Cities Restaurant and Lounge

- Venue Type: Restaurant, Lounge
- Estimated Size: 350 people
- Amenities: Valet, Bottle Service, Kitchen open late, Private Dining Room
- Cover Charge: None
- Hours: Mon – Thu: 11:30am – 10:00pm, Fri: 11:30am – 3:00am, Sat: 10:00pm – 3:00am
- Dress Code: Look nice. Don’t wear a t-shirt or sneakers.
- Age Requirement: 21+
- Location:Golden Triangle
- Address: 919 19th Street NW Washington, DC 20006. (202) 331 3232
- Website: www.citieswashington.com
- Atmosphere: The natural, earth-toned color scheme and ambient lighting of Cities Washington DC provides a simple, elegant backdrop for the DC nightlife player. 24 LED screens enhance the experience with visions of international oases. Segmented into three areas with a retractable wall on the patio/dining room, bridged-bar and VIP booth-laden lounge; Cities is a playground for DC nightlife regulars and high-end lounge goers.
Venue Overview
The original Cities Washington, located in Adams Morgan, catered to DC nightlife’s high-end crowd. The main attraction was the quarterly changing of the menu and decor to reflect the most chic cities in the world. Years after closing its doors, the concept of Cities Washington has been reborn. Every few months the menu, visuals and certain elements of decor will change to reflect that quarter’s highlighted city.
For Summer 2011, Cities will be highlighting the culinary and aesthetic pleasures of Athens, Greece; Havana, Cuba; and Shanghai, China; with Washington, DC being a year-round feature. Current highlights from the restaurants small-plate-style menu include Goat Cheese Fritters (tempura-style), Yellowfin Tuna Tartar, the Cuban Sandwich (a classic!) and the Chesepeake Crab Cakes.

A massive downtown sidewalk leads to an equally large outdoor patio, complete with plush couches and lowered tables. With off-duty officers serving as security, patrons can rest easy knowing the concept of cocky bouncers has been smashed. A retractable wall provides a glimpse into Cities’ sleek dining room, which is rather difficult at times to find a seat. Needless to say, reservations are recommended if you plan on dining.
The dining room leads up to a gorgeous, 2-sided bar where the liquor is found in the center of the bartenders’ work space. Well lit and very clean, it’s one of the more attractive bars in DC lounges. While one half of the bar serves the patio and dining room, the other half serves one of the most trendy lounges in DC. A sunken room with more VIP booths than standing room, Cities is a defining ‘bottles and models’ DC lounge. The LED screens wrapping the walls, beautiful women, well-dressed men and hefty bar tabs exemplify this to the fullest.
Parties
- Thursday – Saturday features gorgeous people, bottles of champagne and vodka, house music and an open-air venue, weather permitting. It’s high-end and low-key.
Bookings
For private parties, please contact Carla Urquart at carla@citieswashington.com
Latest Updates from Cities
Photo Tour: Patio

Photo Tour: Dining Room
Photo Tour: Lounge
What do YOU think?
How was your DC nightlife experience with Cities? Share your feedback below!
The owners of these venues often read and reply. Your thoughts will be taken seriously if they are honest and constructive. If you had a bad experience, explain what could be improved. If you had a great time, explain what made it great.
Feedback that does not fit within these guidelines will not be approved.
Opera Ultra Lounge DC: Sneak Preview & brief lesson in DC nightclub history

As the DC nightlife scene continues to grow and mature, more places are opening up to appeal to the lounge scene. Opera Ultra Lounge is set to be one of those great new spots, with an opening date set for the first week in June, though it’s not set in stone.
While still under construction, Opera is designed to be a unique lounge with a positive and upscale atmosphere and vibe, with emphasis on service. The space was designed by Francois Frossard, a famed nightclub/lounge designer that has laid out some of the most lavish nightclubs in Miami like Set, Mansion, Privie, and ArKadia. This means very modern and stylish decor, interesting furniture, futurisic layout, bright colors, and a very cool vibe.

Their sound and lights are being done by Baha Design Group, the same people who did Policy and Josephine in DC. Since Opera is planning to have DJ events and live music events, this means it’ll be done right with good strong sound, elegant lighting, and cool effects. All without being overbearing or ridiculous.

