Dupont Circle
Dupont Circle is a trendy location lined with coffeehouses, restaurants, bars, and upscale retail stores. Popular with both the mainstream ‘going-out’ crowd and LGBT community, there’s always something fresh going on for DC nightlife.
Below is a list of some great clubs venues in Dupont Circle.
The Gryphon
If you want a night to sit back, relax, and enjoy a few high quality drinks with the company of good friends in a comfortable yet modernly stylish atmosphere, The Gryphon is definitely the place for you.
The Manor
Manor has everything you could ask for in a lounge: Delicious menu, great drinks, cool atmosphere, and a great location (not to mention the awesome view of Connecticut Ave out the 2nd story floor-to-ceiling windows).
CIRCA
Trendy and bustling, CIRCA at Dupont boasts an extensive wine list, an outdoor patio and huge TVs to catch the latest Caps or Redskins game.
The food’s good too.
Gazuza
See DC Clubbing’s Your Guide to DC Hookah Bars for more info on Gazuza and other great hookah bars in Washington, DC!
James Hoban’s Irish Restaurant and Bar
James Hoban’s Irish Restaurant and Bar is a popular watering hole in the Dupont area.
It’s got that warm neighborhood pub atmosphere.
Madhatter
Down the rabbit hole in Dupont.
Discover one of the best happy hours in DC: cheap drinks and delicious eats.
Russia House
Dine Russian-style and enjoy an entire menu devoted exclusively to vodka at the Russia House.
Classy, upscale and catering to a hockey player or two.
Rock & Roll Hotel
- Venue Type: Concert Venue & Dance Bar
- Estimated Size: 600
- Amenities: Private suites, in-house catering, live music, coat check, roof top
- Cover Charge: Concert prices vary
2nd Floor + Roof are free - Hours: All Show/Concert Dates: 6pm – Until Late, All Non-Show/Concert Dates: 7pm – Until Late, Saturdays & Sundays: Noon – Until Late
- Dress Code: None
- Age Requirement: Concerts: All ages w/ guardian
2nd Floor + Roof: 21+ - Neighborhood: H Street
- Address: 1353 H St. NE Washington, DC 20002. (202) 388-7625
- Website: www.rockandrollhoteldc.com
- Atmosphere: A staple of Washington DC’s H-Street Corridor, Rock & Roll Hotel features indy rock/underground concerts, eclectic dance parties and a helluva good time. It’s got a great mix of non-pretentious people just coming as they are for a great time. Private suites can either be booked or stumbled in on, but you can’t actually rent them overnight! Whether you want live indy rock, a fun dance party, a chill lounge or a rooftop escape, Rock & Roll Hotel has options.
Venue Overview
As one fan of the Rock and Roll Hotel in Washington DC put it, “All ya have to do is worry about getting to and from and the rest is taken care of.” While H Street may be a destination DC nightlife neighborhood, it is nonetheless home to a growing, laid back, ‘come as your are’ bar scene.
With a main room outfitted for live concerts, Rock & Roll Hotel serves as a DC concerts destination for indie rock, live funk, hardcore, DJ PAs and just about everything in between. The main room is simple, with a bar to the left, ‘front of house’ set up to the right and stage front and center.
Venturing upstairs brings the 21+ to a dance party with a lounge to the left, place to shake it in the middle and bar to the back. Beyond are the ‘hotel’ rooms, famous for their cozy, eclectic vibes. Ranging in capacity from 10 – 40, the rooms can be booked or stumbled into, if ya know what we mean! Hang out in the My Bloody Valentine Suite, book The Presidential Suite or post up in Chairman Mao’s Studio.
When it’s not filled with the quirky dance moves of H street all-stars, the 2nd floor serves as a place for R&R’s famous drunk spelling bees and other reckless bar games.
And finally, in the winter of 2011/2012 R&R was finally able to open up it’s heated rooftop for 21+ to enjoy the brisk DC weather! When the summer hits this is going to be the spot to be in the H Street Corridor!
