Jazz has had a long history in Washington, D.C., and there are still plenty of places in the city to enjoy the soulful music.
Here are three of our favorite spots for live jazz in Washington, D.C.
Blues Alley 1073 Wisconsin Avenue NW Washington, D.C., 20007 There aren't too many places more classic for jazz than Blues Alley. Tucked away, literally hidden in an alleyway off of M Street in Georgetown, this place is both a supper club and a music venue. It will transport you back to jazz’s heyday: Everything from its secret, dimly lit location, to the idea of getting dolled up and crowding around a table of cocktails with your friends, gives off an air of the 20th century's glamorous side. To view a full schedule of upcoming performances and purchase tickets, click here. View their American fare menu here. [gallery size="full" columns="2" ids="4584,4580"]
Jojo Restaurant and Bar
1518 U Street NW
Washington, D.C., 20009
There are two great things about Jojo Restaurant and Bar. The first is that they feature live music (mostly jazz) every night, and the second is that they serve margaritas out of glasses the size of bowls. Jojo has a more casual and laid-back vibe -- one where you can eat dinner and talk while the music is playing -- and its fairly small space is part of its charm. Jojo makes you feel like you’re in the 1920s, on the brink of the jazz age, listening to musicians about to make their big break. The restaurant serves hearty American cuisine, and as mentioned before, even heartier margaritas. Check out the full menu here. Dinner reservations are recommended. The full list of upcoming performances can be found here.
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Bossa Bistro & Lounge
2463 18th Street NW
Washington, D.C., 20009
You already know that Bossa Bistro is a great place to go dancing (read this article if you didn’t), but on those nights that you just want to sit, have a cocktail, listen to live jazz, and feel like you’re glamming it up in South America without ever having to leave Adams Morgan, Bossa has also got you covered. The restaurant features live music nightly with a wide array of styles, but the best and most attended is the Brazilian jazz, known as bossa nova. Bossa nova takes jazz and adds a Latin flair! The restaurant’s chef is from Brazil, so while listening to smooth sounds, you can partake in the complete Brazilian experience by trying out the fresh tapas and washing them down with a perfectly made caipirinha or mojito. Find the full menu here and the list of upcoming performances here.
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Live jazz has a way of taking you back to the good ol' days -- or what you imagine the good ol' days would have felt like! These three spots are sure to hit the spot -- from the music, to the venues, to the food.
Do you love live jazz? What are some of your favorite places to listen to live music? Weigh in below!