See more pics of Opera under construction
Opera is also located in the neighborhood that was beginning of the nightlife scene in DC. For those who have been around the DC nightlife scene for a while, its a very significant and nostalgic neighborhood. 14th and I was the center of everything.
Diva Nightclub, Zei Club, and Spy Club. Those were the only places in DC for real nightlife back in the 90s. Sure, there was Georgetown and Adams Morgan, but those were bars, not nightclubs or serious lounges. The only other real clubs at the time were Vault (which became Babylon, Casbah, Home, and is now Ultrabar), 5th column, and DC Live. That’s it. 14th and I is the place where modern DC nightlife was born.
But one place in particular within the 14th & I neighborhood stands out from the rest in DC clubbing history: Spy Club. It was the spot where most of the DC promoters turned owners got their starts. Masoud A (Lima, Vetro), Antonis Karagounis (Barcode, Lima, Ultrabar), Marc Barnes (Love, Park), Mike Romeo (Fur, Lotus, Tattoo, Midtown, Dirty Martini), Charles Zhou (Eden, Muse), Andre Demoya (Eyebar which later became Eden) all got their start in DC as promoters at Spy.

When Spy club shut down, Karagounis just went a few doors down to Zei club, where Rob Alanis (Current lounge) was General Manager, and Dave Karim (Current, Josephine, Lost Society) was a managing partner.

This is also the spot where Glow, the center of the mainstream electronic music scene in the mid-atlantic, got its start with Pete Moutso and Guest DJ George Acosta on October 5th, 1999. Karagounis had heard Acosta spinning in Shadow Lounge in Florida, and knew he had to book him. Acosta ripped up the crowd that Moutso and Karagounis has built up, and Glow was born.

Who would’ve thought that 12 years later, they’d become the center of the EDM world in the mid-atlantic, booking the biggest artists in the world regularly twice a week. Its hard to imagine this random weekly party grew into an organization that puts on massive shows with Tiesto and 10,000 fans, and huge music festivals with 22,000+ people and 24 major EDM artists. Its grown to be the favorite party of both Armin van Buuren and David Guetta.
…and it all started right here in the historic 14th & I neighborhood.
Learn more about Opera Ultra Lounge
Facebook: www.facebook.com/operadc
Website: www.operadc.com
Win a 4-course Champagne dinner for 2 from CoCo Sala

To celebrate their 3-year anniversary, our neighbors at Coco Sala are giving away a free dinner for 2! All you have to do is comment on their post by the end of the day on Sunday (May 15th 2011) with your favorite CoCo Sala experience!
They’re also having a celebration right now (Thursday) to mark the occasion in style, complete with complimentary champagne and the works. Their food is really fantastic, so go ahead, indulge yourself!
From their Facebook pagec:
“Thanks to all of our loyal guests & friends, Co Co. Sala will be celebrating its 3rd Anniversary this Thursday! #DC Our celebration wouldn’t be complete without those who have continuously showered us with love & support. Please stop by Thursday between 4pm-9pm, tell your bartender/server “Happy Anniversary Co Co. Sala” & receive a complimentary glass of Bubbly. Here’s to many more years filled with amazing friends like you!”
More info:
www.cocosala.com
www.facebook.com/cocosala
3 Reasons to Love Thursdays at Barcöde
Barcöde, the latest addition to Washington, DC’s vibrant restaurant and nightlife scenes, is the perfect place to spend your Thursday evenings.

-
The Atmosphere :: Sleek, laid back and cool. Whether you want to dance, hang out at the bar, chill on a couch in the lounge or enjoy the heated outdoor patio, Barcöde gives you options with style.
-
The Kitchen is Open Late :: Feel free to enjoy Barcöde’s nouveau American menu until midnight! Especially good is the salmon tartare and brick oven pizzas (we suggest pesto with prosciutto on top!)
Barcode Restaurant, Bar and Lounge
1101 17th Street, NW
Washington D.C., DC 20036
(202) 955-9001
View Larger Map
When it comes to DC restaurants and DC nightlife, Barcöde satisfies every desire. Come in this Thursday and see for yourself!
New Year’s Eve Gala at Barcode Lounge DC
Barcode provides a completely different atmosphere for celebrating New Year’s Eve in DC, combining the energy and partying of New Year’s Eve with the relaxing yet upscale Bar and Lounge experience that’s made Barcode famous!
Its the perfect spot for those who want to rock out on NYE in DC without dealing with the loud music, long lines, and big nightclub feel.
The night starts out with a big buffet showcasing the very best of Barcode’s Menu. From the Grilled Salmon Fillets and the Beef Strip Loin to the Risotto Croquettes and the Cheese Platter, there’s something on the menu for everyone.
After the buffet clears out, DJ Saam cranks up the music as people get a little crazy for the impending new year! The Ball Drop will be on all the TVs and Projectors as people dance in the aisles or chill at their tables with a cocktail. The music will feature the wide range of Dance, Top 40, and House that has made Saam such an awesome success as a DJ in DC.
Get your tickets now: Barcode New Years Eve Tickets



