Takoma Station Tavern

Saturday night's show by Cristal Rheams & the Capitol Bones was absolutely incredible! There is not an online review that can do justice to the absolute power of the music that we heard or how it met the moment exactly. Thank you to the venue owners and managers for organizing such an incredible performance. We loved the space, friendly service, fellow audience members and the ease of ticketing and entry. This was right by the metro station and it was simple to get there. I highly recommend catching an event here even if you don't live close by. You will be so glad you went!

Hot spot for seniors who want to jam. Big turnout on Friday night. Great fun, but public parking only, which can send revelars walking blocks away to park.

This is a magical and intimate place to enjoy live music -- the primary reason I go. It has been around for a looong time. The atmosphere is wonderful! The food is good, although the service is a little slow, usually because they are careful about not disturbing the music experience. I also enjoy the regulars who are there as it is a neighborhood bar as well. Friendly warm and inviting atmosphere.

I was so happy that Takoma Station moved lots of tables so we could dance. And dance we did - because Chopteeth Afro Funk Band is a great band!! I highly recommend both!!

Wanted to hear some live music and found Takoma Station Tavern. Absolutely wonderful spot! It definitely has dive bar feels, but with a Cheers kind of vibe. It’s like a 2 minute walk from the Takoma Metro. I sat at the bar and the bar staff are absolutely phenomenal!! I had the honey -jerk chicken tenders and they were really good! The whole entire vibe/experience was awesome! I can’t wait to get back!

A little salsa with my hamburger. I went on Sunday night for the live salsa band. The music was bumping but the crowd was more like a 60 & 70’s date night with very few salsa dancers. I had the cheeseburger and fries for $16, the burger was good and tastes like it was flame broiled the way a burger is supposed to taste, the fries were cold and average at best. It was a $15 cover to enter so everything included I was about $40 all in. If you’re a dancer you better go with friends to better enjoy the music and dance otherwise it could be an expensive out just to watch the band.

Small intimate dive bar with a calendar full of great live jazz. Just saw Marc Cary featuring trumpet great, Ingrid Jensen. Recently checked out bassist Corcoran a Holt with trumpeter Marquis Hill. They really feature the best of local national and international talent. The room is small enough that you can see and hear them from everywhere. The bar has good drinks, and the food is decent.

I missed the show because they don't update their website. 🤬. However, the atmosphere was good and the food was good. Bartender made good stiff drinks.

Wow! Takoma Station Tavern (TST), Memory Lane! As a high school teen, my young self was frequenting TST. The parties were here, and guess what, they still are to this day. My honey and I attended an event before the end of 2024 and I was delighted to come! My old stomping ground! Literally! Drinks were great! Wings even better! Great food, great drinks, and great vibe! I'm biased, I'll always be a patron of TST! Say Yes to this establishment!

Always a good wholesome vibe. The food is just right for this casual environment! You can listen to the dj play or Catch a live band.

This was a great place for live jazz and drinks. The set was 3 hours. The environment is chill and low key. No need to dress up unless that's your thing. The service was good and definitely worth going back.

Wonderfully laid back place with great live music and a full bar. It's unpretentious and borders on a dive bar, but not in a bad way. Pretty much all food served is fried (whiting, chicken tenders, fried chicken, French fries), but that doesn't bother me. Service was good, too, on a not-too-crowded Saturday night. Overall, highly recommend.

Everything was great. The food and the drinks. The band was good too. If you haven't been you should visit.

We went on a Saturday night to try out the live music. We were fortunate to get a parking spot right out front and then went in where we were advised that the cover was $20 - be prepared. We don't drink and there wasn't a drink minimum anyway so it was cool. Even arriving a bit into the first set, we were able to find decent seating a leeetle too close to the side of the stage - it made for good viewing but gets hard on your ears. The place is dimly lit, lots of smallish tables and a few large wooden built-in booths. We sat in a booth. The menu is definitely a dive joint: wings, burgers, and fries. Of course it's a tavern so the drink menu is large. We did water and tonic with lime so that was easy but the waitress was attentive, the portions were huge and hot, and even though they were out of the veggie burger, they did have the fish and they let my husband create a chicken sandwich with the jerk tenders; he was impressed. Overall the music stole the show. The food is pretty basic but we thought we'd kill two birds with one stone, I'll admit that I'd cop something first next time but the drink menu looked nice and the live music schedule had us hooked. We will be back!

