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1. DC9
1940 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001 · 202-483-5000
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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
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U STREET. The Nightclub 9:30 is always packed, so get there early if you want a good standing spot (there are no chairs). On stage, you'll see both big name national acts and local bands. Past performers include REM, Fiona Apple, My Bloody Valentine, Moby, Bob Mould, and Garbage. Four bars make it easy to get refills. Call or check their website for the calendar. METRO: U Street/Cardoza
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3. Black Cat
1831 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009 · 202-667-7960
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U STREET. The Black Cat is a rocking, post-funk bar co-owned by the Foo Fighters' Dave Grohl. The stage is always alive with alternative music, and the bar prices are decent. The bar menu includes mostly vegetarian dishes. The separate bar next door has no cover charge, some great drinks, a few pool tables, and a jukebox. METRO: U Street/Cardoza
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4. State Theatre
220 N Washington St, Falls Church, VA 22046-4517 · 703-237-0300
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FALLS CHURCH. This renovated movie theater has transformed into an attractive, popular live music venue. Hardwood floors, several bars, full-dining and a luxurious balcony make it a comfortable spot to hear live rock, blues and folk bands perform nightly. Patrons scurry for seats, so arrive early or plan to stand – or if the night calls for it, kick your heels up on the dance floor! Reserved tables are $10-20, and there's a $10 food minimum per person. NB On show nights, the ticket booth is open until 11:30pm.
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ADAMS-MORGAN. Madam's Organ will definitely provide you with an interesting night out! All patrons attempt to squeeze onto the tiny dance floor and enjoy the blues, R&B and bluegrass music you will find here. There are pool tables, too, if you are up for some competition. One fair warning: this party can get kind of wild for, as the motto goes, this is where the "beautiful people come to get ugly." If you dare, check out Madam's 2nd floor bar, Big Daddy's Love Lounge and Pick-up Joint. METRO: Woodley Park/Zoo
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6. Birchmere
3701 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22305 · 703-549-7500
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ALEXANDRIA. Birchmere is an interesting mix between a bar and a concert hall. You will always find great live music, including names like Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Nancy Griffith. There are pool halls, their own famous brewery, and a full-service bar. You are likely to hear folk, blues and bluegrass performances while you are here. METRO: Braddock Road
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7. Galaxy Hut
2711 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201 · 703-525-8646
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CLARENDON. This little club is likely to be overcrowded with locals because the space is so limited. However, if you can get inside, it's well worth the trouble. The bands sit level with the audience, the crowd is youngish and full of energy, and the bar fare is excellent – regardless of whether you are out for something greasy like cheese fries or for something healthy from their vegetarian kitchen. There are 15 beers on tap. No one here is out to impress anyone, so come as you are and have good time. METRO: Courthouse / Clarendon
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8. Iota Café
2832 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201 · 703-522-8340
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CLARENDON. Iota Club & Café sponsors local musicians, both those just getting started and those who have already established names for themselves as singers and songwriters. Open mic nights give everyone a chance to be a star, and literary fans often attend the Sunday poetry series, where everyone is encouraged to read. The menu features hot entrees (including vegetarian dishes), along with soups, salads, and great appetizers. METRO: Clarendon
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UPPER NORTHWEST. You are likely to find this place packed with college students, who are probably there to see their friends' bands. The Grog and Tankard hosts many of DC's local bands, especially cover bands that play the tunes everyone knows. The stage is in the center of the room, so of course, the action is in the music. METRO: Tenleytown/AU
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ALEXANDRIA. You receive a hearty Irish welcome as soon as you walk into this popular pub, where owner Pat Troy loves entertaining his guests with a song. Belly up to the bar and lose yourself in a cold pint of stout while you listen to the live Irish music that plays every night. If the old stomach starts to rumble don't fret – the menu includes everything from marinated chicken and salmon filet sandwiches to traditional shepherd's pie and fish & chips. METRO: King Street
About 10Best's recommendations for Washington's Live Music:
The nightlife scene in Washington is dynamic enough to suit just about everybody's taste. This is especially true in the case of bars and clubs specializing in live music. If you dig that kind of show – rock, blues, jazz, country, or R&B, it doesn't matter – do yourself a favor and check out the big-name acts and local bands scheduled to play at these spots.
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