The Hamilton Jazz Club / Music Venue / Restaurant

Two blocks from the White House, restaurant and live music venue The Hamilton combines sophisticated food and low-key music with a clubby atmosphere. Though built recently in 2011, it evokes an old-school boys club feel.

The music section of the building, called Live, is open for shows most nights. Live music at The Hamilton consists of acts suitable for the sit-down dining room, such as singer-songwriters, jazz, and acoustic sets. An audience of 300 can sit at tables, with room for another 150 around the space’s two bars. The tiered floor makes for good sightlines throughout. Concerts at The Hamilton vary between general admission and reserved seating. Tickets are handled through the venue’s box office and website.

The restaurant at The Hamilton is an upscale two-story space with the masculine look of a steakhouse. The second floor, fashioned as a British pub, is reserved mostly for private parties. The restaurant can seat 400 and is open every day for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night dining. Brunch is served on weekends, and weekdays feature a daily sushi happy hour. Cocktails at The Hamilton – like the Green Thumb or the Aaron Burr – are handcrafted and creative.