There is no shortage of places to drink in the capital city, with everything from pumping nightclubs to upscale jazz bars at your fingertips. Despite the fact the go-go performances have been banned in DC, these can still be found in clubs that front as jazz clubs. The best place in the city to see a go-go performance is Takoma Station Tavern (6914 4th St NW, Takoma, Northeast) though this area is certainly not the center of the city’s nightlife. The Adams Morgan area is home to some of the city’s hottest clubs such as the sushi bar/nightclub Saki (2477 18th St NW). No trip to Adams Morgan is complete without an evening at Madam’s Organ (2461 18th St NW), which is a fixture in the neighborhood.

The Dupont area is dotted with bars, nightclubs, cafés, and lounges and is a well-established nightlife spot. Bier Baron (1523 22nd St NW) serves a selection of 500 beers from around the world, while Cafe Citron (1343 Connecticut Ave NW) is a great place to sip on mojitos and margaritas. One of the city’s most famous clubs is the beautiful Eighteenth Street Lounge (1212 18th ST NW), whose DC clientele are as sophisticated as this revamped mansion.

Shaw’s U Street is for the more stylish DC crowd, which can be seen at the wine bar Local 16 (1602 U St NW). Live music is among the best in this area, with The Black Cat (1811 14th St NW) being a landmark hosting big and small name hip-hop and rock acts. Bohemian Caverns (2001 11th St) is the best place to listen to live jazz and has hosted the likes of Duke Ellington himself.