Washington Nightlife
For all its political power, Washington DC is a smaller than average city. But luckily for the night owl, it has a big city mentality which translates into a huge variety of options for an evening's entertainment.
If you know what you're after, the city is conveniently divided in to reasonably distinct zones when it comes to nightlife. The Adams Morgan area, which sits on the intersection of 18th Street and Columbia Road, is the place to go for your mainstream bars and clubs. Capitol Hill bars are full of government employees talking shop after a long day's politics while Dupont Circle is home to the city's vibrant gay scene.
If it's cool you're after, there are plenty of places to hang out and look nonchalant. The pick of the bunch is the 18th Street Lounge, which is one for those in the know, as it doesn't have a sign on the door. The former home of Teddy Roosevelt, this mansion has a number of dance floors playing dub and trip-hop. The bouncers are notoriously snobby here and will not think twice of sending you home if you're not dressed to impress.
For beer lovers who don't care how they're attired, the Brickskeller on 22nd Street is an absolute delight. With over 1,000 brews from across the world, visitors will not go thirsty and there is plenty of good, hearty food to soak up the beer of seven continents.
Those looking for something different on the bar scene should try Chief Ike's Mambo Room. This jungle themed bar plays host to a variety of different nights, including mambo, reggae and zydeco and unlike some other establishments has no pretensions ? it's just jungle fun all the way.
On the gay scene, JR's Bar and Grill in Dupont Circle is the place to go. It comes with a wild reputation and its clientele are notoriously merciless on those who have been skipping their workouts in the gym. If this all sounds a bit daunting, try the more relaxed Food Bar DC Lounge, where there are plenty of drinks promotions and DJs to keep you entertained.
The city has a number of theatre venues, with the largest of these downtown at the National Theatre where many leading productions have been put on, including Spamalot and Movin' Out. The building was established in 1835 and renovated in 1984, making it the city's oldest running theatre. Monday nights are a great time to go as there are often free performances.
If live music is your thing, Washington is a fine place to visit. For the headline acts, as well as some up and comers, head to the 9.30 Club. The venue has played host to the Pixies, the Eels and Wilco in recent times and is well worth checking out. For blues and jazz fans, the Blues Alley in Georgetown is the place to find some of the region's top acts as well as many big names on tour. It is well worth braving the dimly lit alley off Wisconsin Avenue that gives the club its name, as this smoke free venue makes for a great evening. Past performers include Ahmad Jamal, the Count Basie Orchestra and the late Dizzy Gillespie.
A final tip for those out and about on the weekends ? don't even think about taking your hire care in to the city centre as parking spaces go quickly. In any case, since the new millennium the subway has been running until 02:00 on Friday and Saturday nights.
|
Nightlife
