Green Island Cafe
✨ Vibe
A quintessential Adams Morgan "hole-in-the-wall" and music lover's haven that pairs a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere with world-class live jazz in a cozy, historic setting.
🍸 Best For
Intimate live jazz sessions, low-key date nights, musician collaborations, and enjoying well-crafted cocktails at neighborhood prices.
🔥 Highlights
- Living Jazz Legacy: As the spiritual successor to the legendary Columbia Station, the cafe hosts one of D.C.’s longest-running jazz jam sessions led by pianist Peter Edelman, offering a critical space for professional and amateur musicians to collaborate.
- Signature Sips & Snacks: Beyond the music, guests love the "Ella" espresso martini—a creamy Bailey’s-based delight—and the perfectly chilled Prosecco served with classic cheddar and crackers.
- Historic Neighborhood Anchor: Recently revitalized with the return of the iconic Club Heaven & Hell signage, this venue remains a central fixture of the Adams Morgan nightlife scene under the welcoming direction of owner Mehari Weldemariam.
ℹ️ Need to Know
- Live jazz jam sessions typically kick off around 8:00 PM; while entry is accessible, guests are encouraged to support the band through a modest $10 self-enforced minimum.
- The atmosphere is casual and "come-and-go," making it an ideal spot for both focused listening and socializing with the friendly local regulars.
📰 In the News
Some Club Heaven & Hell Signage Returns to Adams Morgan!!
Green Island Cafe continues to operate at 2327 18th Street NW in Adams Morgan, where it shares space with the recently returned signage for Club Heaven & Hell. The venue remains a central fixture in the neighborhood's nightlife scene at this historic address.
As COVID Lingers, A Long-Running DC Jazz Jam Struggles To Find Its Audience
Green Island Cafe in Adams Morgan hosts one of Washington D.C.’s longest-running jazz jam sessions, carrying on a legacy relocated from the former Columbia Station. Led by pianist Peter Edelman, the venue offers free live jazz multiple nights a week, providing a critical space for both professional musicians and amateurs to collaborate.
Columbia Station Closes, Owner Moves Operations Next Door to Green Island Cafe
Green Island Cafe has absorbed the operations, musicians, and nightly jazz programming of its former neighbor, Columbia Station, after that venue's closure due to rent increases. Located in Adams Morgan, the cafe provides a similar no-frills jazz experience under the continued direction of owner Mehari Weldemariam.
Recent Reviews from Google
truly a music lovers haven, it is a local GEM! this place has amazing jazz with a steady stream of musicians walking in throughout the night. the crowd was locked in and they played a range of both...
Band leader, Peter, and band is amazing!! Must recommend. Chill vibe, awesome jazz music. Would recommend to anyone looking for hole in the wall spot in Adam’s Morgan.
I love this place, it’s such a lovely, relaxed jazz club! It’s now been renamed to “Moonlight,” for the record. Thursday-Sunday, Peter Edelman hosts a jam session from 8PM, and it is such a nice...
This experience of wine tasting was the best. Had a glass of Prosecco champagne (NEW) that was chill just right, I was in heaven, with a slice of cheddar cheese and crackers.
I was craving an espresso martini and ordered the Ella on a whim- to my surprise it was a Bailey’s drink!? Serendipity 🙈 I love the vibes here. The musicians are so talented, and the owner and staff...