Best jazz night ever! Met friends and family at Takoma Station Tavern's clean and cozy lounge. Michael Phillips welcomed us to comfy seating and Lieina took care of our cocktail and buffalo wing needs. The wings were freshly fried and deliciously dripping with spicy sauce! The true highlight of the evening was the music of Lyle Link, saxophonist. In this performance, the first of his residency series, he offered a wide variety of original music and classic tunes. He and his highly skilled band presented polished and warm arrangements. From time to time, I drifted away on the feeling and forgot where I was. He will be varying bands and musical selections throughout the series. I can't wait to go back for more!

Visited there recently after almost 25 years - saw two really bands there. Great atmosphere.

Let's end the decade on a classic note! Takoma Station Tavern is as classic a place that I literally can recall. This minority owed establishment has been a Washington, DC mainstay since heaven knows how long. I've been going since the mid 80's to enjoy the best live local entertainment that the city has to offer, along with the best and strongest Long Island Iced teas imaginable. Takoma Station is a dark, intimate venue that I've taken countless amounts of people to from different parts of the country, and they have all fallen in love with this true DC jewel! When you come don't forget to order their wings... Bomb is an understatement!! Being a native Washingtonian, Takoma Station puts a huge smile on my face every time I walk in the doors. I know I am home and nothing is like being at HOME! Happy New Decade my Yelp Homies, cya in 2020.. I'm OUT!!!!

Slow service. The bartenders acted like I didn't exist even while holding my money out to get their attention. I couldn't yell, because of the band playing. The music was very loud. I just took my money and left. Please get better, more observant bar tenders.

This black-owned establishment has been around for 34 years and I am just now discovering it and making my way here?? I'm ashamed of myself. A friend wanted to check this place out, so we decided to come on a Tuesday. When we entered around 5:30, the entrance area has a calendar for the month with performances... I saw that they're closed on Mondays, have live jazz on Tuesdays, spoken word on Wednesdays, random things on Thursdays, and go-go on Fridays. I was gonna experience some jazz, oh boy!! there was a stage to the right, and a long bar to the left. There's a divider in the middle across from the bar with some stools, and you can see through it to the stage. The stage side itself has some tables for dining. We were the only patrons in the place, so we sat at the bar. The happy hour is from 5:00-8:00 from Tuesday to Friday, and there are a few $5 options. I tried a margarita and Takoma Famous Iced Tea (long island)... whew, the place is heavy-handed! I had the honey jerk wings and mumbo wings as well. I love the flavor of the honey jerk wings... it's the perfect combination of sweet and spicy, and the jerk is legit. The mumbo wings were nice and sweet too. The wings are small, But if they're too small they give an extra one or two, which I find to be quite the nice gesture :-). They were playing jazz on their radio in there, and I can't help but wonder if they play that everyday, or if it was just because it was jazz night. Either way, the jazz started promptly at 7:00. I couldn't help but wonder how the volume was going to be... and I must say I thought it was perfect! My friend and I could still talk and not have to struggle to hear each other, and the band sounded great! I love the vibe of the place and must return to try some of the main food items. The happy hour items definitely aren't enough to fill anyone, but the menu looks great! Looking forward to my next time, hopefully a Friday!

Great place to come to support local artists or just artists in general. My cousin was part of a showcase that was held on a Sunday night so I had to come support the home team!! While I had no drinks or food here, the venue is cool. Small enough to be kinda intimate but large enough to hold a crowd. They make sure they have plenty of floor space for those who want to dance the night away. There are a few tables scattered here and there for general use as well as bar seating and stools overlooking the stage. Staff was real chill and helpful if need be, I did notice they did a good job at making sure to clear empty glasses and plates as good finished so it never looked like a disaster zone. Parking can be tight so keep that in mind when planning your visit here.

I had a birthday table for my husband. They cleared our table right after we ordered food. Wtf. I had already paid for my food and there where drinks on the table, too. Spoiled the evening for me. I was just waiting for the band to come on after the comedy show. Blew me. Wasted money. And the drinks were watered down. All juice even the Long Island.

