Dive's are dying...

My personal favorite is Galaxy Hut between Courthouse and Clarendon in Arlington. Any place that sells PBR cans gets a thumbs up from me. So far it has staved off the onslaught of high rises on the Orange Line corridor much like Iota's. With no frills decor, exposed brick, decent food and open mic on Wendesday, Iota is a great little secret. Ramparts off Quaker Lane in Alexandria has PBR and Smithwicks on tap, but that's almost too classy of a selection :-)

Duffy has suggested Lounging Lizard Bar in Old Town and Jay's Saloon and Grill (DJ plays mixed tapes!), must check them out!

Although not a dive, new place to try:
http://www.dino-dc.com/ Listed as one of Food and Wine’s "50 Most Amazing Wine Experiences"

If it's as good as the similarly rated Vermillion in Old Town, I hope to be pleasantly surprised.

Economics has never been more fun

http://freakonomics.blogs.nytimes.com/

and so scary... http://www.rgemonitor.com/blog/roubini/209779