We’re always looking for something new and exciting to do or see, and in a town as vibrant and dynamic as Washington DC, there’s always so much to enjoy and experience. So given the town’s ever-changing restaurant scene to its dizzying array of world-class theatres and clubs, a little direction on what’s up and coming may also be helpful. Here are 10 places to try where you can enjoy an evening out on the town in DC this season – be sure to drop us a line and let us know what makes your list as well!
9:30 Club Toki Underground 18th St Lounge Russia House
| Name | Location | Description |
| 9:30 Club | 815 V St. NW | If you are looking for a night filled with music and dancing, head to the 9:30 Club. The venue has a state-of-the-art sound system and concertgoers will have great views from the open floor to the large balcony. You can catch your favorite performers from Conor Oberst (of Bright Eyes) to Michelle Branch all year long. The club offers a full bar from microbrews to cocktails and tasty bites for pre-concert munchies as well – there’s even a secret bar on-site for post-show escapades. |
| Rose’s Luxury | 717 8th St. SE | Dine at Rose’s Luxury for a simple, fun atmosphere. The menu ranges from Italian comfort eats like rigatoni to Asian staples like their Kung Pao tofu. Guests can order from the innovative and tasty cocktail list. The converted townhouse has a homey but hip feel. Make sure to arrive early since dinner begins being served at 5PM. Note that Rose’s also spreads the love by donating $.25 for every meal eaten to WFP-USA to help feed a hungry child all over the world. |
| Toki Underground | 1234 H St.NE | Toki Underground is a low-key spot where diners can squeeze into tiny seats and dive into some of the most delicious Taiwanese and Japanese dishes available in town. Bright graffiti dresses the walls, and guests can order from one of 20 sakes offered on the menu. Start with the fried chicken steamed buns and slurp down one of the many delicious bowls of ramen. And don’t forget about dessert: The chocolate chip cookies are served with red miso buttercream and milk. Make sure to arrive early, or grab a brew at the downstairs bar while you wait for a table. |
| The Wonderland Ballroom | 1101 Kenyon St. NW | Entertainment and cocktails are both served up at the Wonderland Ballroom. The space has an outdoor Bohemian garden where guests can order up bar eats, from fried pickles to burritos, and watch their favorite entertainers. Stop in every Monday night for trivia night or listen to live music on Sundays. The ballroom has events all week long from taco Tuesday to live music throughout the weekend. |
| 1212 18th St. NW | This always-fun and -engaging space was once home to former U.S. president Teddy Roosevelt, and is the perfect space to dance into the wee hours of the morning. Décor like chandeliers and antique sofas gives the venue – which has multiple rooms’ worth of entertainment and bars – a romantic feel. Once inside, you will hear the sounds of uptempo jazz tunes blaring through the speakers or music spun by some of the city’s well-known DJs. Make sure to stop in for happy hour Tuesday through Friday from 5 to 9PM for $5 wine, beer and cocktails. Fair warning: The space has a strict dress code policy. | |
| Wooly Mammoth Theatre | 641 D St. NW | The Wooly Mammoth Theatre is a contemporary space that celebrates artists from all over the DC area. The theatre’s goal is to produce not only the classics, but fresh new productions that engage a variety of audiences. The venue offers an intimate, courtyard-style setup and is close to the Metro, museums restaurants and the National Mall. Wooly’s offers myriad productions throughout the year, so make sure to purchase tickets soon. |
| H Street Country Club | 1335 H St. NE | Enjoy tacos and tequila as you tee up for a night of indoor mini golf. This unique space serves up cocktails and delicious eats while offering a few rounds of on the links, shuffleboard, and SkeeBall. The space also offers more than 2,000 square-feet of covered roof deck for dining and drinking during those summer nights. Brunch is also served on the weekends with menu items like their huevos rancheros to French mex toast (French toast accompanied by plantains and sweet cream). |
| Russia House
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1800 Connecticut Ave. NW | At Russia House, you can indulge in some truly authentic Russian cuisine. Known as one of DC’s landmarks, you’ll immediately recognize it from the authentic flags waving outside its front windows. Come for some nightly cocktails or enjoy dinner on Sundays when the restaurant offers a three-course prix fixe menu. Their vodka selection is extensive and their menu items range from traditional dishes like the wild boar sausage to duck rillette. |
| Atlas Arcade | 1236 H St. NE | DC’s retro arcade bar will take you right back to your childhood. Grab a cocktail and play some of your most favorite video games from back in the day. Everything from The Simpsons to Street Fighter and video games from myriad classic consoles are on offer. And if that wasn’t enough, on each first Tuesday of the month the arcade offers Rock Band tournaments and Sundays are dedicated to the best movies of the ‘80s and ‘90s. Grab your favorite Pop-Tart (yes, they are sold here) and come have some fun. |
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1600 21st St. NW |
The Phillips Collection After 5 event offers a lively mix of art and entertainment, including live music, food and cocktails, on the first Thursday of every month. Visitors can purchase tickets in advance to the museum’s event and will have the opportunity to eat and sip as they admire the monthly exhibits from a variety of artists from all over the world. |
Cheat Sheet
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Intrepid intern Christina Elia is currently pursuing her BA in Art History Communications at Fordham University, and writes about various topics ranging from arts and culture to practical tips and how-to advice. She has been published on online platforms such as The Odyssey. You can follow her on Twitter via @stinaelia
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