Looking to check out the best music venues around town?
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top music venues in Washington, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best spots to venture next time you're up for a show.
1. 9:30 Club
Topping the list is the 9:30 Club. The venerable institution at 815 V St. NW (between North Eighth Street and North Florida Avenue) is the highest-rated music venue in Washington, boasting four stars out of 648 reviews on Yelp.
It started in 1980 at 930 F Street NW, then a struggling part of town, where it broke such acts as Bad Brains, R.E.M. and Fugazi. In 1996 it moved to its current location, which was once Duke Ellington's Club. It hosts some of the most important local and touring acts in the worlds of rock, punk, hip-hop and dance, and has been called the best nightclub in America by many publications (among them Rolling Stone, Billboard and Pollstar).
2. Madam's Organ
Next up is Madam's Organ, situated at 2461 18th St. NW (between North Belmont and North Columbia roads) in Adams Morgan. It has live music seven nights a week, featuring local and regional acts playing jazz, funk, reggae and the blues.
The four-floor venue has five separate bars, including a tiki bar on the rooftop. Also look for karaoke, comedy and magic performances. With four stars out of 402 reviews on Yelp, it has proven to be a local favorite.
3. U Street Music Hall
U Street Music Hall, located at 1115 U St. NW (between North 11th and North 12th streets), is another top choice, with Yelpers giving it four stars out of 296 reviews.
Opened in March 2010, it is known especially for hosting internationally famous and up-and-coming DJs, from Skrillex to Disclosure, but it also invites rock, indie, folk and hip-hop artists to perform. Its 500-person capacity room has a 1,200-square-foot cork-cushioned dance floor, and two bars serve beer, wine and hard liquor.
4. Warner Theatre
The Warner Theatre downtown is another go-to, with four stars out of 216 Yelp reviews. The ornate former vaudeville and silent movie house has played host to such well-known musical acts as Prince, Liza Minnelli, Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan. It is still a venue of choice for many established pop and rock acts.
In addition to music, you'll also find comedy, ballet and musicals at the Warner. Head over to 513 13th St. NW to see a show for yourself.