An inside look at Barcöde, DC’s newest Restaurant, Bar, Lounge!
Located in the heart of the corporate section of downtown DC on the corner of 17th and L, Barcode Restaurant, Bar, Lounge is already creating quite a stir among all the DC Restaurants, DC Bars, and DC Lounges because of its unique nature. By day, its an upscale restaurant and bar perfect for a quick lunch or happy hour after work. By night, its a luxurious bar & lounge that’s great as a dinner and cocktails destination or just a place to get wine and cheese. Late at night, its a great place to lounge, hang out, and party in style.
Inside, you’ll find Marble bartops, Leather seats, 10 HD TVs, Heated outdoor patio, Hardwood accents, Glass walls, LED lighting, and candlelit tables. With the simple touch of a button, the entire venue changes color as thousands of LEDs throughout the walls, ceilings, and floors change colors, flooding the room with brilliant light in a dazzling display of technology. And yet even with all these refinements, cutting edge effects, and upscale amenities, its still a place where you can always find the big sports games on the TVs. Its a place you’ll have to see to believe.
What To Eat
The first thing you’ll notice when you see the barcode menu is that this is no ordinary bar menu. If you’re looking for something to snack on while watching the game or enjoying a few beers with coworkers, try the Avocado Dip with parmesan cheese, dry tomatoes, and fresh oven bread cracker or the Grilled Calamari with spicy olive oil, roasted garlic, and lemon. You could also go with a glass of wine and the Fontina Melted Cheese and Fresh Bread.






