Yeah and there's none of the sort in DC. Apart from full on restaurants that have suprisingly good bars. Or full on bars that have suprisingly fun nights on say a Tuesday.
L2 is good. Just get on their mailing list and you'll be informed the next time they have a special event and the cover will be $10. It's a classy, but fun spot so take a girl there for her first time and she'll put out (or ditch you for a richer guy, thus giving you a shot at the hot Ukrainian in the corner).
Logan circle and is swimming with hot spots that the average douche doesn't talk much about. Bourbon in Gloverpark is usually laidback. Try MacArthur Blvd (though these are restaurants not bars) way past Georgetown. M Cafe in Frienship Heights. There's a new Japanese spot on 4th and K I haven't had a chance to check out.
Maybe I'm not naming special places, I guess I stick to tried and true haunts.