Expert recommendations of the best clubs, bars, and other after-dark venues.
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Black Cat
"The place to get so close to the lead singer you get sweated on." — Kate Rosenblatt, reporter, DC Modern Luxury magazine. One of Washington's premier independent and alternative music venues. Big names appear upstairs, up-and-coming local groups in the back room; no cover for front bar, $5 and up for bands on both stages; open to 2 a.m. weekdays, 3 a.m weekends. 1811 14th St., NW; tel. +1 202 667 7960. www.blackcatdc.com
Birchmere
"A live music hall with sit-down tables, waiter service, and a strict 'no talking' policy."—Larry Porges, editor, National Geographic's Washington, D.C. A highly eclectic Washington venue; located in nearby Alexandria, Virginia. Bluegrass and country (Mary Chapin Carpenter got her start here) and national acts with a mellower touch including Linda Ronstadt, Dave Matthews, and Lyle Lovett; ticket prices vary. 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA; tel. +1 703 549 7500. www.birchmere.com
Bohemian Caverns
"Maintains U Street history and adds a new generation of D.C. urban music; open mike nights on Wednesdays combines jazz and a hip-hop flavor."—Colleen Clark, co-author, Night+Day D.C. Second only to Harlem in the '20s, D.C. is still a big blues and jazz town. The club dates from an original incarnation as Club Caverns in 1926; John Coltrane and Miles Davis played here regularly, Thelonius Monk and Wynton Marsalis more recently. Interior mimics a cavern. Cover fee. 2001 11th St.; tel. +1 202 299 0800. www.bohemiancaverns.com
Blues Alley
Forty-plus-year-old supper club in Georgetown; intimate venue with superb acoustics; attracts legends (the late Dizzy Gillespie) and features big-name local acts. Open seven days till 12:30 a.m. $10 minimum; cover fee. 1073 Wisconsin Ave., NW; tel. +1 202 337 4141. www.bluesalley.com
Madams Organ
A down-scale bar that blares bluegrass on Wednesdays, sports atmospherically dirty floors, and offers redheads half-price Rolling Rocks. 2461 18th St., NW; tel. +1 202 667 5370. www.madamsorgan.com
18th Street Lounge
Quiet, couch-filled venue; dress code (no sneakers) "World famous DJs; founded by Thievery Corporation member; the roof deck is a hidden treasure."—Colleen Clark. Known for good music including international mixes (it has its own recording label, ESL Music), imported beverages, and relaxed, upscale lounge feel. 1212 18th St NW; tel. +1 202 466 3922.
9:30 Club
"A good example of the baby bear of concerts—not too big that you need binoculars, not too small that you can't get tickets. It's just right."—Kate Rosenblatt. Intimate venue booking big local acts such as Washington Social Club, popular international acts such as Travis and independent favorites such as Bob Mould. 815 V St., NW; tel. +1 202 265 0930. www.930.com