Parties
- Concerts vary from indie rock, southern rock and death metal to vocal groups, electro punk and all types of funk. You’ll just have to check the schedule to figure things out.
- Fridays: Drunk Spelling Bee where you must have a drink in hand to compete! 4th-9th grade word lists, dirty word lists and theme rounds. At the podium you can tell competitors to drink. The MC can make you drink whenever he wants.
- Saturdays: STANK! – Last Saturday of every month. Heaters, rug burners, tracks to chant to, eastern European music videos, and full out dance floor insanity w/ The Metaphysical. Featuring local DJ’s going all out.
- Weekend Dance Parties can and will vary in genre. You could get some funky disco, electro, baltimore club, hip-hop, who knows! Best to call and ask what the DJ is spinning!
Latest Updates from Rock & Roll Hotel
Photo Tour
Video Tour: Rock & Roll Hotel in Washington DC
What do YOU think?
How was your experience at the Rock and Roll Hotel? Share your feedback below!
Feedback should be insightful, helpful, and intelligent. Remember, the owners of these venues often read and reply, so make sure your complaints are valid, criticisms are constructive, and your compliments justified. If you didn’t like a place, explain what could be improved. If you had a bad experience, explain what went wrong in a civilized manner. If you liked a place, explain what made it great.
Note: Feedback that does not fit within these guidelines will not be approved.
DC Going Out Guide Part 3: Clubbing Essentials
DC Going Out Guide Part 3: Clubbing Essentials
Never know what you should or shouldn’t bring with you for a night out in Washington DC? Follow the clubbing essentials guide so the next time you are stuck at the velvet ropes getting your purse checked or your pants frisked you won’t be rejected at the door, stuck with an illegitimate child, or caught in the haze of a garlic breath assassination.
Should
Cash
It’s always essential to have cash on hand. You may want to ditch your ride and cab home. Stay over with your one- night-stand. Or tip your bartender. You never know when the ATM could be broken and you could be stranded.
ID
All DC nightlife is going to require a valid government issued ID, no matter how old you are. Even though there are many under 21 nightclubs in DC, you will still need your ID!
Club Passes
Many venues offer discounted passes and promotions on entry specials or even drink specials. So check the venues website before you head out and have your passes ready.
A positive attitude
This seems simple, but nobody wants to be around the Debbie Downer in the group. Bad attitudes foster tension between the venues staff and other guests. Luckily your options of clubbing DC are vast enough to make everyone happy.
Condoms
Take precautions! Nothing like waking up next to Chubaka then popping out his spawn 9 months later. Watch an episode of “I Didn’t Know I Was Pregnant” to scare you into packing the wrapper.
Breath strips
Some venues don’t allow gum. However, bad breath is a deal breaker. It seeps into every inch of the venue offending everyone from the doorman to the bartender, and your one-night-stand.
Should Not
Weapons
Leave your guns, tasers, and shanks at home. It’s not fight club, it’s a nightclub!
Secret Alcohol Stash
Airplane bottles of booze will never get past security. What’s worse, that flask in your pocket makes you look like a cheap alcoholic in which case you won’t be needing that condom after all.
Illegal Substances
Anything that makes your pupils dilate, should be left with the cartel.
Cigarettes
In 2006 comprehensive smoke-free laws went into effect in the District, banning smoking from restaurants, bars, lounges, and nightclubs. Some venues with outdoor patios allow smoking but nobody likes kissing an ashtray.
Food
Don’t be the chic in the bathroom wolfing down an old grilled cheese. It’s not kindergarten, no need to pack snacks. DC offers many options for late night eats.
Glow Sticks
Some venues provide glow sticks and some ban them all together. It’s a safer bet to leave the glow sticks at home for the next warehouse rave.
The Worst Ways to Order a Drink
The Worst Ways to Order a Drink
Bartending, one of the great social professions and also one of the quickest ways to become jaded and bitter. But, just like there are bad customers, there are bad bartenders. So, here are some pitfalls when ordering a drink to lesser the gap between bartender and guest and make DC Nightlife chock full of rainbows and butterflies for all involved! The bonus: Save your bartender a trip to an insane asylum and maybe score yourself a free drink!
