Sick of slinging business cards at downtown cocktail bars? Think Capitol Hill is all velveteen, brass trim and power ties? Funny as it may seem, there’s more to the nation’s capital than monuments and dinner party rigmarole. With Ukrainian accents, an Olympic sport and Grand Guignol-style showmanship, these metro area favorites are some of Washington, DC’s most unorthodox spots for a good time…literally.
(Photo: Pat Jarrett via Flickr)
The words “funky” and “synagogue” aren’t often married together in a sentence, but this house of worship makes it seem easy, so here we go: the Sixth & I Synagogue is funky (as far as synagogues go). When this Chinatown temple isn’t hosting Shabbat or High Holiday services, it’s doubling as a rock venue/comedy club/political forum that counts Lykke Li, Jim Bruer and Bob Woodward amongst its many alumni. Probably the only place in Washington where one can go to a trivia night and get married. L’chaim.
600 I Street, NW, Washington, DC; 202.408.3100; http://www.sixthandi.org
(Photo: Palaceofwonders.com)
Billing itself a “museum of oddities,” the Palace of Wonders’ walls retell the story of American huckster-ism at its most profitable with displays including Fiji mermaids, a stuffed five-legged goat and daguerreotypes of bearded ladies and assorted carney folk. The Atlas District bar also keeps the sideshow tradition alive with weekly magic, geek and burlesque shows by acts from all over the country, including the Lucky Daredevil Thrillshow. And, for those who blush easily, there’s always a game of putt-putt up the street at the H Street Country Club.
1210 H Street, NE, Washington DC; (202) 398-SHOW; http://www.palaceofwonders.com
(Photo: Hunter Gorinson)
Between your Blackberry and PS3, are you finding it hard to make time for nightlife? Send a text ahead to the Shadow Room, DC’s most shut-in friendly nightclub. The latest video game releases share space on the menu with bottle service, while those in need of a refill can contact their waitress via iPhone. The wall-mounted computer consoles also feature webcam views of every other booth in the joint, so would-be voyeurs always have the best seat in the house. (And, yes, there will be girls there.)
2131 K Street, NW, Washington, DC; (202) 887-1200; http://www.shadowroom.com
Arlington Cinema N Draft House
(Photo: Aaron Webb via Flickr)
For nigh on a decade, the Arlington Cinema N Draft House has redeemed the reputation of the second-run movie theater by amping up their weekly dollar movies with pitchers of beer and reasonably priced bar food. This Columbia Pike landmark also doubles as a comedy club and frequently hosts nationally known stand-up comics, such as Brian Posehn, and the occasional event from local drive-time DJs. And surprise, surprise: big summer blockbusters, like, say, Transformers 2, tend not suck as much once you get a few in you.
2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA; (703) 486-2345; http://www.arlingtondrafthouse.com
(Photo: M.V. Jantzen via Flickr)
DC’s one and only outlet for gourmet pizza, local rock and roll and table tennis. So feel free to sneak in a complimentary set or three while you wait for your soft shell crab and leek pie to arrive or for Imperial China to set up their amps. If any newcomers to the District feeling like pushing the old cliche that our fair city has no real character of its own, Comet is the uniquely Washingtonian prescription to their doldrums. From the bands to the vintage signage out front (culled from an abandoned area liquor store, no less), this restaurant/bar/club is as multifaceted as the city itself.
5037 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC; (202) 364-0404; http://www.cometpingpong.com
(Photo: Aaron Landry via Flickr)
Russia House Restaurant & Lounge
Priding itself on its expansive (and pricey) array of caviar and vodka, the Russia House is old world East-meets-cosmopolitan West for downtown power lunchers. That clientele – which often includes lobbyists meeting with the purveyors of Eurasia’s newest pipeline and a Who’s Who of the Washington Capitals‘ starting line-up – might seem more interesting that its selection of wild game and borscht, but, hey, it’s cheaper than a flight to Moscow.
1800 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC; (202) 234-9433, http://www.russiahouselounge.com
Other CultureMob articles of great import:
DC’s Best Historic Places…for Getting Blitzed
The Best Dive Bars in Washington, DC
Washington, DC’s Coolest (and Most Offbeat) Must-See Museums
DC’s Best Rock and Roll Bars, Clubs and Venues
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