It's true that most areas of Washington close down at 6 p.m. ; still there are many areas that start vibrating with life at the same time. So, the night birds don't have to go without fun and excitement in the capital of United States . The night also brings an end to endless traffic chaos, swarms of people crossing roads in a hurry to reach their respective work places and placing hurdles in the way of an easy going tourist like you or me. The dawn of night brings about an entirely different Washington DC , dazzling as a bejeweled bride with neon and all other kinds of lights. It seems like some place out of the fairy tales. Many of the locals also find the night, especially on weekends, the ideal time to leave their inhibitions and enjoy themselves in the company of live, rocking music and endless glasses of beer. Its not surprising, then, that Washington DC has some of the best and liveliest clubs and watering holes in the nation. If you are looking for one of the best nightclubs in Washington DC , you cannot miss the 930 Club. This club is highly respected by both musicians and fans and it has been awarded thrice the Nightclubs of the Year award by Pollstar, a concert industry trade magazine. Three other legendary clubs are situated at a distance of a few miles from each other. While the outstanding club Birchmere is located in Alexandria ; the small and beautiful Iota Club & Cafe is in Arlington ; and the carefully restored State Theatre is situated in Falls Church . Each of these four nightspots is legendary, has its own distinct atmosphere, and boasts of a variety of musical offerings. The 930 Club is only 0.8 miles away from The Windsor Inn . It has a very down to earth interior of cement and concrete that won't kill you under its grandeur. The sprightly staff is always on its toes to serve everything from a grand selection of beer list and a menu that is up to date with various vegetarian and healthy cuisine options. In fact, all the clubs mentioned above have created their menus keeping in view the tastes of vegetarian and health-conscious diners. Co-owner Seth Hurwitz's collector wife has also given some fantastic personal touches to the club, especially to its restrooms that are marked by encased Barbie and Ken dolls. This place has been designed as a wide horizontal box to make the sight lines and sound great from any spot. The Birchmere is situated at a short distance from Reagan National Airport . It can easily hold an audience of 500, either in the main room or in the front one. Removable tables in the front room are appropriate for converting this area into a dan ce floor when the band plays some dan ce-inducing numbers. It's the front room that makes this club something out of the ordinary and gives the club much of its distinctive character. It is decorated as a town square representing a late-1800s-era Western. The wrought-iron lampposts and a faux storefront at the box office/merchandise area, where a sign advertises ‘Souvenirs, curiosities, Americana music', lend an authentic touch to this place. The caricatures of John Lennon, Elvis, Ella Fitzgerald, Stevie Ray Vaughan and other departed musical heroes adorn the walls of this musical place. Each of them is exquisitely hand-sculpted by Greensburg artist, Brian McCall. The discs of all artists who have performed there are stored in a large CD bin. Historical photographs are displayed in the glass shelves in the lobby along with old candy boxes and beer bottles emptied by the projectionist and hidden in the projection room walls. Continued-->> |