Ants in the Pants:
Things that won’t get you a drink any faster at a crowded bar:
Waving money
Snapping your fingers
Shouting
It only pegs you as annoying and aggressive. No bartender is singling you out to be ignored, but these animalistic gestures will.
The PDA:
You order a drink then turn around and make out with somebody.
Seriously, can’t it wait until you pay and make room for the next guest?
Get a room!
No one wants to see that.
The Cell Phone:
Coming up to the bar mid call is annoying!
If your call is so important, then finish up and allow other guests to be served.
Extra scorn points for wearing a Bluetooth earpiece!
The No Ice’er:
Ordering no ice screams:
“I want more alcohol, but won’t spend the money on it!”
Drinks have the same amount of alcohol regardless of the quantity of ice. Yet, ‘no-icers’ always follow-up with a:
“This tastes weak!”
Yes, since you have more mixer…think about it.
The Disappearing Act:
Ordering a drink, then…
Turning around to dance with your friends
Going to the bathroom
Using the ATM
Come to the bar prepared, stay put and be ready to pay.
The Clairvoyant:
Assuming your bartender knows all your picky details without telling them. Unless you tell them PRIOR to ordering the bartender won’t know you like top shelf, less ice, lemon not lime, a tall glass and a partridge in a pear tree.
Give your server a break and have all your picky details ready when you order. Don’t wait until the short glass is filled with ice, the liquor is poured and the lime is squeezed to get particular. You can have it your way. Just ask up front!
Clueless:
If you don’t use the correct lingo to order a drink, you will receive the wrong drink.
If you order “a cranberry juice and a vodka” you’ll receive two drinks: a glass of cranberry juice and one of vodka.
If you order “vodka and cranberry,” you’ll get one glass containing both.
The Lost:
If you can’t decide what to drink, tell the bartender what type of drinks you like.
Because just saying “whatever if fine” is like throwing a blind person in the middle of the woods.
A good bartender will make suggestions, and probably introduce you to your next favorite drink, if you give them a direction to go towards.
The Grabber:
Grabbing a bottle and helping yourself.
Yes, this happens.
You will get thrown out.
Seriously people?
Strong Arm:
If you want fewer mixers, say so, but unless you’re ordering a double, you’re implying that your bartender should give you something for free.
Try it at a bank, ask the teller, “Hey would you mind topping my paycheck off with an extra $100?” See how that works!
The Drink Book:
Looking up some random shot on your iPhone that two people have heard about, has 9 different ingredients, and an embarrassing name is like nails on a chalkboard.
Shots like a brain hemorrhage, an alien secretion, a Puerto Rican prostitute, or a urine sample, slow the flow of the bar down. The drinks usually taste horrible; cost more than you want to spend, and make you look like this is your first time at the rodeo.
Birthday Shots:
Screaming out “it’s my birthday” ten times, then ordering you and your friend’s shots, and then being completely blindsided by the check after you downed your shots is a bit presumptuous.
A comped drink is nice, but much less so if you come to expect it.
After all, what did you get the bartender for their birthday?
“I used to be a bartender!”
This line is often used prior to ordering. But why?
Is it a wave of solidarity?
Is it a judgey stab at the way the bartender is making the drink?
Are you now a Congressman too good to be a bartender?
Usually it’s meant to get stronger, cheaper, faster drinks, which never goes over well with the staff.
The nickel-and-dimer:
It goes something like this:
First, you order two beers for Bob and Sally.
Once the bartender has brought you those, you order Becky’s martini.
Once that’s in hand, you ask for a vodka and Sprite.
And so on. You’ve just nickel-and-dimed the bartender. Try this technique at a fast food restaurant- it would never fly. However, people like to spread out an order with the assumption that the bartender has amnesia.
