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Washington, DC
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U Street Corridor, Washington, DC

U Street Corridor, Washington, DC

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78 Photos of U Street Corridor

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U Street Corridor is a roughly nine block stretch with some of the most popular music venues in the city, but there’s much more than just live bands to warrant the Corridor’s designation as a major nightlife area, including culturally diverse restaurants, bars, and landmark theaters.

Much like the Harlem Renaissance in New York, U Street was a central figure in Washington, DC’s early jazz scene, when Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and hometown hero Duke Ellington were just a few of the musical geniuses that designated the area as “Black Broadway.”

The Corridor fell into disrepair for decades following the civil rights riots that destroyed much of the city in the 1960s, but has since undergone a second revival, with rapid gentrification creating a diverse mix of multiethnic young professionals and older, working-class African-Americans.

Today, the hip bars, restaurants, and music halls that line the U Street Corridor attract diverse scenesters looking to grab a bite, catch the latest musical act, or dance the night away to trendy DJs, and the sidewalks are full almost as soon as the sun sets.

The daytime street scene tends to be more relaxed, with residents usually outnumbering tourists at the furniture stores, organic markets, and boutique fashion outlets, and on the third Thursday of each month, U Street shops stay open late to offer light refreshments and special deals.

Both Bill Cosby and President Barack Obama have been known to get a hot dog and a milkshake at the landmark Ben’s Chili Bowl restaurant, while more adventurous eaters enjoy the variety of ethnic establishments – including DC’s unofficial “Little Ethiopia” – as well as neighborhood diners that take their food as seriously as a chichi restaurant, minus the price tag.

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What to Do in the U Street Corridor

Café Saint-Ex

20s / 20s and up / Artists / Artsy

Party Earth Review A popular neighborhood haunt for artsy post-grads and young professionals, Café Saint-Ex may fly high with its aviation-themed décor, but the vibe is considerably more bohemian – in ... more

1847 14th Street NW
Washington, DC 20009

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Tabaq Bistro

20s and up / All Types / Beer

Reviewed by Mandana Y.

"I really want to like Tabaq. I keep trying to make it happen. But like 'Fetch' it's just not gonna happen. I'm always planning group dinners there, g ..." more

1336 U Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20009

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Town Danceboutique

18 and over / 20s / 30s / ATM / DJ / EDM

Party Earth Review Slightly removed from the bustling U Street Corridor, the unassuming exterior of Town Danceboutique gives little indication of the fantastic flamboyance inside – that is, save for the ... more

2009 8th Street NW
Washington, DC 20009

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U Street Music Hall

18 and over / 20s / 30s / Artsy / Bar

Party Earth Review Founded by DJs, U Street Music Hall is the kind of club where brilliant lighting and thunderous beats rattle the clientele, and where everyone eschews bottle service and Top 40 in favor ... more

1115A U Street NW
Washington, DC 20009

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Busboys and Poets

20s / 30s / 40s / Art / Artsy / Bar / Brunch

Party Earth Review Just north of the main party hub of U Street, progressive-minded locals can be found at Busboys and Poets, a celebrated restaurant, bar, bookstore, and art gallery where creative thought ... more

2021 14th Street NW
Washington, DC 20009

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Ben's Chili Bowl

20s / 30s / 40s / All Ages / All Types

Reviewed by Lunar A.

"I really like the old school diner feel of Ben's but its a cool mix because restaurants with that type of ambiance don't usually have lot's of veggie ..." more

1213 U Street NW
Washington, DC 20009

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Bar Pilar

Anything goes / Bar / Brunch / TVs

Party Earth Review A Hemingway-inspired haunt in the heart of the bustling U Street Corridor, Bar Pilar is a go-to neighborhood hotspot for its hipster-heavy regulars who come for small plates, strong ... more

1833 14th Street NW
Washington, DC 20009

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Local 16

30s / Burgers / Casual / Couples / DJ

Party Earth Review A large rooftop bar and an emphasis on locally-grown products have made Local 16 a popular hangout for a mix of foodies, preppies, and hipsters alike. A casual weeknight vibe quickly ... more

1602 U Street NW
Washington, DC 20009

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Dodge City

Ambient / Bar / Beer / Beer Lovers

Party Earth Review Within spittin’ distance of a slew of popular concert venues on always-busy U Street, little Dodge City brings in a big regular crowd of music lovers and a diverse mix of sports ... more

917 U Street NW
Washington, DC 20001

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Solly's U Street Tavern

20s / After Work / Artists / Casual

Party Earth Review There’s no shortage of bars in DC where powerful politicos can drop mad cash on over-priced drinks, but Solly’s U Street Tavern takes a decidedly different approach, offering $3 PBRs ... more

1942 11th Street NW
Washington, DC 20001

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Masa 14

30s / 40s / Asian Food / Bar / Brunch

Party Earth Review Inside the sparsely-decorated and industrial-sized space that makes up Masa 14, flocks of trendy urbanites gather to enjoy small plates, late nights, and bottomless brunches. A brick ... more

1825 14th Street NW
Washington, DC 20009

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Fast Gourmet

Anything goes / Burgers / Dinner

Party Earth Review Just a couple blocks behind the glorious party madness that is the U Street Corridor, Fast Gourmet seeks to provide exactly what its name implies – quick food with an upscale twist ... more

1400 W Street NW
Washington, DC 20009

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