My friend from Russia and I were visiting a friend in Silver Spring this weekend. We wanted to check out some local live music and have some drink in a more laid back setting that's not too far from where we're staying. Being from Russia, my friend had only experienced DC on a tourist level, with no experience with the local culture. She had never heard of Go-Go music. So on a whim we decided to just check out this tavern on a Friday night. It was such a good experience and great example of the Chocolate City aspect of DC culture for two out of towners from Brooklyn. No one plays GoGo in NYC, so it was so good to see two really talented live bands perform it and people dancing to it. After a few drinks my friend from Russia was dancing and having an amazing time. We didn't try the food and we came too late for drink specials, but we enjoyed our drinks, and our bartender was good. Late in the evening the place got pretty crowded...it was so fun to see so many middle aged and older people losing themselves in dancing. Hardly anyone was sitting down in the whole spot. Love seeing great local live music being appreciated on this level when literally everyone in the whole place dances to it with such high spirits and energy. So glad we went

Service great, Ambiance great. Food good. We did a girls' trip to DC to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Kinda stumbled upon this gem. It was open mic night and wow...what a treat! Had a blast!

Such a good time tonight hangin out with my girls !!!! I grew up about :10 from here and had never been. The drinks were good, service was good and music was on point ! I will most definitely be back !

Stopped by for some Friday night shenanigans and I was not disappointed. Great live band, drink special were on point and the food was even better. The shrimp basket....umm umm good. Overall great experience and I'll be back!

But for the great Saturday jazz series neither the crummy deep-fried food nor the lousy drinks service would merit another visit. No matter which draft beer you order you're likely to get the wrong pull. Last night got my son ordered Stella lager and was served some non-descript ale, which they replaced with a lighter draft. Also, apparently to save costs beers, cocktails and whiskies are served in cheesy plastic cups, glass only on request.

Great establishment to hear live music from local acts! The ambiance overall is quaint and pleasant. The staff truly made the experience all the better, knowledgeable quick and friendly. It's hard to come by places like these in the area. As incredible as the talent was--this wouldn't be a place I come to solely for the dinner. We ordered: * crab cake sandwich: well seasoned, soft potato bread served with fries * chicken tenders: fairly small chicken bites with more breading than actual chicken. It was not so well seasoned but if you drench it in honey mustard it gets the job done * jerk chicken sandwich: grilled chicken breast (that has little to no resemblance of any kind of jerk seasoning) Prices of beer weren't bad and the wings were good (by word of mouth) clean environment spacious so you don't feel too cramped. Some issues with the sound caused a portion of the night to be a little uncomfortable with how loud it was but overall a good experience. The highlight was truly the performances.

Loved coming here. We ventured in from the red line and even though there was a private event going on, we were able to order our delicious food and drinks. The pulled pork sandwich without the bun with fries was a great gluten free choice and I will be back here again for it. The brisket was also really good too! Can't wait to come back when they have live music again.

I have not been to DC lately, but when I go there to visit family, a stop at Takoma Station is always on my schedule. This is a spot where you can get local live music, and an intro to the DC night life.

Went Friday 12/13/19 to meet a friend. I was informed ladies free before 10pm. I got there 9:22pm and was asked for $20. The guy at the door responded that it was not free before 10 and handed me a flyer that advertised Fridays and Saturdays. The flyer clearly said ladies free each and every Friday before 9:30pm. It was before 9:30pm. I know this for a fact because after I walked out I called my friend from my car to tell her I was leaving because I was not paying $20 and that call is on my phone as being made at 9:25pm. I was not in the mood for the BS so I just left!!!!!!!

Do not patronize! Took money and when went to event scheduled for Juneteenth 2021 - door was locked!!!!! Paid &38.75 in advance. Event scheduled to start at 6:00 pm- no one there. Received an email at 5:59 pm saying event cancelled! Absolutely unacceptable!

The cover is 20, way to much for a bar in Takoma. The gogo band was very good and our waitress was very nice. Those two factors made me give three stars. The hostess at the door was extremely rude. She acted like she did not want to be there and when we asked questions she barely answered and proved unhelpful with her attitude. The food was standard bar. We ordered the chicken platter and fish and chips. Fish was good, but a bit salty. The chicken platter was a good deal: 20 wings with fries and tenders for 35. Drinks are over priced. A double bottle of Gato negro cost 140 dollars. Not worth our money and certainly not yours.

I HAD SO MUCH FUN HERE! Omg...I rarely go out on a weeknight anymore because...adulting. I had just gotten back into town from vacationing with my hubby and my bestie who had just moved to DC wanted to catch up. They were having a live band that was supposed to be really good so I drank plenty of water, ate my salad and took my vitamins to prepare to be out on a weeknight! I went for the music but the food was hittin! I had their wings buffalo and teriyaki wings and they were bomb. The drinks were goooood! I cannot even remember all that I had but the bartender kept us happy. We ate, drank and danced to the band all night. It was so much fun! I was hurting the next day but it was worth it!

