Nightlife in Washington DC
Where Washington DC goes out — handpicked bars, clubs, live music rooms and late-night eats for any kind of night.
Top spots in Washington DC
Eastern Market
Food & DrinkCapitol Hill
Saturday flea + farmers market in a Victorian brick hall — get the blueberry pancakes.
U Street
NightlifeU Street
Historic jazz corridor — Lincoln Theatre, Ben's Chili Bowl and 9:30 Club nearby.
Where to eat
Rose's Luxury
$$$New American · Capitol Hill
No reservations, line at 4pm — pork sausage with lychee is the move.
Le Diplomate
$$$French brasserie · 14th Street
Paris transplant on 14th — best people-watching patio in town.
Ben's Chili Bowl
$Half-smokes · U Street
DC institution since 1958 — half-smoke with chili and onions.
Maydan
$$$Middle Eastern / North African · 14th Street
Open-flame hearth cooking in a candlelit courtyard.
Compass Rose
$$Global street food · 14th Street
Khachapuri, jianbing and Trinidadian doubles in a townhouse.
Live & on stage
Broccoli City Festival
RFK Festival Grounds · May 9–10 · Hip-hop / R&B
Jazz in the Garden
National Gallery Sculpture Garden · May – Aug Fridays · Jazz / Free
9:30 Club Year-Round
9:30 Club · Year-round · Indie / Mixed
Frequently asked
- Standouts include Eastern Market, U Street. The list mixes cocktail bars, live-music rooms and dance floors so you can build a full night without leaving the neighbourhood.