MCCXXIII

DUPONT CIRCLE. One of the more seductive nightspots in the Dupont district, Twelve-Twenty-Three is a modern temple to all things beautiful and opulent. The discriminating door policy and inflated prices (yes, those are Roman numerals on the menu) ensure a certain caliber of clientele. On the first level is a soapstone bar flanked by velvet couches and a small dance floor; the second-floor lounge capitalizes on great views of Connecticut Avenue. Seeking a more exclusive brand of cool, high-rollers reserve a table or bed on the chic VIP level, called Spank, where the crowd tends to be model-quality and the staff at the white onyx bar serves up premium mixed drinks. METRO: Dupont Circle