The original Café Salsa, in Old Town Alexandria, got off the ground early this decade, one of the original contributors to the historic neighborhood’s dining revolution. It’s still going strong seven-plus years later, but recently, the owners set their sights on another hot ’hood: the Logan Circle/14th Street area, which positively booms these days with funky bars and accomplished food (and young politicos). But their formula is still the same: cuisine that melds Caribbean and South American flavors influences a winning cocktail list and an inviting, neighborhood-friendly vibe.

The Scene: Loud is the best word to describe both the visual and the volume on weekends. Late Sunday nights were appropriately hushed, but thanks to lots of hard surfaces, the noise-level skyrockets when the tables are full. Bright, modern paintings, pendant lamps and flat-screen TVs above the bar punctuate the deep red walls in the long, narrow first floor. A quaint lounge greets you at the top of the stairs, followed by a series of small, eclectically decorated dining rooms. If you are seeking lively, the weekend ambiance here will fit the bill.