18th Street Lounge

Eighteenth Street Lounge does not advertise and there is not much of a sign over the sliver of a door. But despite the lack of marketing, the place is full of beautiful people dancing, singing and drinking. There are two floors of live or DJ-spun tunes. Newcomers should be sure to wear their best threads or risk rejection at the door. The interiors are upscale and antique-looking, with Middle...

There is a cover charge on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday starting at 10pm that ranges from $5 to $15--get in early to avoid the fee.

Vie for a spot next to one of three fireplaces in winter, and hit the sizable deck for happy hour in the summer.

"Show off those dance moves" or sip "pricey" cocktails on "antique sofas" at this "melting pot of DC cool", a Dupont Circle townhouse-turned-lounge whose richly painted walls, candlelight and "beautiful people in beautiful clothes" create a "swanky", "sexy" vibe; true, the place "hasn't changed in 10 years (for better or worse)", but it's still "one of the real treats on Connecticut Avenue";...

The unmarked entrance, long lines, and strict door policy (women: channel your inner Sienna Miller; men: come with those women) scream exclusivity, but inside, 18th Street Lounge is a pretension-free zone. Make yourself at home on shabby-chic couches lit by roaring fireplaces and ornate candelabra, catch the sunset on the back deck, or chat over a jazz combo in the upstairs lounge. Because it's...

This place maintains its "hot" status. First you have to find it, and then you have to convince the bouncer to let you in. So here's what you need to know: Look for the mattress shop south of Dupont Circle, then look up. "ESL" (as those in the know call it) sits above the shop. Wear something exotic and sexy, anything but preppy or jock-ish. If you pass inspection, you may be surprised to find...

Washington music parlor attains cool creds on par with Paris, London, New York. Plush velvet, varnished wood, roaring fireplaces, and effortless style mean you've arrived without even trying. Except you're wearing $500 shoes and your bar tab's not far behind. Famed birthplace of Thievery Corporation who you just might hear live. Devotees gather to worship, eager for whatever strange drum gets...

18th Street Lounge does not advertise and there is not much of a sign over the sliver of a door. But despite the lack of marketing, the place is full of beautiful people dancing, singing and drinking. There are two floors of live or DJ-spun tunes. Newcomers should be sure to wear their best threads or risk rejection at the door. The interiors are upscale and antique-looking, with Middle Eastern...