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Washington DC Nightlife

The nightlife in the centre of Washington, DC is not so developed as in other cities because few people live in the centre of the city. As a result, bars tend to be the busiest in the early evening. Most entertainment is to be found in the surrounding neighbourhoods, such as Capitol Hill, Georgetown and Adams Morgan.

Details of what's on when and where in Washington, DC can be found in the Washington City Paper (www.washingtoncitypaper.com) or the Washington Post entertainment guide (www.washingtonpost.com/gog/dc-visitors-guide.html). The main outlet for discounted, day-of-show tickets is Ticketplace, 407 Seventh Street, NW (www.cultural-alliance.org/tickets/today.html), Wednesday to Sunday. Tickets for individual performances can also be purchased from Ticketmaster (tel: (202) 397 7328; www.ticketmaster.com).

Bars in Washington, DC

Busboys and Poets

A Washington bar with a difference, Busboys and Poets is a space to drink in, hear poetry and discuss politics - very popular with the locals.

2021 14th Street, NW
Tel: (202) 387 7638.
www.busboysandpoets.com

Capitol City Brewing Company

Another favourite in Washington, DC is Capitol City Brewing Comapny, a microbrewery with a good selection of beers and some food.

1100 New York Avenue, NW and 2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE
Tel: (202) 628 2222.
www.capcitybrew.com

Round Robin & Scotch Bar

The Round Robin Bar is a popular meeting place for the movers and shakers of Washington, DC. Most US presidents have come here at one time or another, and it is the place where Henry Clay introduced the Mint Julep to Washington patrons.

Willard InterContinental Hotel, 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue
Tel: (202) 628 9100.
www.washington.intercontinental.com

Tune Inn

Join the regulars at the dive bar, Tune Inn, a DC institution.

331 ½ Pennsylvania Avenue, SE
Tel: (202) 543 2725.

Clubs in Washington, DC

Eighteenth Street Lounge

Dress up to get into Eighteenth Street Lounge in a restored mansion where the DJs spin an eclectic mix of bossa, acid jazz, hip hop and dance.

1212 18th Street, NW
Tel: (202) 466 3922.
www.eighteenthstreetlounge.com

Fur

Once an old warehouse, Fur is now an upscale mega club with top DJs and multiple dance floors.

33 Paterson Street, NE
Tel: (202) 445 4926.
www.furnightclub.com

Heaven and Hell

Grunge, techno, indie, retro and dance music are all on offer at Heaven and Hell, which has regular live music, happy hours and a famous 1980s night every Thursday.

2327 18th Street, NW
Tel: (202) 667 4355.
www.clubheavenandhelldc.com

Love

Each floor of Love has a different vibe: the first floor sports a large island bar; the second features hip hop artists; one flight up is a tropical-themed deck; and the indoor/outdoor fourth floor is a private party spot for high rollers and celebs.

1350 Okie Street, NE
Tel: (202) 746 1736.
www.lovetheclub.com

Live Music in Washington, DC

9.30 Club

Washington, DC's long established 9.30 Club attracts an impressive name list of live bands, many of which are international.

815 V Street, NW
Tel: (202) 265 0930.
www.930.com

Blues Alley

Blues Alley is the nation's oldest surviving jazz supper club. Well-known names have appeared here and patrons can enjoy the show without ordering dinner.

1073 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
Tel: (202) 337 4141.
www.bluesalley.com

HR-57

HR-57 is where you will find some of the best jazz on offer in Washington, DC.

1610 Fourteenth Street, NW
Tel: (202) 667 3700.
www.hr57.org

Madam's Organ

Madam's Organ, in the Adams Morgan neighbourhood, features soul food, along with live R & B, jazz and bluegrass music.

2461 18th Street, NW
Tel: (202) 667 5370.
www.madamsorgan.com

Theatre in Washington, DC

The National Theatre

The National Theatre, one of America's oldest continuously operating theatres, puts on pre-Broadway shows or Broadway hits that are on tour.

1321 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Tel: (202) 628 6161.
www.nationaltheatre.org

Warner Theatre

Touring Broadway shows and family entertainment, including comedy, dance and music concerts can be seen at the Warner Theatre. The Washington Ballet, performing both at the Warner Theatre and at the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, has a vast repertoire of both classical and contemporary performances.

513 13th Street NW
Tel: (202) 783 4000.
www.warnertheatre.com

Music and Dance in Washington, DC

Ford's Theatre

Perhaps the most famous theatre in Washington, although not necessarily for its performances, is Ford's Theatre. It is the theatre where John Wilkes Booth fatally shot Abraham Lincoln in 1865. It is now a venue for musicals, multicultural and family plays and is also open from 0900-1700 for guided tours and historic talks. As a tribute to Abraham Lincoln, the plays and musicals at Ford's Theatre highlight the diversity of American life.

511 10th Street, NW
Tel: (202) 347 4833.
www.fordstheatre.org

Culture in Washington, DC

Arena Stage

Several Broadway hits have started off their life at the Arena Stage. While the theatre is being extended in readiness for reopening in the fall of 2010, performances are taking place at the Lincoln Theatre and Crystal City, Arlington, VA.

1101 Sixth Street, SW
Tel: (202) 488 3300.
www.arenastage.org

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