I went here for a funeral repast and I must say atmosphere and the look was pretty decent, but the first bartender wasnt very friendly he acted like he didnt wanna be there in my opinion. It was bad enough that we were there for a repast we didnt need the extra dryness as well. The 2nd bartender was very friendly and attentive. She made sure she went around to help everyone which was greatly appreciated she is the reason for the 3 stars.I probably wont go here again unless any of my family has a request to do so!!

Do not, I repeat. Ladies, I repeat. Come to Takoma Station on a Wednesday. The Bartender will hardly want, to acknowledge you or ask the contents of your cocktail he made my cocktail, chose my alcohol and when I explained that I had no say in my vodka choice, he told me he could not fix me another cocktail, with out charging me for the previous one I did not order, and did not finish. The bar is way too casual and relaxed, To not take my order. If you like to feel good vibes avoid Wednesday's at Takoma Station.

GOOD food + booze + tunes = a good time had by all On weekends, Takoma Station is a nice little (read: pretty damn small) spot to meet up with friends and hear some great local bands. The weekdays are more of the same -- but with poetry readings/slams and jazz bands. It's more chill, perfect for the "30 & up" crowd. Parking can be a bear, but the Charlie Parker Basket (wings, fries), liquored up drinks and tunes make it all worthwhile.

Often overlooked for spots like Blues Alley, Takoma Station is host to of the finest DC/MD/VA jazz acts . Even though the name includes "Takoma" the building is technically in D.C. (it is right on the DC/MD line). Inside there is gentle listing and pale wood which gives it a welcoming vibe. There's a large large plate-glass window in front so you can scope out the crowd that's inside . The music here is mainly entertainment, but sometimes you'll catch a R&B act, a go-go DJ, a comedian or reggae band. All of this for no cover! The food here is pretty good- I recommend the catfish or the Bernie Burger. The drinks are well priced, there is a dance floor to get your groove on and a friendly twenty something/thirty something crowd.

Had so much fun here! I wish I'd known about it before I moved. Went the Friday after Thanksgiving for their Grown and Sexy Fridays. You go in and there are two sides: the bar and the stage. A friend had booked a table right by the stage. Otherwise there are some open tables around the dance floor and on the other side by the bar. The DJ was great and played 90s and 2000s throwbacks that really got people dancing and having a good time. Then a Gogo band performed, forgot the name, but they were really good too! When they took their break, the DJ started back up again. We didn't leave until it closed at 2AM. The drinks were strong. Our server was busy but still attentive. There was only one time that we were waiting for a while to get our drinks. And there is food but I didn't order anything. No drama--just a good time. I can't wait to go back.

Okay, the jerk chicken sandwich and fries are really good, BUT if you happen in there on the Tuesday Jazz night, and you are hungry, order early! The kitchen takes a real long time... I sipped my drink and waited 50 mins for that simple entre to come out... No one seemed to really care... First jazz night was great! Musicians were friendly with each other and supportive. Lots of people bring their instrument and appear to feel welcomed. The music was great and mostly professional. Second time, a different fella was running it... The same bass, sax, flute, and rythm guitar held the stage like they owned it. They anticipated and applauded each other's same uninspired solos, over and over, all session. I've got to make sure which session is which, from now on....

Stopped in for a drink and was pleasantly surprised. Close to the metro and the inside is real nice. It has a large space with a stage where they do live music fairly often. Fully stocked bar and friendly bartenders. I will be back here to try the wings!!!

I came here for the first time today to attend a day party. Even though searching for parking was challenging I actually liked the spot. Here is why I'm giving them 2 stars. If you know you're hosting a large group have enough bartenders/servers. I waited for over 10 minutes for the bartender to advise me they no longer had my drink of choice. Tonight they only had 2 bartenders for this large crowd. Unacceptable!!! I enjoyed the live band and DJ. I don't plan on returning.

First time and the vibe is Sweet! Orders Chuck Brown wings, had a strong drink, and enjoyed a line up of miscellaneous local talent. It was fun and I'd do it again

I was really upset with the brisket sandwich. It was cold, chewy, had no smokey flavor and didn't include any extra sauce to place on the sandwich. I'm not sure I will order this again and it was not worth $15.

This is probably one of my new favorite spots to listen to live music in the D.C. area. The service was great and the wings were on point. I will definitely come back and bring friends and family who ate visiting to this spot!

