Cafe Citron
Loading who’s going…
✨ Vibe
A vibrant, multi-level Latin oasis in the heart of Dupont Circle that seamlessly transforms from a colorful South American restaurant into a high-energy dance club with infectious rhythms and tropical flair.
🍸 Best For
Salsa and Bachata enthusiasts, lively birthday celebrations, group night outs, Spanish language practice, and late-night dancing to Latin hits.
🔥 Highlights
- Complimentary Dance Lessons: Master the Latin two-step with free, high-energy introductory salsa and bachata classes offered every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday night.
- Multi-Level Sonic Experience: Explore three to four floors of music where dedicated DJs spin a diverse mix of reggaeton, Latin house, salsa, bachata, and EDM across different rooms.
- Themed Latin Fiestas: Enjoy signature weekly events like the "Drums of DC" on Saturdays and the "Macarena Fiesta Latina" on Wednesdays, paired with authentic South American bites like empanadas and ceviche.
ℹ️ Need to Know
- The venue transitions from dinner service to a full nightclub atmosphere around 10:00 PM; arrive early to take advantage of the late-night happy hour specials.
- Located directly across from the Dupont Circle Metro (South Exit), it is a premier destination for private events and large groups with no room fees for buyouts.
📅 Upcoming Events & Specials
No upcoming one-off events listed yet — use Add an event above if you know of one.
🔄 Weekly Events
🥘 Authentic Latin Saturday Dinner
Authentic Latin food served from 7 PM to 11 PM with music and dancing.
🎂 Birthday Celebration Special
Celebrate your birthday with us and receive free house tequila shots.
🇧🇷 Brazil Samba & Latin Kitchen
Enjoy Brazilian Samba music and authentic South American dishes.
⚽ Copa Mundial Games
Showing world cup games live at the bar.
🌸 Free Lei Fridays
Join us downstairs every Friday for free leis.
🌸 Free Leis Giveaway
Enjoy a tropical atmosphere with free leis provided to guests.
🌺 Free Leis Night
Receive free leis while enjoying authentic Latin food and dancing.
🎤 Karaoke & Brazil Samba Night
Every Thursday featuring Karaoke, Samba music, and Latin kitchen serving until 11:30 PM. Free leis from 8:00 PM to 12:00 AM.
🎤 Karaoke & Latin Night
The best Latin vibes in the city with Karaoke. Kitchen open until 11 PM.
🎤 Karaoke Night & Free Leis
Sing your heart out and receive free leis from 8 PM to 12 AM.
🥁 Latin Fridays: Live Bongo & Congas
Live percussionists, 3 floors, and 3 DJs playing the best Latin hits.
🔥 Latin Fridays & Saturdays
Three floors with three DJs, authentic South American dishes, and dancing until 3 AM.
🥁 Live Bongo & Conga Performance
Live percussionists accompany the music every Friday night.
💃 Salsa Class & Dinner
Dinner and salsa experience from 8-11 PM with a formal salsa class starting at 9 PM.
💃 Salsa Class & Latin Dinner
Enjoy dinner and a salsa class. The salsa class starts at 9 PM. Featuring 3 floors and 3 DJs.
🔥 Saturday Salsa/Bachata Social
A night of dancing with a salsa class starting at 9:00 PM. Authentic South American dishes served until 11:30 PM.
💃 Wednesday Bachata & Salsa Class
Mid-week dance lessons for all levels.
🍾 Wednesday Bottle Specials
$100 birthday bottle special and house champagne specials.
🕺 Weekend Salsa Class
Professional salsa instruction at 9pm followed by dancing until 3am.
Bachata/Salsa Class 💃
Learn to dance with a professional bachata and salsa class followed by social dancing.
Bachata & Salsa Wednesdays 🇩🇴
Mid-week dancing featuring a Bachata and Salsa class at 8:30 PM. Authentic South American home-cooked dishes available.
Birthday Celebrations @ Cafe Citron - Free House Tequila Shots
Free House Tequila Shots on your birthday
Latin Fridays: 3 Floors & 3 DJs 🎧
Three floors of music with live DJs and a live bongo/conga player.
Latin Fridays at Citron 💃
Featuring 3 floors and 3 DJs. Enjoy live bongo and conga players, a salsa class at 9:00 PM, and free leis from 8:00 PM to 12:00 AM. Watch soccer matches at 8:00 PM and dance until 3:00 AM.
Salsa & Bachata Social Saturday 🕺
Saturday night Latin party featuring a salsa class at 9:00 PM. Kitchen open until midnight serving authentic South American cuisine.
Salsa Class & Live Percussion 🥁
Salsa classes at 9 PM followed by a live bongo and conga player.
Happy Hour
$10 Rail mix drinks and $11 Pitorro de Coco Pineapple Mojitos.
📰 In the News
Cafe Citron
Cafe Citron is a multi-level Latin venue in Dupont Circle that serves traditional dishes like empanadas and ceviche before transforming into a high-energy dance club after 10 p.m. Spanning three floors with vibrant lighting, the spot features DJs spinning a mix of Latin house, reggaeton, salsa, and bachata.
THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM | Nightlife in DC
Cafe Citron is a cozy Latin American restaurant and lounge in Washington D.C. featuring authentic Bolivian, Peruvian, and Mexican-inspired cuisine. The venue offers free salsa and bachata dance classes every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday for those looking to learn new moves.
Nightlife in Washington, D.C.: Best Bars, Clubs, and More
Cafe Citron offers a Latin-themed nightlife experience in Washington, D.C., featuring DJs who play salsa, bachata, and other regional music. The venue also hosts free dance lessons on select nights, allowing guests to learn the steps before the main crowds arrive.
Dance in DC: Gatherings, Classes & Performances
Cafe Citron in Dupont Circle offers free salsa classes every Wednesday and Saturday at 8 p.m., followed by vibrant social dancing. This venue is a staple for Latin dance enthusiasts in Washington, D.C., providing a welcoming space for both beginners and experienced dancers.
The Best Bars and Nightclubs in Dupont Circle
Cafe Citron is a two-level Latin lounge in Washington, D.C.'s Dupont Circle that features salsa and international music. The venue hosts live flamenco dancers on Thursday nights and serves as a vibrant destination for dancing and nightlife.
Recent Reviews from Google
Our group was looking for a fun night with some good music and great vibes and we found it at Cafe Citron. Music was on point, vibe was lively and friendly. Drinks were a bit overpriced, but overall...
I used to LOVE this place. I recently took a friend to cheer her up because she was going thru a hard time. We got there and asked about the specials for the evening, we thought we missed the special...
Came here beginning of the year January for work, and I was reminded of the Afro Latina lady giving me and my friends and other customers dancing lessons, I believe she was the owner. Still remember...
Had a very nice time here dancing and celebrating with colleagues. Good atmosphere and nice staff. The drinks were well made, but nothing to write home about. It was about the atmosphere and music. If...
I’m honestly sad to write this. I don’t know if it’s due to new management, but the vibe just isn’t the same anymore. The music used to be a fun mix of Latin club hits, but now it feels like it’s only...
.jpg?alt=media&token=3dada606-be26-45ed-92c3-8864269376f2)
