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Nightlife

  Washington DC, Nightlife

The nightlife in the centre of Washington, DC is not so developed as in other cities, because few people actually live in the centre of the city. As a result, bars tend to be busy in the early evening but quiet later on and at weekends. Most entertainment is to be found in the surrounding neighbourhoods, such as Capitol Hill, Georgetown and Adams Morgan. Opening hours are generally from lunchtime to around 0200 and even later at the weekends, although many only get going at around midnight. Most bars have happy hours in the early evening, where drinks can go for half price. There is generally a charge of about US$5‐15, to enter most clubs and most venues expect smart dress, with definitely no jeans or trainers. There are often age restrictions, generally 21 years (the legal drinking age) and most clubs will require a picture ID. The average price of a drink while out and about in Washington, DC is US$6.

Many clubs only open from Thursday to Saturday, so check in the listings paper, the Washington City Paper (website: www.washingtoncitypaper.com), for details of what’s on when and where.

Bars: Capitol City Brewing Co, 1100 New York Avenue, NW, and 2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE, is a micro‐brewery franchise with a good selection of beers and some food. The Brickskellar, 1523 22nd Street, NW, boasts the world’s largest selection of beer. There seems to be at least one Irish bar in most cities now and Washington, DC is no exception, with the Dubliner Pub, located in the Phoenix Park Hotel, 520 North Capitol Street, NW, providing live music and Guinness on tap. The Round Robin Bar, located in the Willard Intercontinental Hotel, 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue, is a popular meeting place for the movers and shakers of DC. Most US presidents have come here at one time or another and it is the place where statesman Henry Clay introduced the Mint Julep to Washington patrons.

Casinos: Casinos are illegal in Washington, DC.

Clubs: The Spot, 932 F Street, NW, is a major nightclub with 20 bars and seven rooms, each with a different type of music, such as house, Latin and retro. One of the newest dance clubs in town is Five, 1214 18th Street, NW, with two rooms offering progressive house and trance music or down tempo and hip hop. Grunge, techno, indie, retro and dance music all are on offer at Heaven and Hell, 2327 18th Street, NW, which has regular live music and happy hours. The Zanzibar, 700 Water Street, SW, has a satisfying mix of music from jazz to blues, Latin and dance. The popular Felix and the Spy Lounge, 2406 18th Street, NW, plays jazz, swing, skat and funk jazz.

Comedy: At The Capital Steps, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, punters can expect witty political skits and songs from these once congressional staffers turned comedians. The Improv, 1140 Connecticut Avenue, NW, has performances by local and national comics, many of whom have appeared on network shows and cable comedy series. From time to time, there are stand‐up comedy nights at the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street, NW.

Live music: Blues Alley, 1073 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, is the nation’s oldest surviving jazz supper club. Well known names have appeared here and patrons can enjoy the show without ordering dinner. The long established 9.30 Club, 815 V Street, NW, attracts an impressive name list of live bands, many of which are international. Trendy Polly’s Café, 1342 U Street, NW, is a favourite hangout for all sections of DC society. The Black Cat, 1811 14th Street, NW, is a cool venue, hosting national, international and alternative live music acts.