Photo: Echostage

10 Best Nightlife Spots in DC

Washington, D. C. Restaurants + Bars
by Nicole Sunderland May 17, 2017

WHEN the sun goes down in Washington, D.C, the city comes alive. While you’ll see the streets mostly lined with people in suits during the day, folks wearing everything from conservative to edgy to off-the-planet congregate at night to let loose.

The nightlife in the city ranges from music halls to pop-up bars to the hottest dance clubs — and clubs that stay lit until the early hours of the morning.

Here are 10 spots not to miss in the District:

1. 9:30 Club

Photo: John Shore

One of the most popular venues for musicians both new and old, a staple of Washingtonian nightlife. No matter who is playing, you are going to have a perfectly blended evening of dancing, drinks, and great music.

2. Town Danceboutique

One of the hottest nightclubs in the city. Danceboutique offers drag shows, and, drag or not, you can dance your butt off on the floor or head to the patio area for drinks.

3. Mockingbird Hill

Bringing pop-up bars to its location, and is probably one of the coolest bars in the city, if not the coolest. They recently put on a Cherry Blossom pop-up and a Mario themed pop-up which drew in crowds of fans.

4. UltraBar

With 5 floors of service, Ultrabar offers exclusive VIP tables and areas for those interested.

5. DC Improv

One of the hippest places to catch a night of comedy, DC Improv serves up established and no-name comedians through the year. Come prepared to laugh so hard you’re sure your face will fall off — and even try your hand at open mic night if you’ve got what it takes.

6. Buffalo Billiards

The sports bar of the city – with pool tables, trivia nights, great happy hour rates, beer pong, and sports’ TV-viewing. The vibe is a bit more relaxed than the dance club venues, but still a hot place to be.

7. Echostage

nightlife DC

Photo: Echostage

If you are into Electronic Dance Music, this venue will rage and pale in comparison to the other venues listed here. This is the largest concert venue in the city and is changing the way people see music in the city.

8. Josephine

Cutting-edge lounge with over 6,000 square feet of space, Josephine caters to the well-dressed. This black-walled and purple-lit space is lush with beautiful people, its bar with high-end drinks.

9. Dacha Beer Garden

Its walls filled with colorful murals, Dacha offers German, Belgian, and American craft beers in its garden.There’s a chill vibe, picnic tables for seating, and twinkle lights for when the sun goes down. Dacha’s garden is quiet so you’ll be able to hold a conversation with your friends while enjoying your drinks.

10. Cantina Marina

This outdoor location overlooking the water is a great place to start the evening.They typically close around 10:00 pm or a little after, but the place’s charm lies in customers being able to drink outside in the company of friends — while watching the sunset.

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