Eighteenth Street Lounge
Category: Lounges, Live Music Venues, Nightclub
Neighborhood: Logan Circle
Price: $$$
Address: 1230 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
✨ Vibe
A glamorous and cosmopolitan retreat that blends old-school opulence with a modern urban garden atmosphere across multiple floors of a historic Blagden Alley townhouse.
🍸 Best For
Late-night dancing, catching premier local DJs, sophisticated date nights, and high-energy group celebrations.
🔥 Highlights
- Eclectic Soundscape: Experience a diverse rotation of music across two levels, featuring everything from live jazz and reggae to old-school hip-hop, funk, and house sets from local icons like Jahsonic.
- Architectural Charm: The venue features a stunning "urban garden" patio and a spacious rooftop terrace, paired with an interior of exposed brick, salvaged velvet decor, and sparkling crystal chandeliers.
- A Legend Reimagined: Recently relocated to the heart of Shaw, this D.C. institution maintains its iconic legacy while introducing new features like a first-ever food program and a hands-on, welcoming atmosphere.
ℹ️ Need to Know
- Check their calendar for specific genre-themed nights and live performances, as the vibe shifts from chill lounge to high-energy club depending on the floor and time.
- Arrive early to enjoy the sunset on the rooftop terrace before the dance floors fill up later in the evening.
📰 In the News
Yes, DC is actually a great place to party
Eighteenth Street Lounge (ESL) is a classic D.C. establishment located in a Shaw townhouse, featuring an opulent interior with exposed brick and vintage furniture. The venue specializes in old-school hip-hop, R&B, jazz, and funk across multiple floors, including a rooftop terrace. Patrons can expect a glamorous, cosmopolitan atmosphere that hosts live music, DJ sets, and specialized events like burlesque.
Peek Inside the new ESL Shaw (former Eighteenth Street Lounge) opening Friday (to the public, Sat. Sept. 10, 2022 at 2pm)
Eighteenth Street Lounge (ESL Shaw) reopened in the Shaw neighborhood as a two-level entertainment venue featuring an urban garden patio, eclectic DJ-centric programming, and live music. The space blends nostalgic elements from its original Dupont Circle location with modern art murals, reclaimed wood architectural features, and a light fare menu.
Inside Eighteenth Street Lounge’s Hotly Anticipated Comeback in Shaw
Eighteenth Street Lounge has reopened in Washington D.C.’s Shaw neighborhood, relocating from its original Dupont Circle home to a multi-level space in Blagden Alley. The venue continues its legacy of live jazz, reggae, and house music while introducing its first-ever food program and maintaining its signature aesthetic with salvaged velvet decor and crystal chandeliers.
Eighteenth Street Lounge Joins List of DC Spots With Confusingly Outdated Names
Eighteenth Street Lounge has relocated from its namesake 18th Street location to a new home in Blagden Alley while retaining its original moniker. The iconic nightlife venue joins several other D.C. institutions with geographic names that no longer correspond to their current physical locations.
Eighteenth Street Lounge Is Reopening In Shaw’s Blagden Alley
Eighteenth Street Lounge is reopening in Washington D.C.’s Blagden Alley in a two-story, 5,000-square-foot space at 1230 9th Street NW. The iconic nightclub's new iteration features a rooftop deck, multiple bars, and live performance areas, while introducing a first-ever food menu for the venue.
Recent Reviews from Google
One of my favorite places to go dancing in D.C. is 18th Street Lounge aka ESL. Whether the room is packed or it’s just me and my crew, it never disappoints. The vibes are always right, the music is...
Went on a Thursday and the music was just ok. Drinks were fine and atmosphere overall was nice - just wasn't vibing what they were throwing down. The back patio was a bit smokey in my opinion. I'd go...
We had just one night in DC and were looking for a lively spot near our hotel that stayed open late. Stumbling across this place was such a great find! The rooftop has an amazing vibe, the dance...
[Update – Response to Owner’s Reply]: Your response is dismissive, defamatory, and attempts to justify the physical harm I sustained inside your venue. I came to Eighteenth Street Lounge for a fun...
Amazing venue with a welcoming team of bartenders and staff. They have a very nice rooftop patio, and a spacious dance floor that gives a perfect party atmosphere. The owners are incredibly attentive...
