The Wonderland Ballroom — Restaurant in Washington

WARNING - WAS REFUSED ENTRY FOR BEING GAY, STAFF ARE HOMOPHOBIC, - Had an uncharacteristically awful and blatantly homophobic experience with staff at wonderland last night. A group of six of us were at the front of the line on a Saturday night. My girlfriend and I were holding hands. The bouncer asked “Are you lesbians?” (weird thing to ask but we assumed good intent and said,) “yes!” The conversation stopped, we thought that was the end of it, and we continued to wait in line, which all of a sudden stopped moving, even as dozens of people left. We asked if we could come in and he said no and then immediately said, “Are you ALL gay?” At this point, the questioning felt targeted. He continued questioning each member of our group asking if they were gay or not. “Are you SURE you’re not gay?” He would not let it go. As his questioning continued, it was very clear he was refusing us entry. After minutes of him probing, we left the line, deciding not to be a patron of an establishment that was clearly discriminatory. Cannot emphasize enough how this bouncer instigated this line of questioning and repeatedly interrogated us for minutes. We had been coming to Wonderland for years and had always found it welcoming, accepting, and fun. But after what happened, we will not be back, and would encourage other queer people to think twice before going there. We’ve reached out to Wonderland and hope to receive a response for this uncharacteristically...

Wonderland Ballroom is the neighborhood bar that helps recent college graduates transition from reckless Greeks to fledgling yuppies. On a slow night, it's a laid-back, unpretentious hang-out with a good selection of beers: including the much touted DELERIUM TREMENS - a Belgian ale with 8.5% alcohol; Blueberry Pancake Beer - a Wild Blue from Maine clocking at 8% alcohol; and, Dragon Stout - a Jamaican stout with 7.5% alcohol. On a busy night, on the other hand, Wonderland transforms into an insanely popular, noisy, and sweaty dive bar with the occasional hint of urine.

One reviewer remarked that the difference between Wonderland and the typical college bar is "better beer, bands, and babes (sometimes)." Located in a remote corner of Columbia Heights, Wonderland is situated far and away from local colleges. Instead, it finds itself alongside numerous group houses filled with young professionals. Wonderland indeed offers the best of two worlds: a raunchy alcohol-driven atmosphere with the option of mellowing out when patrons mature. This is a crowd that's less concerned about designer brands and political connections than it is about having a good time and cheaper beer.

3 Stars - As someone who has to be more responsible nowadays, I've simply outgrown the Wonderland Ballroom scene. You, perhaps, may...

The Ballroom proved to be a choice spot for a quick drink and meal prior to sitting down and watching the worst bit of screenwriting ever in the Game of Thrones finale. Unlike Jon, I went to this beautiful summery setting with my dog. We sat and ate on the patio with other patrons taking part in the old traditions of long tables where everyone sits at the same table. I had a point of cider and an amazing vegetarian burrito with a Mac and cheese side. I required more spice in both my burrito and my GoT finale... Unfortunately, I could only affect one of the two. Luckily, hot sauce, and other few condiments are brought to the table when food is ordered. The Mac and cheese was phenomenal! It needed no spice, pepper, or salt. The finale could have done without leaving me so salty, but that's not in this amazing establishment's control. I wish the finale could have been a tenth as good as The Wonderland Ballroom was. I do hope to visit again sometime and enjoy more of the company I had a pleasure to keep for a short...