DC9

U STREET. If you're keen on finding a nightspot that doesn't fall into the realm of "trendy," this U Streeter is a good place to start. DC9 has established itself as a great place to meet up early in the evening when all you want to do is play songs on the jukebox, catch up on the day's events, and down a few doses of your favorite poison. Around 8pm or so, things get more high octane as the concert hall upstairs hosts a who's who of local bands, from hip-hop to rock acts. After they're done with the frenzied crowd, the reins are given over to the house DJs, who spin cutting-edge dance music until the wee hours. METRO: U Street