.
If you’re looking for a real meal, Barcode’s got you covered. Try the Beef Strip Loin or the Grilled Salmon. Both of which are delicately seasoned and flame grilled to perfection for an intense mouth watering flavor. The Pesto Pasta is also a great choice, lightly seasoned with basil, its a guaranteed hit. If you’re up for something simple, get the Barcode Pizza, made the way you like it in our real brick pizza oven from fresh dough made right here at Barcode.
Happy Hour at Barcode is also ridiculous, with Half Price Beer, Wine, and Rail Drinks, the place gets packed with nearby office workers looking to blow off some steam after a long day in the office. It runs daily from 4pm – 7pm, and has already become a staple in the neighborhood after only a few short weeks. There’s even a heated outdoor patio to sit back and enjoy with friends when the weather is nice.
There’s also late night entertainment with DJs and performers playing in the Lounge! Tuesdays feature Glow Presents: Saeed Younan, Thursdays feature the sounds of Chris Stiles, Fridays showcase DJ Saam, and Saturdays have DJ Kam. All the nightlife events are strictly 21+, no dress code, no cover charge. The best part about the late night events is that the Kitchen is open ’till 12am, which means you can drink, party, and dine late into the night!
Barcode is a pretty impressive spot. Where else in DC can you find a single venue that is a fantastic spot for a quick lunch, then a perfect happy hour bar, then a great dinner and cocktails destination, then a full-fledged bar and lounge? Only Barcode.
Open Daily: Noon – 2am (weekdays), 5pm – 3am (weekends)
Kitchen: Open ’till 12am
Happy Hour: 4pm – 7pm, Half off all beer, wines, and rail drinks.
Location: 1101 17th Street NW Washington DC (Entrance is on L street, next to the coffee shop)
Website: www.barcodedc.com
Barcode: DC Restaurants, DC Lounges, DC Bars
Glow presents: Tuesdays at Barcode with Saeed Younan!
Tuesday Nights in Washington DC will never be the same with the addition of Tuesday Nights at Barcode Restaurant and Lounge DC! Its a chill night with cool beats and surprise guest DJs.
Come hang out and sip a martini on the heated outdoor patio, relax in the lounge, get dinner at any time (the kitchen is open ’till 12am), or just hang out at the bar and talk with friends while enjoying the rhythms of DC’s very own Saeed Younan. Check out the complete Barcode DC Restaurant menu on the Barcode DC website!
Barcode is 21+. No Cover. No Dress code.
Located at 1101 17TH STREET NW-DC, entrance on L Street.
Fright Night Football at BARCODE Tonight! (Sunday 10/31/10)
Come get your first look at DC’s newest Restaurant, Bar, and Lounge tonight and enjoy the game on the 10 TVs and the huge projector!
All beer will be HALF OFF until midnight! Come in your Halloween costume and go absolutely nuts!
Barcode is located at 1101 17th Street NW Washington DC 20036. The entrance is on L street, next to the coffee shop.
Doors open at 8pm, kitchen open late.
PAUL OAKENFOLD at Glow! Thursday 5/20 at Lima Lounge!Club Glow, dc clubs, dc lounges, dc nightlife, lima lounge, nightclubs, paul oakenfold
GLOW Washington DC presents:
Paul Oakenfold
(www.pauloakenfold.com/ myspace.com/pauloakenfold)
Opening Set by Roberto Gonzalez
Thursday, May 20th 2010 at Lima
1401 K St NW Washington DC
Doors Open at 10pm, Ages 21+
Every year from 1997 – 2004 he was top 10 in the DJ Mag poll, twice at #1 and twice at #2. From 2005-2008 he remained in the top 15. He currently sits at #23. Paul Oakenfold just might be the most consistent trance DJ ever. He is a legend. He was there when it all started and he is still here, still tearing up dance floors across the world, still pumping bass from Thailand to South Africa. Without Paul Oakenfold there might not be an Armin van Buuren, ATB, Ferry Corsten, or trance as we know it. Paul Oakenfold, along with artists like Johan Gielen, Robert Miles and M.I.K.E. took early styles of trance and molded them to what many refer to today as ‘epic’ or ‘uplifting’ trance.
Paul Oakenfold’s roots as a music pioneer run far deeper than just trance. At the age of 21 he was sneaking into Studio 54, posing as a journalist and interviewing the stars. As A&R for Champion Records in the 80’s, Paul was responsible for signing The Fresh Prince and DJ Jazzy Jeff as well as Salt-n-Pepa. He was also a promoter and the British agent for the Beastie Boys and Run DMC.
In the mid-late 80’s, Oakey traveled to Ibiza and was enamored by the Balearic beats. He would go on to mold the sound Ibiza is now known for. In 1992, under the name Perfecto (after his record label), Paul’s remix of U2’s “Even Better Than the Real Thing,” reached a higher chart position than… the real thing! U2 hired him the next year to be their opening act. 2 years later he was the first DJ to play the main stage at Glastonbury.
He’s remixed for U2, The Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, shall we keep going? He’s done the music for Saab, Toyota and Pepsi commercials. He worked on the scores to The Matrix Reloaded, Swordfish, The Bourne Identity, Shrek 2 and many others.
We didn’t need an event description for Paul Oakenfold, just a short recap of his illustrious career. To this day he remains one of DJ Mag’s top 25. If you don’t come to see Paul Oakenfold at Lima Lounge this Thursday… then you’re dumb.
Roger Sanchez at GLOW at Lima Lounge!
GLOW Washington DC presents:
Roger Sanchez
(www.rogersanchez.com myspace.com/rogersanchez)
Special Guest Lex Da Funk (myspace.com/funkymuzik)
Opening Set by Rich Webb
Thu, May 13th 2010 at Lima Lounge 1401 K St NW Washington DC Ages 21+ Purchase your tickets here!
Along with Junior Vasquez, David Morales and Danny Tenaglia, Sanchez helped pioneer the sound of NY house; taking it international and ending up an icon in Ibiza. 2007 saw Roger take down the Ibiza DJ Award for Best House DJ as well as a top 25 ranking in DJ Magazine’s acclaimed poll. He was #13 in the first ever DJ Mag top 100 poll (1997) and he’s still in it today!! Currently ranked #60, he has lost absolutely none of his swagger. His set last fall at Made Event’s Electric Zoo in NYC was without question one of the best. He’s about the music, not the hype.
Roger’s ‘Release Yourself’ brand is internationally known as one of the best podcasts, parties and compilations. Whether it’s his infamous 7-8 sets at Amnesia, IDMA’s Best Global Club 3 years running; the 1.5 million listeners of his award winning podcast (IDMA); or the ridiculous mixes he drops every year; one thing is clear; Roger Sanchez was, is and will continue to be one of the best live acts electronic music has to offer.
With Lima as his canvas, Sanchez is set to paint a musical masterpiece across one of DC’s most savvy nightclubs. The seductive intimacy of Lima is the perfect backdrop for The S-Man’s ultra sexy house. With a new album on the way and special guest Lex Da Funk, now is the perfect time to experience Roger Sanchez at Lima Lounge, a legend of house music.