DC Alumni Recommended Nightlife

Washington DC does not suffer from lack of good bars and neighborhoods. Below are just a few suggestions for drinks, dancing and late night snacking. Please feel free to reply to this post with your recommendations.

The area around Pennsylvania Ave SE and Barracks Row (8th street SE, south of Pennsylvania Avenue) is home to a number of traditional pubs open all day and into the evening for sports on the television and/or some good political talk. It's difficult to name them all, but WashingtonDC.com and BarracksRow.org have comprehensive listings and more information on the area.

Other local standouts:
Cafe St. Ex (Logan Circle)
Bar Pilar (Logan Circle)
Local 16 (U Street)
Marvin (U Street)
Chi-Cha Lounge (U Street)
Vinoteca (U Street)
Tabard Inn (DuPont Circle)
Topaz Lounge (DuPont Circle)
Town & Country in the Mayflower Hotel (Farragut North)
18th Street Lounge (DuPont Circle)
Dragonfly (DuPont Circle)

Adam's Morgan is well-known for its many bars and restaurants. Among the local favorites:
Madam's Organ and Bossa are great for live music
The Black Squirrel boasts an extensive beer selection
Napolean Bistro & Lounge is known for its lounge scene and great crepes
Meze and Soussi are worth a trip for their water pipes, among other things

As for late night snacks, there really is only one place in DC to check out the late night crowd – Ben’s Chili Bowl on U Street. It’s open until about 4:00 am, so post-gala and post-post-gala, it may be the place to go.