The Generalist:
“Can I have a beer?” Generically ordering “a beer” is the same as going to Pizza Hut and ordering “a pizza”.
It sounds ridiculous to the bartender, and you will immediately be asked what kind of beer you want.
This just slows down the whole process, and angers thirsty guests waiting in line.
The Accountant:
Interactions in this category would start out with queries that go something like this:
“What is the cheapest drink you have? Do you have any specials? How much is a beer? What about Grey Goose? How much is a vodka and soda? How much is a kamikazee?”
And then walks away…
Extras!
For those who want an added dose of humor, check out “The Bartender Hates You” on YouTube, it’s a comical look through the eyes of a disgruntled bartender. Try to keep in mind it’s just for a laugh!
Gallery Place – Chinatown
Going Out in Gallery Place – Chinatown
Chinatown has really turned it around in the last 20 years. With the development of the Verizon Center, the surrounding blocks are now filled with clubs, bars, restaurants and shopping. The area is easy to access thanks to the Gallery Place-Chinatown metro station. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to dance the night away or party hard after a Caps game, Chinatown is the place to be!
Ultrabar
A 5-level mega club that brings about 1,200 people every night.
3 packed weekly events, a thumping sound system and plenty of space to dance.
Ultrabar is easily one of the best clubs in Washington DC
Learn more about Ultrabar in DC
Lucky Strike Lanes
Catch all the hottest sports games on 10 projection screens, bowl a few rounds, grab a hamburger, or sip a drink.
It’s a great place to get wasted and celebrate a birthday.
Here’s our review of Lucky Strike
Bar Louie
Located next to the Verizon Center and across from Regal Cinema, Bar Louie is a great spot for a pre-game drink or post-movie hangout.
Fado Irish Pub
Open until 2 am or later every night of the week, Fado Irish Pub is great for loading up on pre and post game pints.
It’s also a great spot for to watch rugby, hurling and soccer.
Proof Wine Bar
Need an escape from the hustle and bustle of DC nightlife?
Kick back at Proof, dine like a champ, and choose from their hundreds of wines and dozens of cocktails.
Rocket Bar
Rocket Bar: the alternative to drinking beer and playing video games in the basement at home.
Billiards, darts, arcade games, and more!
Check out our profile on Rocket Bar.
Cuba Libre
Styled in the fashion of an Old Havana cafe, Cuba Libre offers over 75 varieties of rum, a kitchen open until 1 am on weekends, salsa lessons, cigar rollers, and live entertainment.
CLOSED: Buddha Bar DC
ATTN: Unfortunately, this venue is no longer open.
- Venue Type: Restaurant/Lounge
- Estimated Size: 300+
- Amenities: Large Saki and Signature Drink Menus; Complimentary lounge setting, Giant Buddha
- Cover Charge: None
- Hours: Lunch:
M-F 11:30 – 2:30
Dinner, Nightlife:
M/Tu 5:30 – 11, 12
W/Th: 5:30 – 12, 2
F/Sa: 5:30 – 1, 3
Su: 5:30 -12, 2 - Dress Code: Clean and Stylish
- Age Requirement: 21+ to drink
- Neighborhood: Gallery Place – Chinatown
- Address: 455 Massachusetts Ave. NW Washington, DC 20001. (202) 377 5555
- Website: www.buddhabardc.com
- Atmosphere: The Buddha Bar chain is famous for its intimately lit, posh interiors. Patrons tend to be an upscale 25-45 more akin to sitting with friends than mingling at the bar or dancing. There are plenty of table/lounge areas with couches. A dance floor exists where the lounge, dinner and bar areas meet but is not a focus. The first time you walk into Buddha Bar you will be blown away by its eclectic elegance.
Venue Overview
The Buddha Bar chain is famous for its posh interiors inspired by Asian Temple, Portuguese Estate and Santa Fe influences with colonial style mahogany furniture. The décor consists of Chinese and Japanese artifacts, magic lanterns, elegant chandeliers and light fixtures housed under high ceilings in a large, airy room. In the back sits a giant Buddha, the signature of every Buddha Bar.
