5 Things You Need To Remember Before You Go Clubbing In DC
The weather is breaking! Therefore, we know that you’re going to want to head out to the club! Here at DCClubbing.com, we may or may not know a few things about having a good time on the town, so we decided to leave a few helpful hints to take your nightlife activities to the next level. Looking to ensure that you and all of your friends have a fantastic night on the town? Follow these guidelines!
1. If you’re traveling in a crew of 8 or more, get a table.
Pure mathematics state that going out and having a “good time” will ideally cost you around $50-$100. As well, we know that most people headed out for a night on the town don’t travel alone. If you and your crew of friends are particularly fond of a particular alcohol and mixer combination or two, that’s when the idea of a table makes sense. In the case of an ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure, two bottles of your favorite liquor, with orange juice and cranberry juice, PLUS SEATING adds to the comfort and convenience of what can tend to be something often a lot more difficult.
2. Follow dress code guidelines
Dress codes exist for a reason. A venue’s management wanting to add a touch of class to “just” a night on the town to make it a premium event will often add a dress code for atmospheric purposes. Also, if you’re in the market for a potential mate, look at a dress code as not a negative, but rather a positive addition to your attempt at making the ideal connection.
3. Ride-sharing…use it.
We’ve all been there. In either the preparation for a night on the town or at the party itself, we maybe take things a step too far or a drink past our limits. There’s something about ridesharing, and the ease and comfort of direct and customized door-to-door service, that’s ideal for a night where things can get somewhat crazy pretty quickly. Both Uber and Lyft offer first-use rider discounts, and many late-night drivers will often have water, aspirin, or whatever is necessary for solving potential post party headaches.
4. Observe the buddy system
When possible, always head out with a group of friends. Whether at a massive club or an intimate venue, being out with friends you trust makes sticking together and enjoying the atmosphere that much more entertaining. Want a surefire way for your Snapchat stories to be super lit and for your Instagram pics to get hundreds of likes? There’s real worth in being in the most fantastic place with the most amazing people. Hot spots like Ultrabar, Decades, Soundcheck, Barcode, and Echostage are that much more epic when you’re with your friends. A pro tip? Make sure you’ve got everyone’s number and opened up a group chat to make it easy to get in touch if you can’t find each other in the midst of having all of the fun.
5. No two clubs or parties are the same. Homework is essential.
Every venue comes equipped with its own particular set of charms. From Facebook to magazines like DJ Mag and Mixmag, and others in the business of offering helpful reviews and more, there’s always someone in the industry of being in the know willing to give you that extra 10% of knowledge that takes an evening to a whole other level of fun. Is there a unique beverage that is unique to the venue? A special selfie opportunity? Rules regarding dress code, free early entry, and if there’s say, a celebrity in the building? These are all things that are worth learning from a simple background check.
Eighteenth Street Lounge
- Venue Type: Not your typical lounge!
- Estimated Size: 200 people
- Amenities: 2 Floors, Outdoor terrace, Private Events, bottle service, live music, 2 DJs
- Cover Charge: $5 – $15
- Hours: Tues – Thurs: 5:30p – 2a
Fri: 5:30p – 3a, Sat: 9:30p – 3a
Sun: 9:30p – 2a - Dress Code: Look presentable, no shorts.
- Age Requirement: 21+
- Location: Midtown
- Address: 1212 18th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036. (202) 466-3922
- Website: www.eighteenthstreetlounge.com
- Atmosphere: Eighteenth Street Lounge has long been one of Washington DC’s most eclectic, sophisticated and exclusive nightlife venues. Founded in 1995 by the DC-bred, internationally acclaimed live DJ act Thievery Corporation, ESL operates out of a 19th Century Victorian mansion formerly owned by President Theodore Roosevelt. Over the years the swanky DC lounge has become a landmark of DC nightlife.
Venue Overview
With no signs, awnings or anything else to indicate that you’ve arrived, ESL can be difficult to find for someone visiting for the first time. Years ago the venue was so under the radar there was a doorbell and peephole for the bouncer to check before you could go in! With no formal advertisement, the owners managed to create a DC club brand by word of mouth. The venue is actually located above a ‘Mattress Discounters’ store at the intersection of 18th and Connecticut. The door is just to the left.
As you enter and ascend your way to the main level of ESL, you’re met by a DJ booth and small dance area. To the left is a mini-lounge/dance area and beyond that a large outdoor terrace complete with bar! Turning right, you find the main bar and the spacious Main Room with all the comforts of any high roller’s pad, including dazzling chandeliers, fireplaces, high ceilings, and plenty of couches for lounging.
Walking down from the main room into the sunken Gold Room brings you to a dance floor with mini-stage and sound booth. The Gold Room plays host to DJ acts, jam bands, reggae and Brazilian performances and more!
Going back to the main room, patrons may find a staircase leading to the top level Jazz Bar which on occasion features techno DJs as well!
18th Street Lounge’s overall appeal is in the comfortable, eclectic elegance of the venue coupled with the mix of well to do patrons looking for a chill, relaxing atmosphere sans pretentiousness. It’s without question a must-visit for anyone who enjoys going out in DC!
Parties
- Wednesdays are one of the best nights to visit ESL. Reggae night features a DJ in the main room, live music in the Gold Room and one of the coolest crowds in DC nightlife!
- Thursdays can feature anything from live Brazilian acts to house DJs and everything in between!
- Fridays are more eclectic rhythms – DJs, funk bands and an amazing vibe!
- Saturdays keep the vibe alive, baby!
- Sundays, like Wednesdays, are one of ESL’s foundation nights. With music from legendary DC house resident Sam The Man Burns, the night is a classic!
Latest Updates from ESL
Get Hooked Up
- Guest List & Table Reservations: email reservations@eighteenthstreetlounge.com or guestlist@eighteenthstreetlounge.com
Photo Tour: The Terrace
Photo Tour: The Main Room
Photo Tour: The Gold Room
Photo Tour: The Jazz Bar
Video Tour: ESL
What do YOU think?
How was YOUR experience at Eighteenth Street Lounge? 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 things made it great.
Note: Feedback that does not fit within these guidelines will not be approved.
Eden Celebrates 1 Year Anniversary: Sat 6/4/11
What:
Eden Nightclub and Lounge’s 1 Year Anniversary
Where:
1716 I St NW Washington DC 20006. (202) 905 9300
When:
Saturday June 4, 2011 10:30pm – 3:30am
Line up:
Green Room (1st Floor): DJ Trayze | 2nd Floor: DJ Dynamix | Garden of Eden (Roof): Phil Chang & Ryan Mosel
Since it opened last summer, Eden has established itself as one of DC nightlife’s go to venues: 4 floors of aesthetic beauty. Guests of Eden find themselves surrounded by sophisticated LED displays, jungle-esque decor (it is the Garden of Eden, after all) and upscale clientele. Although a narrow venue, Eden provides a unique experience, especially to those lucky enough to make it to the rooftop, which brings a piece of South Beach to DC nightlife.
The DC nightlife summer kicks off this weekend with a flurry of events! Thursday 6/3/11 there’s Fedde le Grand at Glow @ Lima Lounge. Friday 6/4/11 experience DJ Enferno live at PoP @ Ultrabar Nightclub or check out the Jadakiss Birthday Bash at Fur Nightclub. This Saturday you’ve got Glenn Morrison spinning at Glow @ Fur Nightclub, DC’s biggest party; Ladies Night @ Ultrabar and of course, Eden Nightclub’s 1 year anniversary event!
