Echostage

Launched in 2012, Echostage is DC’s largest nightlife concert venue. The massive 30,000 square feet space comes with a cutting-edge, German-imported D&B Audiotechnik V series sound system, advanced LED visual displays, and interior design that ensures unobstructed sight lines from any seat in the house. The sensory experience of an Echostage event distinguishes the space from other DC entertainment players. Guests can grab a close-up glimpse of the stage from the photo pit or take a breather at two 60-foot long bars that line each side of the dance floor. Visitors looking to enjoy the show from up high can cozy up to seven of their closest friends in one of the 30 bottle service tables on the VIP Mezzanine. The unique and versatile space of Echostage has also had the pleasure of having famous artists like David Guetta, Calvin Harris, Avicii, Armin van Buuren, Hardwell and Tiesto play at the venue. At Echostage you know that you are going to get the best 21+ concert experience in DC.

• 2135 Queens Chapel Rd NE Washington, DC 20018
• Langdon
• Dress Code: Casual
• $$$

Opera Ultra Lounge

Opera Ultra Lounge is a unique lounge providing a posh and elegant atmosphere, professional staff, and superior service. Designed by renowned nightlife designer Francois Frossard, the lounge aims at creating cutting-edge multi-faceted entertainment venue for their guests that utilizes the latest technology to provide their patrons with premier service, design, and experience. With their sights on industry leading talent, celebrities and guests, they have created a one of a kind venue with a state-of-the-art Funktion One sound system from BAHA Design Group and lighting by acclaimed designer Michael Meacham of iDesign. At Opera Ultra Lounge, they break the standard mold of DC nightclubs by offering a full entertainment schedule, including both club-driven DJ bookings and live entertainment from Jazz bands to acoustic performances.

• 1400 I St NW Washington, DC 20005
• Downtown
• Dress Code: Strict
• $$

Soundcheck

• 1420 K Street NW Washington, DC 20005
• Downtown
• Dress Code: Moderate
• $$

Flash

Flash opened its doors in June of 2013 as a collaboration between long-time lovers of music, former DJ’s, and music industry vets. Their goal was to present an intimate space where artists can express themselves clearly and fans can hear their favorite artists in an ideal setting. The Club Level features an acoustically treated studio-quality room showcasing a custom Funktion One sound system and a next-generation lighting rig designed to heighten the experience. It provides a balance between dance floor, fully stocked bar and wall-to-wall bench seating. The ground floor, appropriately named Flash Bar, features a separate dance floor and DJ area, coat check, ATM, additional restrooms, and a fully stocked bar specializing in a wide selection of liquor and hand-crafted cocktails. Flash is open every Friday and Saturday night with headlining national and international DJ talents covering a wide spectrum of house music, from deep to techno. Other styles of music are also presented numerous nights per week.

• 645 Florida Ave NW Washington, DC 20001
• U Street
• Dress Code: Casual
• $$

9:30 Club

The 9:30 Club, originally named Nightclub 9:30, also known simply as the 9:30, is a nightclub and concert venue in Washington, D.C., which was originally housed in the ground floor rear room of the Atlantic Building at 930 F Street NW, in the city's downtown area, where it opened on May 31, 1980, with a legal standing capacity of only 199 patrons. In 1996, due to its increasing prominence, the club was moved to a roomier space, its current location at 815 V Street NW, where it anchors the eastern end of the U Street Corridor. As a special feature, the club, with capacity for up to 1,200 people, has a wheeled stage mounted on rails, which can be moved back and forth as needed. This way, the place can feel as packed with 500 people in attendance as it would during a sold-out, full capacity show. The 9:30 Club's name was derived from its original street address, as well as the original opening time of 9:30 p.m. Early advertising on D.C.'s WHFS radio featured the slogan "9:30 – a Place and Time!"

• 815 V St. NW Washington, DC 20001
• U Street
• Dress Code: Casual
• $

The Mayflower Club

Mediterranean cuisine served in a trendy, split-level restaurant with a glam, neon-lit bar. Prohibition in the United States was a nationwide constitutional ban on the production, importation transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages from 1920 to 1933. There were 3,000 speakeasies all over Washington, DC and 22,000 gallons of liquor were smuggled weekly to these establishments During the Prohibition, the building's fourth floor at 1223 Connecticut Avenue was home to one of DC's most prominent speakeasies, The Mayflower Club. The speakeasy was home to a 30-foot bar that served elegant cocktails to high-society clients and, decorated with a mural of Mahatma Gandhi and other famous figures playing piano.

• 1223 Connecticut Ave NW Washington, DC 20036
• $