Jasmine T.
Yelp
Come here for strong drinks and the opportunity to dance your butt cheeks ALL the way off. Took a friend who came in from out of town on a whim (though I had been there before) in order to use a Groupon I had for a Martini tasting which was due to expire soon. Boy was I glad we went! Bartenders took great care of us,there was fun party crowd and we were able to get in while it was still free. Drink prices are what is to be expected in the area, but they did have a special on Apple-tini's before 11pm for only $5 each. Not sure if that is a regular thing or not, but they should totally considering making it so if it is not already.
Don't expect to get there before 10:00 and for it to be live though...we left the downstairs bar around 11:30 and the party was just getting started upstairs. Also, don't let the skimp area by the bar throw you off when you walk in...the party goes on upstairs. By the time we left around 2:00 it was a madhouse lol. It can get a little hood at times, but it is one of the few spots where you can go on U Street to party to hip hop and reggae without some greasy old man following you around trying to bump his overhanging belly on your back. Also, it is one of the few places on U Street were you can go and DANCE with other people who also like to DANCE.
If you can't have a good time, you're too bougie (or old) to be there. The average person in attendance is probably 25 years old! Re-focus your chi and let your inner, rachet-20-something-year-old-hoodrat come out and "pop that" with the best of them. No real need for overly fancy outfits, your "good shoes" or to do your hair all nice either. If you want that type of experience go to Park at 14th and stand around with the rest of the two steppers. Go to Red Lounge with expectations just to have fun. To get drunk on the liquors (yes...I said liquors), to dance and to go home tipsy. Nothing more, nothing less! I wouldn't recommend going for the purpose of looking for a mate either, or trying to attract members of the opposite sex...I did encounter a few stage three dumpster women in my travels...but hey, anywhere is a hit or miss these days...I'm still here to tell the tale aren't I?!
Yet I digress...
A few girlfriends and I almost went the weekend prior, but a couple of guys we were with weren't willing to pay the $10 cover. Word to the wise, most places around U Street have an average cover of $5-$10 (a few of more classy places maybe more!) after 11pm. Just pay the dang money and go in. The music will be more up-to-date because (the DJ is crazy good) and the drinks are worth it.
A few people who were unimpressed with this place probably went during the winter, I can see why it would be blah then...try it on a Friday or Saturday night now that it is starting to get warm outside!