March 2004 Dirt Cheap Eats

Continental does for pool what Strike! Bethesda did for bowling. The retro decor features a red bar with shiny silver stools, thick columns painted in pinks, oranges, and blues, and colorful hanging ball lights. Restored furnishings from 1960s tiki bars accent one side; purple felt covers the eight pool tables.

On the late-night menu--available till 2 AM--are basics like fried calamari and chicken tenders for $6.95. Classier choices include veal meatballs ($6.95) and a portabello mushroom panini ($7.95). On Mondays, when ladies play pool for free, cosmopolitans and apple martinis are $4; burgers are half-price Wednesdays from 5 to 11. Pool costs $18 an hour for four players Sunday through Wednesday; you'll pay $2 more Thursday through Saturday. A cheaper choice? Darts for $1