Washington Nightlife - With its politicians, tourists, celebrities, Capitol Hill Staffers, college interns, international bureaucrats, assorted business people and just its average inhabitants, Washington’s nightlife can be as varied and diverse as its population. From high-brow theatre, to low brow comedy clubs, from dance clubs to supper clubs, there is an after dark option for everyone.

Keep in mind that the drinking age in Washington, as well as the rest of the United States is 21, so be prepared to show official identification. Most clubs and bars won’t let anyone under that age through the door. Some clubs do offer ‘over-18’ shows or specific nights. However you usually have to have a hand stamp which allows you access to the bar. As with most cities, the hippest spots in Washington revolve fast so be forewarned. You can find out more information on after dark events through the Washington City Paper or the monthly On Tap (both are free and can be found at entrances of stores and clubs). The Washington Post’s ‘Weekend’ section can also provide information on interesting restaurants, theatres and shows.

Needless to say every neighbourhood in Washington has its own watering hole. If you absolutely need a place to start your night, aim for either Georgetown or Adam’s Morgan. Along Wisconsin Avenue and M Streets in Georgetown you will find many restaurants, coffee shops and more than its fair share of martini/cigar bars, though it isn’t hard to spot the student hang outs. Adam’s Morgan tends to be more eclectic with its Ethiopian restaurants, African dance clubs, salsa bars and your traditional Euro dance club. Washington is also home to the happy hour which can include cheap drinks and cheaper eats. Not a bad place to finish of a day of sight seeing and before beginning a night of revelry.

Downtown

ESPN Zone: For sports fanatics who just have to catch the game, ESPN Zone is hard to beat. Though in tourist season, it can be packed with families. For more information 202/783-3776, 555 12th St NW, Metro: Metro Center

18th Street Lounge: Beautiful people need apply. It’s a bit hard to find and if you are not dressed in the best duds, you may not make it in, but once you do get in, it’s fun! There are two floors of either live of DJ-spun music to dance to. For more information: 202/466-3922, 1212 18th Street NW, Metro: Farragut North.

Foggy Bottom

Foggy Bottom Pub: With its Saturday $10 all you can eat and drink special, its no wonder this place is popular with the GWU students. Its an easy place to mingle and maybe chat up a co-ed. For more information: 202/338-8488, 1716 I St NW, Metro: Farragut West.

Adam’s Morgan

Tryst: Easily the best coffeehouse in D.C. With wonderful food, better drinks and a laid back classy atmosphere, its easy to meet a friend, a date or arrange a tryst. For more information 202/232-5500, 2459 18th St NW, Metro: Woodley Park-Zoo/Adam’s Morgan.

Madam’s Organ: For live music, Madam’s Organ is hard to beat. A Washington institution, you can find live music from 9:30pm every night (usually blues). For more information 202/667-5370, 2461
18th Street NW, Metro: Woodley Park.

Capitol Hill/Eastern Market

Banana Café and Piano Bar: With its Caribbean flavor and its nightly offering of jazz and its eclectic mix of gay and straight couples, this bar will bring a little of the island vibe to you. For more information 202/543-5906, 500 8th St, Metro: Eastern Market

Hawk & Dove: This favorite of Capitol Hill staffers has been an institution since the 1960’s. Its got great happy hour specials, and an easy place to relax over a game of pool. For more information: 202/543-3300, 329 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Metro: Eastern Market.

Dupont Circle

Café Citron: With its thumping Latin music, red swathed couches, and its potent mojitos, Café Citron feels like a throwback to Havana in its prime. No matter how cold Washington is, its hot in here. For more information: 202/530-8844, 1343 Connecticut Ave NW, Metro: Dupont Circle.

Georgetown

Tombs: Want to feel like a Georgetown student? Look no further. With its clubby atmosphere and its freely flowing pitchers, it’s the quintessential student hang out. For more information 202/337-6668, 1226 36th St, Metro: Georgetown Shuttle from Rosslyn.