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Nightlife
The nightlife in the centre of Washington, DC is not so developed as in other cities because few people live in the centre of the city. As a result, bars tend to be the busiest in the early evening. 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 places only get going at around midnight. Most bars have happy hours in the early evening where drinks can be as little as half price. There is generally a charge of about US$5-15 to enter most clubs. 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. Many clubs only open from Thursday to Saturday so check in the listings paper, the Washington City Paper (website: www.washingtoncitypaper.com ) or the Washington Post entertainment guide (website: www.washingtonpost.com/visitorsguide ) for details of what’s on when and where.
Bars: Half-priced beers and appetisers helped the Front Page, 1333 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, win washingtonpost.com's Best Bets 2003 Readers' Choice contest. Another favourite is Capitol City Brewing Co, a microbrewery with a good selection of beers and some food at 1100 New York Avenue, NW and 2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE. The Brickskellar at 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 - Ireland’s Four Provinces, 3412 Connecticut Avenue, provides live music and Guinness on tap. The Round Robin Bar in the Willard Intercontinental Hotel at 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 Henry Clay introduced the Mint Julep to Washington patrons.
Casinos: Casinos are illegal in Washington, DC.
Clubs: The Spot at 619 F Street, NW, is a major nightclub with 20 bars and seven rooms, each with a different type of music, such as house, Latin, salsa and retro. One of the newest dance clubs in town is Five, at 1214-B 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 are all on offer at Heaven and Hell, 2327 18th Street, NW, which has regular live music, happy hours and a famous 80s night every Tuesday. The Zanzibar at 700 Water Street, SW, has a real mix of music from jazz to blues, Latin and dance. The popular Felix and the Spy Lounge at 2406 18th Street, NW, plays jazz, swing, skat and funk jazz.
Comedy: The Capitol Steps, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. 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 Caf at 1342 U Street, NW, is a favourite hangout for all sections of DC society. The Black Cat at 1811 14th Street, NW is a cool place hosting national, international and alternative live music acts, and Madam’s Organ, 2461 18th Street, NW, in the Adams Morgan neighbourhood, features soul food, along with live R & B, jazz and bluegrass music.
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Nightlife