Top 9 U Street Nightclubs and Bars: Washington, DC

The historic theater that launched the careers of Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Marvin Gaye, and The Supremes, re-opened in April 2012 after a $29 million renovation. The remodeled theater features a state-of-the-art acoustic system and offers a wide range of live entertainment.

Gate 54 is described as an art deco inspired hangar-lounge featuring a wide range of DJ music from classic jazz to British-pop, to 70s soul-funk.

This small club features live jazz on the weekends and American cuisine in a cozy setting.

The historic theater opened in 1922 as a movie theater and ballroom catering to DC's black middle-class community who danced and were entertained by legends such as Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billie Holiday. The theatre closed after the 1968 race-related riots. In 1994, the Lincoln Theatre was refurbished and its reopening led the way to the revival of DC's U Street Corridor.

Twins Jazz features live jazz and American, Ethiopian and Caribbean cuisine. Live music: Tues.-Thurs. at 8 p.m.; Friday & Saturday from 9-11 p.m.; Jam Session Every Sunday with the Ron Gary Trio.

The international restaurant offers live jazz and blues by local musicians. Entertainment offered Tuesday – Sunday nights.

This small Washington, DC bar in the U Street neighborhood features a variety of live music ranging from punk rock to alternative-folk.

See also, A Guide to U Street Restaurants and Dining and 6 Things to Do in the U Street Corridor

Opened in 2010. The live music and dance club is the newest addition to the U Street entertainment district. The nightclub features a state-of-the-art sound systems, a 1200 square foot dance floor, and two fully stocked bars.