This place has thee worst customer service ever! The drinks were water down and my waitress with the short blonde curls was slow as a snail. She was by far not friendly at all. The place had old small wooden chairs that felt like they were going to break any minute. They were wobbly and not enough seating for guest at small tables. Don't come here for the Long Island ice tea drinks they are not that great.

I've been living near Takoma Station for over 4 years and I just recently stepped inside the venue. I could pinch myself for waiting this long! As others have noted, it is a more "mature" crowd--30's on up. As an older person myself, I appreciate the sophisticated vibe an older audience brings. People come here for the music, not to be seen. The live music is spectacular and encourages you to dance! The inside of Takoma Station isn't fancy...it has a bar, some tables and plenty of dance area. I think this helps keep entrance fees reasonable: $20 after 8pm most nights and free before. Again, this isn't a place to show off your latest shoes or sashay in a short skirt. It's a place to get your GROOVE ON!

I am a huge supporter of DC Black Business Owners. Hearing a lot of good about this place I ventured out on a night for solo music indulgence to see a band, Marley in the Mixx (a friend's brother is a guitarist). Its easily accessible and identifiable. Great service from door to stool at the bar. The bartender was very attentive even though it was packed I got a memorable conversation from her. The layout is loungey, not a lot of dance space and thankfully the crowd was mature and ready to enjoy music too. I definitely plan to go here again for another good music indulgence.

My wife and I have been going to Takoma Station Tavern for years! We love this place for the, live music and strong drink. Also, the service is great, thanks Takoma Station Tavern for making my Friday night enjoyable!

Hard to believe this place has been around 25 years and I'm just now getting around to visiting it! The first thing that struck me was the long, dark wood bar; very atmospheric. I was also pleasantly surprised to find that they had draft beer; 13 lines to be exact! Having said that, the selection was only middling, with Stella, Redhook IPA and Shiner Hefeweizen being the most intersting choices, and the pints don't come cheap: $5 at happy hour. Oposite the bar is a performance area. In addition to the Wednesday through Sunday Jazz/R&B performances, they also have Monday night comedy acts. The food choices are limited to bar staples such as sandwhiches and wings. Food serivce itself doesn't actually start till around 7pm, with a cover begining at 8 and the music around 11.

DC GOGO gets infused with Jazz and R&B. Honey Jerk Wings were really good. Service staff was on point. The place to go when you love live music!

Great music and even better food, however the service was unacceptable. Ordered two chicken caesar salads and waited an hour. After seeking our waitress she puts the blame on her coworker (who I did not order from). After speaking with the incompetent manger he comp one of the two salads. I always try to patronize with establishments near my area, however this was very disappointing. I give this two stars ONLY because, my new waitress Kellie was awesome and so was the security guard (forget his name)!

My neighborhood spot.. I live within blocks from Takoma and come in quite often for drinks and wings during happy hour. It's perfect for times I don't want to venture downtown but I want a drink and hear some live music. They normally have a jazz band during happy hours. I have not been to many of the party events on the weekends but Thursday night gogo band cranks and really gets my weekend started early. Overall nice place good food, strong drinks and great music. Will continue to support my local bar Ps. Sometimes the crowd can look sketch don't worry everybody knows one another and people actually don't mind having bar chit chats with you

This was my first time at Takoma Station and I had a ball. The band was great, the DJ have my group some personal attention and the drinks were on point. I will be back.

Attended my cousin's 40th birthday party. First, I was carded. I felt good at 60 he thought I was under 21. I gladly showed my ID. From there on in - down hill. My cousin had a reserved area. Since we got there before 9 pm we didn't have to pay a cover charge. We purchased, which I thought was pricey a glass of wine $10. Won't be getting another one. Our table purchased the chicken platter, but not very good. So this left me wondering what do you get for your $300 reserved space. With a flyer their happy hour must be better. For $5 you can get Long Island Iced Tea, Spinch Dip, Wines, Wings or Margartias between Tuesday-Friday from 5 pm - 8 pm.

Great place to party at great food and bands always real live me and my friends go all the time

The MC tonight was extreme disrespectful to everyone in attendance. I attended for a friends birthday along with a group of approximately 20 people and he was disrespectful and demeaning. I will NOT EVER RETURN to this venue for another event.

This place is bumpin' no matter the day or time. Great food and drink, and even better entertainment. I took a Congressional candidate I was working with here after a long day of work in 2015, and she has since made this her go to spot, and she's from Maryland! A quick hop skip and a jump to the Maryland line or back down to DC. A truly unique and wonderful place run by some of the best staffers I've ever seen.