Divino Cafe & Lounge, Bethesda

At this authentic South American steak house, customers never want for options. The menu of Argentinean meats and seafood is buttressed by a selection of more than 30 hot and cold tapas and a colossal wine and martini list of international libations. The sips cool overexcited taste buds and pair with lauded entrees such as the parrilla of bone-in short ribs, singled out by Washingtonian as one of Bethesda's greatest dishes. Popular seafood platters arrive in the form of whole lobsters, accompanied by enough seafood paella to sate two diners. To ensure that their sizzling meats are shared with the masses, chefs can also export the fare to private bashes or teddy-bear picnics with catering services.

The eatery's décor reflects its exotic eats: spotlights set orange walls ablaze and highlight paintings more colorful than a Rubik's cube hidden in jello. Clusters of leather couches exude a casual air, providing a sleek contrast to the chic table settings and white linens at booths and tables. Proving that elegance needn't be fussy, customers can also master dance steps at milonga lessons on Wednesdays or host parties in the space almost every day of the week.:m]]