Choose your location

usa

Europe

Venice

Fri / Apr 9

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

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:

Black Cat

20s / 80s Music / ATM / All Ages / Bar

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 ... more

1811 14th Street NW
Washington, DC 20009

Liked By:

El Centro D.F.

30s / 40s / After Work / Beer / Brunch

Party Earth Review Three distinct levels – from a classy, intimate basement to a rowdy open-air rooftop – make El Centro D.F. (Distrito Federal) a multi-faceted haunt for anyone in need of inventive Mexican ... more

1819 14th Street NW
Washington, DC 20009

Liked By:

Ben's Next Door

20s / 30s / All Types / Beer / Blouses

Reviewed by Brittany J.

"Ben's next door is both seductive AND charming; while the food and service are not bad, Ben's Next Door lacks the cult feel and and chaos of its histo ..." more

1211 U Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20009

Liked By:

Marvin

20s / 30s / 40s / Artists / Bar / Brunch

Party Earth Review Built as an homage to singer Marvin Gaye, who grew up nearby and took soul-searching trips to Belgium in the 1980s, Marvin combines the soulful elements of its namesake with some unique ... more

2007 14th Street NW
Washington, DC 20009

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:

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:

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:

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

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:

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

Liked By:

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

Liked By: