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Party Earth Review A U Street Corridor staple since 1993, Black Cat is a cornerstone of the DC music and nightlife scene, and continues to feature an incredibly diverse mix of nightly acts. Lesser-known bands and DJs perform on the knee... ... read full review
1811 14th Street NW
Washington, DC 20009
Green, Yellow Lines: U-Street/African-Amer Civil War Memorial/Cardozo
202-667-4490
M–Th, Su 8pm–2am, F–Sa 7pm–3am
U Street Corridor, Washington, DC –
A U Street Corridor staple since 1993, Black Cat is a cornerstone of the DC music and nightlife scene, and continues to feature an incredibly diverse mix of nightly acts.
Lesser-known bands and DJs perform on the knee-high stage in the Backstage Concert Room, a purple-hued and sparsely decorated ground floor space that doubles as a makeshift theater for the weekly movie or TV screenings.
The crimson walls of the aptly named Red Room Bar form a backdrop for punk rockers and club kids alike who catch their breath on scattered couches or over a relaxed game of pinball or pool, while the adjoining Food for Thought Café keeps everyone well fed with diner fare and vegetarian dishes.
The biggest party, however, is in the dark Mainstage Room on the second level, where big names like the Flaming Lips and Moby pack the house with so many dedicated fans that the checkered floor disappears beneath seven hundred pairs of happy feet.
Two more bars on either side of the open room keep patrons well sauced, as major DJ parties keep the dancing at a frenzied pace.
While it’s often said that crossing paths with a Black Cat is bad luck, avid music lovers on the prowl for great music in DC know this Cat is damn near purrfect.
Diverse mix based on nightly event: punk rockers, students, artists, musicians, urban hipsters, club kids, movie lovers, raver-types, bohemians, and young professionals, 18 to early 30s.
Nightly live music on at least one of the two stages, ranging from acoustic and reggae to rock and hardcore punk. DJs spin with just as much diversity in their selection as the live acts, from 80s mash-ups to hip-hop and dance. Weekly movie or TV screenings in the Backstage Concert Room. Pinball, pool table and jukebox in the Red Room Bar.
Food for Thought Café offers vegan and vegetarian fare and American pub grub, including vegan chili, vegan hot dogs, and a flame-grilled mahi mahi sandwich. Capacity is two hundred in the Backstage space and seven hundred in the Mainstage room. Cash only. Two ATMs on site. All ages in the concert rooms.
Cover charge $0–$25/Backstage and Mainstage only. Appetizers $3–$5, salads $3.50–$7, vegan/vegetarian dishes $3–$7, entrées $3–$10, desserts $1–$3. Beer $3–$7, wine $4–$5, cocktails $5–$8.
Casual: jeans, t-shirts, Chuck Taylors, plaid button-downs, skinny jeans, studded belts, band shirts, and a sprinkling of collars.
Any night for live music, though Fridays and Saturdays are the go-to nights for the biggest-name bands and/or DJs.
Café Saint-Ex (1847 14th Street NW) offers a similar party atmosphere, a popular menu, and a loud basement scene with regular DJs.
Black Cat User Reviews