Black Cat

1831 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009 202-667-7960

Description: 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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Blues Alley

1073 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007 202-337-4141

Description: GEORGETOWN. Although this club may be a little pricey for some, it presents top-name jazz artists in an intimate setting. A roster of past performers includes Dizzy Gillespie and Wynton Marsalis. While you groove to the rhythms, take advantage of their great Creole dinners, or enjoy a well-mixed cocktail. A great place for jazz-lovers. METRO: Foggy Bottom/GWU
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Bohemian Caverns

2001 Eleventh Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 202-299-0801

Description: DOWNTOWN. A classy dining room, accented with dark wood, elegant chandeliers, a piano and a fireplace, greets guests at Bohemian caverns. Menu items include the "Miles Davis" (lamb kabobs on saffron rice), the "Charlie Parker" (linguine with crabmeat, shrimp, scallions and Roma tomatoes) and other Mediterranean-inspired dishes. After dinner, descend into the legendary Club Caverns, a below-ground concert venue adorned in geologically themed décor, for the main event. If jazz isn't your thing, then check out Club 2001, the upstairs lounge, where DJs spin a wider variety of tunes.
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Columbia Station

2325 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009 202-462-6040

Description: ADAMS-MORGAN. Columbia Station sponsors live jazz concerts every night of the week. If you expect to get a good seat, though, you have to show up early. While you wait, look over the unusual artwork on the walls. Around 10pm, the show begins, and the room floods with local jazz music. Terrific performances! Dress is casual to business casual but nothing too fancy. METRO: Woodley Park/Zoo or Dupont Circle
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DC9

1940 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001 202-483-5000

Description: 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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Duke's City Restaurant and Lounge

1208 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

Description: U STREET. Bright yellow walls, earthen-toned floor tiles, potted green plants and light wood bistro tables create an upbeat atmosphere at this upscale restaurant, and live jazz on Thursday-Sunday nights enhances the experience. Menu offerings range from chicken picatta and London broil to hummus and Portobello sandwiches. Pancakes, available with blueberries, strawberries, bananas or chocolate chips, and French toast are popular at Sunday brunch. DJs offer entertainment in the upstairs lounge on Friday and Saturday nights, while Thursdays feature live hip-hop.
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Galaxy Hut

2711 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201 703-525-8646

Description: 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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Grog and Tankard

2408 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007 202-333-3114

Description: 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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Habana Village

1834 Columbia Rd NW, Washington, DC 20009 202-462-6310

Description: ADAMS-MORGAN. This four-story club can add a little spice to your life with dance lessons and great live music. You aren't likely to be off your feet much here ­ you'll find yourself doing the salsa, tango, merengue and samba before you know it. The house specialty drink is the mojito, a powerful mix of rum, sugar and crushed mint leaves. If you need to take a break from dancing, there are cozy lounges on the third and fourth floors. METRO: Dupont Circle
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Iota Café

2832 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201 703-522-8340

Description: 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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Love

1350 Okie St NE, Washington, DC 20002 202-636-9030

Description: NORTHEAST. Four levels of state-of-the-art diversions and urban scenery attract entertainers, pro athletes and DC's sexiest civvies to this converted warehouse. Packed dance floors led by elite DJs, plush sitting areas, and luxurious private lounges combine to keep patrons enthralled well into the night. And while the third-level pool room offers a place to stoke competitive fires, the exclusive Loft on the top floor beguiles with its swanky bar and the Penthouse, a VIP area with wall-to-wall carpet, bar, restroom and shower.
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Madam's Organ

2461 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009 202-667-5370

Description: 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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Mr. Henry's

601 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003 202-546-8412

Description: CAPITOL HILL. Mr. Henry's is a combination club, restaurant and bar, covering all the crucial entertainment points simultaneously. You can listen to top-notch local jazz (on Thursdays and Fridays), enjoy a delicious meal, and nurse a favorite cocktail without ever leaving your table. Roberta Flack and Julia Nixon are among the performers who have graced the stage. Be sure to check out their Sunday brunch as well. METRO: Eastern Market
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Nightclub 9:30

815 V St NW, Washington, DC 20009 202-393-0930

Description: 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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Rock n Roll Hotel

1353 H Street, Washington, DC 20002 202-388-7625

Description: CAPITOL HILL. At this nostalgic club, DJs and occasional live rock bands stir up action on the dance floor, and a themed bar and lounge (upstairs) provide plenty of space for relaxation.
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Twins Jazz

1344 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009 202-234-0072

Description: U STREET. Multicolored tiles and artwork accent this intimate restaurant, where guests enjoy live jazz from grassroots musicians. Although they're really there for the show, diners don't pass up the Ethiopian fare, which includes fried plantains, curry chicken, whole red snapper prepared in a Creole sauce, or a vegetarian platter, along with a beer or glass of house wine.
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Twins Lounge

5516 Colorado Ave NW, Washington, DC 20011 202-882-2523

Description: BRIGHTWOOD PARK. Keeping with truth in advertising, Twins Lounge is actually owned by a pair of Ethiopian twins. Their great night spot allows guests to listen to great jazz while snacking on authentic Ethiopian and American appetizers and entrees. The small bar only holds about 50 people, so come early to get a good seat. Popular with area residents, you'll discover that local musicians are just as likely to be in the audience as on the stage.
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U-Topia

1418 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009 202-483-7669

Description: U STREET. U-topia offers a little bit of everything, pleasing just about everyone. The focus here is on the arts, so you may find poetry one night and live jazz the next. The menu, full of international favorites, is superb, and there's always jazz and blues playing in the background, if not live on stage. The bar crowd is electric, and all are welcome. METRO: U Street/Cardoza
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Velvet Lounge

915 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001 202-462-3213

Description: U STREET. The Velvet Lounge is not like any of the other bars you'll find. The windows are draped with red velvet and the martinis are some of the best around. This bar specializes in local and regional bands, with Tuesday being an open mic night. The downstairs bar has no cover, so you can enjoy listening to the music without paying to watch the band. METRO: U Street/Cardoza
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Whitlow's on Wilson

2854 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22206 703-276-9693

Description: ARLINGTON. With a history dating back more than 50 years, this family-owned and operated favorite offers the best personal service, great seafood and burgers, and a low-key vibe that makes even the most frazzled traveler feel relaxed. Don't expect hip, trendy decor and blaring music ­ instead you'll find a pleasant bar and a quiet patio ideally suited for conversation and mingling. Rock, funk and soul are often featured on the stage. You may also try your skills on the pool and foosball tables. Just follow the landmark neon sign that simply reads "Grill."
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