Washington D.C. is probably the last place you'd expect to party, would you? The capital city of the US is best known as the place where the president lives, where major laws are created, and where American history comes to life. But partying? Well, why not? Surprisingly, the city has a cool and lively nightlife scene, ranging from cool bars and sneaky speakeasies to crowded nightclubs. You'd want to check out Cafe Citron, Decades, and U Street Music Hall if you're up for some fun after the sun in the District of Columbia!
9:30 Club
Located off the famous U Street, 9:30 Club is an institution of a hotspot in the American capital. For years, the club has served as a platform for both A-list artists and rising stars to bring the party to Washington D.C. and beyond. It's far from the biggest concert venue in the city, but it's one that never fails to fill to the brim, no matter who's performing. Those who have moved to Washington D.C. know that when there's an event at the 9:30 Club, it's likely worth checking out, regardless of whether you know the artist or not.
Source: 9:30 Club Facebook Page.
Cafe Citron
At first glance, Cafe Citron on Connecticut Avenue doesn't seem like a place to party in Washington D.C. or any other city out there. It's a restaurant & bar that serves flavorful Latin cuisine paired with well-crafted cocktails. A nice soirée, sure, but a full-blown party? Why, yes! When Cafe Citron gets lit, it becomes the hottest spot in town! Despite its relatively small space, there's enough legroom for people to dance, vibe, and just have a ball. The music they play here never fails to get anyone moving too, from classic jazz to Reggaeton.
Source: Cafe Citron
Decades
15,000 square feet of retro music and awesome drinks await those who want to have fun here at Decades. As D.C.'s only multi-level nightclub, the sky's the limit to how you can party in this nightlife oasis. It helps that the place has six floors and eight bars on offer. You can hold a birthday party in one area and go to the underground rave in another. Whether you prefer a chill night with close friends or you want to dance a night away surrounded by strangers, Decades is the ultimate party spot in the Nation's Capital.
Source: Decades Facebook Page
El Techo
Feel the spirit of Mexico at the heart of the American capital. El Techo is a restaurant & bar on Florida Avenue in the middle of
Washington D.C.'s central neighborhoods, specifically the city's northwest quadrant. Billed as an ”adult treehouse” thanks to its poppin' rooftop area. This is where the drinks flow, the music plays, and the bodies move. The other area operates as a classy restaurant where you can indulge in authentic, flavorful Mexican cuisine. So here, you get the best of both worlds. You can enjoy a meal with loved ones or party till kingdom come, all within the same place!
Source: El Techo
Howard Theatre
Yes, you read that right! One of the best spots to party in Washington D.C. is an old theater turned into one of the hottest concert venues and clubs in the city. The Howard Theatre may look like the kind of place that puts on Shakespeare plays and award-winning musicals, but all the entertainment you'll find here includes rock concerts and EDM. Even its ground floor doesn't have seats anymore. It's an entire cockpit when a band is playing or the dance floor when there's a superstar DJ on. Moreover, you can also rent the Howard Theatre and turn it into your own private ballroom for the night.
Source: The Howard Theatre Facebook Page
Nellie’s Sports Bar
With how it looks and what it's named, it's easy to mistake Nellie’s Sports Bar as an ordinary bar. While it's still a local bar that plays sports on TV and serves beer a'la the
best pubs in London, it's also one of the hottest gay clubs in the District of Columbia. When it doesn't have the game on, the place puts on the coolest raves and the funniest drag shows in Washington D.C. All in all, it's the ultimate queer space in the American capital, so you just know that it gets lit every Pride Month!
Source: Nellie’s Sports Bar Facebook Page
The Brixton
Speaking of British pubs, did you know that there actually is one in the American capital? The Brixton is one of the hottest happy hour spots along U Street, which is saying something because this is Washington D.C.'s most popular nightlife hub. It's the perfect place when you want a chill night out, or to pre-game before you go to the main event. The vibes here are a lot more relaxed compared to the other spots on this list, especially with its affordable food and drinks. It's also a suitable date venue, specifically the rooftop area. Watch the sunset with your special someone here and it'll be one of your most memorable dates ever.
Source: The Brixton Facebook Page.
U Street Music Hall
If you could only
spend a day in Washington D.C., you'll want to cap off the night at the U Street Music Hall. This is the city's ultimate party spot, widely regarded as the hottest club in town. The place boasts the biggest dance floor and invites the most popular DJs to play, so you just know that it gets lit unlike any other! Even top-charting artists perform here too, making it one of the best concert venues in D.C. too. If you're up for a night out on the town, U Street Music Hall ought to be one of the places you're planning to check out!
Source: U Street Music Hall/ Mile Kimchi
Do you know where to party in Washington D.C.? You’d be surprised at how lit the American capital can get, especially in these awesome hotspots throughout the city. People here know how to party like there’s no tomorrow!