Each zone is meant to instill a feeling of weightlessness. Buddha Bar is lit as perfect as a lounge can be with its amber shading. The wood panels, ancient vases, oriental statues, mosaic, golden fabric and lacquer wood add to the prestige.
On the left hand wall of the venue, raised far above the floor sits an illuminated DJ booth where the bouncing flow of house music is mildly channeled through the lounge’s system. The space opens up towards the back and holds a dining room and the chain’s signature, a massive statue of The Buddha, sitting in the back.
Once extremely popular in NY, LA, Paris and throughout the world, recent years have seen Buddha Bar lose its trending status. There are exceptions, such as Barcelona and Lisbon, where actors, athletes and models come together.
Although the nightlife may be subpar when compared to her contemporaries, Buddha Bar DC’s menu features choice Asian fusion cuisines including amazing sushi, hot and cold dishes and an impressive saki menu.
Latest Updates from Buddha Bar
Photo Tour
Video Tour: Buddha Bar in Washington DC
What do YOU think?
How was your experience with Buddha Bar? Share your feedback below!
Feedback should be insightful, helpful, and intelligent. Remember, the owners of these venues often read and reply, so make sure your complaints are valid, criticisms are constructive, and your compliments justified. If you didn’t like a place, explain what could be improved. If you had a bad experience, explain what went wrong in a civilized manner. If you liked a place, explain what made it great.
Note: Feedback that does not fit within these guidelines will not be approved.
Panorama Podcast Episode 2 feat. DJ Ramzy 01.18.12
Panorama Podcast, Episode #2 feat. DJ Ramzy
The brand new Panorama Productions Podcast!!!
Coming out every Wednesday!
“Like” Panorama Productions
Follow @DCClubbing
Watch CLUBSLIVE
*Presenting the Panorama Podcast*
Episode #2 – DC resident DJ Ramzy
Panorama Podcast: DJ Ramy 01.18.12 (Episode 2) by DCClubbing
For more free downloads of great sets from the best DJs in Washington, DC, please subscribe to Panorama Productions on SoundCloud!
The Panorama Productions Podcast consists of live and studio sets from DC’s hottest local talents. Live sets are recorded weekly at Ultrabar, Barcode, Lima, Josephine, and/or Glow Washington DC.
Georgetown
Upscale, great shopping and home of DC’s top university, Georgetown is a hopping place for night life in Washington, DC. Home to some of the city’s trendiest shops, bars, and restaurants, Georgetown is an oasis of upscale indulgences. With the scene centered around M Street, Wisconsin Avenue, and the Georgetown Waterfront; students, residents and visitors come together in this affluent playground.
Below is a list of some great venues in Georgetown.
Maté
Great place to impress a date.
Good sushi, smooth cocktails, low lighting and close to the waterfront.
Old Glory
Beer, bourbon, and BBQ.
Old Glory is swamped with college students on weekends and hungry people during the day.
Rhino Bar
Located in the center of M Street, Rhino Bar has great drink specials and drunk college students.
If dancing and drinking isn’t quite your thing, Rhino Bar also features plenty of sports on its TVs.
The Tombs
Also portrayed in St. Elmo’s Fire, The Tombs is a Georgetown tradition, with food and drinks for days… and days.
If you dine/drink there every day of the semester, you’ll be inscribed on their “99 Days” wall of fame!
H Street
H Street’s “Atlas District”
Clubs, bars, theaters and restaurants have popped up on Washington DC’s H Street in recent years thanks to renewed gentrification efforts. With development around the landmark Atlas Theater, hip new crowds are rediscovering H Street. It’s kind of a hassle getting there due to a lack of public transportation, but trolleys are expected to be build by 2013. For now, if you’re trying to reach H Street Washington DC, call a cab and head east!
Rock and Roll Hotel
“You can play here but you can’t stay here.”
