

The brisket sandwich, my personal favorite menu item, is simply scrumptious, incorporating a barbecue sauce that goes heavier on the brown sugar than the vinegar and topped with crunchy, fried onion rings and creamy coleslaw. The meal comes with a large helping of crispy fries, an ideal vehicle for scooping up any brisket meat that escapes the toasted bun.

Since the “Alice In Wonderland”-themed bar is known among college students for only their strong drinks, I’m often met with mockery when I try to spread the gospel of the sweet and juicy, medium-cooked meat. “How hammered were you?” “Did you even remember who the president was when you tried it?” and “Are you sure it wasn’t all a dream?” people dubiously inquire after I suggest a trip to the restaurant to fuel up for a long night of clubbing.

Let me set the record straight: Even after gulping down one tangy mango margarita, I was relatively sober each time. I didn’t dream up the sandwich, though I fantasized about it for months after my first taste of wonder.

And to those naysayers who choose to pigeonhole Madhatter as a sloppy college bar and doubt their chefs could cook up this delectable comfort meal, I say: “Off with your heads!”