Choose your location

usa

Europe

Venice

Fri / Aug 23

New York
Los Angeles
Florence
London
Paris
More Cities
Close

Washington, DC
Neighborhoods
U Street Corridor, Washington, DC

U Street Corridor, Washington, DC

Choose a neighborhood

Collapse map / See photo gallery

78 Photos of U Street Corridor

Expand map / See nearby venues and events

Expand Map
Collapse Map

Venues
Events

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.

Less

What to Do in the U Street Corridor

9:30 Club

All Ages / All Types / Balcony / DJ

Party Earth Review Often touted as the best place to catch a concert in the city, 9:30 Club consistently packs its 1,200-capacity hall by hosting shows ranging from big-name acts and DJs to up-and-comers ... more

815 V Street NW
Washington, DC 20001

Liked By:

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

Liked By:

Chi-Cha Lounge

20s / 30s / Cocktails / DJ / Expensive

Reviewed by Chantel H.

"Chi-Cha is on the rise as one of the hottest hookah spots in the city. The drinks are expensive, but the hookah prices are nominal and the atmosphere ..." more

1624 U Street NW
Washington, DC 20009

Liked By:

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

Liked By:

Patty Boom Boom

30s / Bar / Casual / Cover charge / DJ

Party Earth Review A vibrant bit of Jamaica in the heart of U Street – evident in its musical lineup and authentic snack menu – Patty Boom Boom attracts a diverse and boisterous crowd throughout the week ... more

1359 U Street NW
Washington, DC 20009

Liked By:

The Gibson

20s / 30s / 40s / Blouses / Cocktails

Party Earth Review Bartenders in this unmarked lounge like a challenge, and the simple, one-page menu at The Gibson is better regarded as a place to start than the sum of what’s available. The intimate ... more

2009 14th Street NW
Washington, DC 20009

Liked By:

Bohemian Caverns

30s / 40s / Bar / Blues / Brunch / DJ / Jazz

Party Earth Review It’s easy to see where this intimate music venue gets its name – the performance area quite literally looks like a cave – and while the three-story complex is also home to a separate ... more

2003 11th Street NW
Washington, DC 20001

Liked By:

American Ice Company

20s / 30s / Bar / Barbeque / Beer / Lunch

Party Earth Review Concrete floors, old wooden booths, and exposed brick walls dotted with stuffed game highlight the no-frills approach at American Ice Company, where the focus is more on select microbrews ... more

917 V Street NW
Washington, DC 20001

Liked By:

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

Liked By:

U Street Corridor NW

All Ages / Anything goes / Artsy

Party Earth Review Known as the heart of DC’s African American community and home to an eclectic mix of people who share a love of music, art, theater, and food, U Street – after decades of neglect ... more

Between 9th Street and 17th Street,
and Florida Avenue and S Street NW

Liked By:

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

Liked By:

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

Liked By: