The 10 Best Nightclubs in Washington, DC

The five dimly lit rooms with plush velvet couches are a top haunt for DJs and live shows. It’s been around a while and is no secret, but ESL is quintessentially one of the DC club experiences you should definitely have.

ESL, 1212 18th St NW, Washington, DC, USA, +1 202 466 3922

ESL | Courtesy of 18th St. Lounge

This underground venue is heavy on AfroHouse and Latin American music. Open every night of the week, Tropicalia features live bands and DJs to get guests moving to cool beats. It’s also an artistic looking venue with funky wall art and mosaics with hand painted tiles.

Tropicalia, 2001 14th St NW, Washington, DC, USA, +1 202 629 4535

Tropicalia | Courtesy of Tropicalia

This fashionable restaurant and night time lounge offers a Moulin Rouge-esque ambiance with the main draw being the live entertainment from the enclosed stage over the bar. Performances range from acrobatic pole dancing to modern ballet and everything in between, and the house music is sure to get you on your feet.

Sax, 734 11th St NW, Washington, DC, USA, +1 202 737 0101

Sax | Courtesy of Sax

This sleek rooftop lounge at the trendy W hotel in downtown DC provides incredible panoramic views of the city, along with a variety of music to keep you dancing along with the city’s lobbyists and lawyers and a number of visitors who come for the views. A “casual sophistication” dress code is enforced after 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays, so make sure to dress appropriately.

This colorful venue in Dupont Circle is a Latin American restaurant that turns into a nightclub after 10pm. DJs spinning Latin pop, house, salsa and reggaeton tunes keep the fun going on all three levels. Citron, as it’s known to the regulars, is a popular spot for locals to visit.

Cafe Citron, 1343 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC, USA, +1 202 530 8844
https://www.instagram.com/p/BU-uouLhS3G/?taken-by=cafecitron

This sleek and sophisticated subterranean hotspot comes alive after midnight. The intimate space features black leather seating and tones of gold, and stylish patrons drinking cocktails and top shelf champagnes. DJs spin from a leather booth outfitted with a 24-karat-gold buffalo skull and you’ll hear everything from EDM to hip hop.

Heist, 1802 Jefferson Pl NW, Washington, DC, USA, +1 202 688 0098

Heist | Courtesy of Heist

The largest gay dance club in DC, Town is all about high energy and fun. Multiple dance floors and seating area are present in the large space. Friday and Saturday nights feature cabaret style drag shows and their in-house dance crew also perform choreographed numbers. Make sure to bring cash as the bar is cash only.

Town, 2009 8th St NW, Washington, DC, USA, +1 202 234 8696

Town dance boutique | Courtesy of Town

If you are looking for a club with a premium experience, Kabin is what you want. The space resembles a sleek Aspen mountain cabin and the VIP tables with bottle service offer a luxury feel. Lively patrons and a variety of music from the DJs will keep you having a good time.

Kabin Lounge, 1337 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC, USA, +1 202 810 2770

Kabin | Courtesy of Kabin

The venue stage has brought in renowned DJs like Tiesto and Steve Aoki and has regular events ranging from EDM parties, Latin nights and more. The club’s music technology is home to the latest in what’s available and will pull you in to dance the night away under the overhanging disco balls and numerous lighting fixtures.

Soundcheck, 1420 K St NW, Washington, DC, USA, +1 202 789 5429

Soundcheck | Courtesy of Soundcheck

This dimly lit bohemian space is perfect for Latin dance lovers. At Bossa, the dancefloor can get crowded and hot as patrons dance away to Latin bands playing live salsa. Sip on caipirinhas to stay cool at this popular Adams Morgan spot.