Cafe Citron is a staple in DC. There are so many bars, clubs, and restaurants in this city — it’s impossible to go to all of them. That said, everyone has been to Cafe Citron. Myself included. When I lived closer to the Dupont Circle neighborhood, I went to Cafe Citron almost every week. I live a bit farther away now, but I still make it a point to go at least once a month.
Most of the menu items are influenced or directly taken from South America. Peruvian lomo saltado, Venezuelan empanadas, Columbian arepas, and more. The drinks are similar — margaritas, caipirinhas, and mojitos.
Cafe Citron hosts a few different events every month as well. They have free salsa lessons every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at 19:30hrs. After the end of the lesson, there’s always an open dance floor to keep practicing. There are two instructors, but Orlando Machuca Jr. is the main teacher. He’s so much fun to be around. You owe it to yourself to go to one of his classes. You won’t be disappointed.
They also have a conversation practice happy hour once a month or people trying to learn Spanish. Native speakers are welcomed. The group meets in the mezzanine, up the stairs at the back of the first floor. I go every time they have this event.