R&R’s got private suites, reckless bar games and super diverse music (indie rock concerts to DJ nights). The non-pretentious attitude and engaging atmosphere guarantees a great night out.
Learn more about the Rock and Roll Hotel
The Argonaut Tavern
The Argonaut is the first of the new wave of venues to open in H Street’s Atlas District.
Let your evening set sail at this ‘sailor’s hangout’ with 25+ types of rum, handcraft beers and coastal-inspired menu.
Happy hour and beer/food specials make the Argonaut a great place to chill.
Biergarten Haus
This place is like DC’s German beer heaven. We’re talking hefeweizen, kolsh, pilsners… the list goes on.
A taste of Bavaria to DC, Biergarten Haus also serves dope German food like homemade jager-schnitzel and sweet strudels late into the night.
With a huge outdoor patio, it’s also an incredible spot to enjoy a drink on a nice day.
H Street Country Club
Grab a round of drinks and grub some Mexican food before taking a swing at H Street’s DC-themed, indoor miniature golf course!
If margaritas and golf aren’t your thing, they’ve got over 25 tequilas, shuffleboard and skeeball.
Little Miss Whiskey’s Golden Dollar
Reminiscent of a New Orleans bar (thanks to purple & green lighting and Saints football), Little Miss Whiskey is known for:
– an extensive beer selection
– popular theme parties
– DJs spinning the best of the 80s, 90s, and today
– Saints football, obviously
Check out our profile of Little Miss Whiskey’s!
The Pug
The Pug is a boxing-themed bar with a very clear and simple philosophy:
“No idiots. No specials. No shooters. No politics. No bombs. Relax. Be cool. Drink. Behave.”
Each of these nine statements can be found on chalkboards hanging over the bar. Think you can do that?
Sticky Rice
If you want sushi and tater tots or just trying to get hammered off sake, Sticky Rice is the place to be.
Weekend nights have VDJs and are a seriously awesome time. Low key, great vibe, everything you want in a bar.
K Street
Power Meets Pleasure
Home to the world’s most powerful think tanks, lobbyists, and advocacy groups, it’s no surprise K Street also has some of Washington, DC’s best clubs. Gone are the throngs of prostitutes that once patrolled the sidewalks; K Street night life now bustles with young adults and professionals in search of a fun night out.
Below is a list of some great clubs venues in on K Street.
Barcode
Barcode’s got it all:
– Kitchen til Midnight
– No cover
– (10) 42″ HDTVs and (2) 70″ HD Projectors
– Every sports package
– Heated patio, hookah, lounge, bar, and more!
Visit Barcode, you won’t be disappointed!
POV at The W Hotel
Not quite K Street but not exactly Gallery Place, The W Hotel’s POV rooftop bar/lounge is a destination for happy hours, low key evenings and private affairs.
The view is simply unbeatable.
Get the scoop on this Washington, DC rooftop lounge.
Eden
Eden has multiple levels and a rooftop that rivals the best of South Beach.
Shadow Room
A Vegas inspired lounge focused on the best service available, anywhere.
Technology-driven menu systems and athlete/celeb sightings made Shadow room a DC favorite.
Learn more about Shadow Room in DC
Cities Lounge and Restaurant
A sunken main room with more VIP booths than standing room, Cities is a defining ‘bottles and models’ DC lounge.
Learn more about Cities Lounge & Restaurant in DC
The Park at Fourteenth
The Park at Fourteenth squeezes a ton into its four floors.
It’s got a dining room and multiple dance floors playing everything.
When Lebron, Floyd and 50 are in town this is where you’ll find them.
Check out The Park at Fourteenth in DC
Capitale
Located in place of the former K Street Lounge, Capitale’s extravagant interior brings a piece of Hollywood to K Street while still retaining local flavor through its unique “mobile kitchen” concept.
Learn more about Capitale in DC
Soundcheck
Located on 14th and K, Soundcheck boasts one of the most state-of-the-art sound systems DC has to offer plus studio quality sound proofing throughout. Not to mention a killer list of upcoming parties and DJs!
