This is a very dive-y bar, complete with the kind of dark and slightly grimy feel that you very well expect in such a place. Â Nevertheless, if you're into live music, I think it's a great venue to check out a new band--and just a short walk from the U Street metro. Â There are two stages (a large one upstairs and a tiny one downstairs) which are perfect for watching live music. Â There are bars on both levels, though the teetotaler in me can't really comment on the bartenders or what was offered on tap. Â All in all though, I'd swing back through this place in the future--if only to check out one of these '80s parties that other Yelpers have enjoyed.
Review Source:I was really disappointed in this venue. Â The place was incredibly hot, you couldn't see the stage (because there was a huge support column in the middle of the room), the bar is cash only, and the staff are rude. Â
I went to a show here recently with my friend, my friend's brother and his girlfriend (both 18). Â I completely understand being vigilant about under age drinking in a place like this, but when you stamp minor's hands with ink that's not water proof, it's not acceptable to scream at them, call them a liar, and throw them out. Â It isn't even like this girl was trying to sneak beer from the bar. Â She was just sitting there with her boyfriend. Â My fiance's stamp also washed off when he went to the restroom and mine grew very faint. Â It's not rocket science, if you really want to guard against under age drinking, maybe invest in more water resistant ink.
This behavior is unacceptable, but from what I'm seeing from other reviews, this is a regular occurrence. Â I won't be back here. Â There are plenty of other excellent venues in this area that don't treat their patrons like this.
I started to feel faint here - either from the crowd, heat, or both, and made my way outside to get some fresh air with a glass of water. After a few minutes of air,  I then went inside, with glass of water in hand, to try to find my friends to tell them I was going home. Out of nowhere, some bouncer grabs my wrist, takes my glass of water, all the while yelling at me at how wasted I am.  He's screaming in my face that he saw me stumbling outside like a drunk, and  then draws two big exes on my hands. I tried to tell him he didn't know what the fuck he was talking about. Take a sip of that glass in your hand and you'd realize it's  WATER to keep me from passing out in his overcrowded hot club.
I guess that's too much to ask for someone who obviously doesn't need a brain to be employed there. You probably don't need as many steroids as you think dude. We get it. You're a bouncer. Gold fucking star for you. Oh except you failed at that too.
(yea yea, cash only, we KNOW people.)
I've been to Black Cat several times over the years for spur of the moment local shows, always with friends or dates and never had a bad time. I recently saw Bonobo here, and I was pretty impressed with how smoothly things went for a sold out tour opening show for an internationally known dj/musician extraordinaire. A long, long, long time favorite of mine, let's just say expectations were high.
Doors opened and sets started on time, no issues with lines or tickets, never had to wait for a drink, friendly staff, crowded - but easy to move around and barely a line for the bathroom! Sure it gets hot, but I've seen worse. I don't really care about analyzing how hipster the crowd is or not; I think everyone there had a great time and that's what matters.
Not a bad deal for $18 tickets :)
We've been to three shows here now. Mission of Burma (Main Stage), Dinosaur Jr. (Main Stage), and most recently Redd Kross (Back Stage). Â
Tickets were all bought online with no problems, never any attitude from the staff at the door or the bar. Â Drink prices are ok, not bad for a club anyway ($4 PBR tall boys, $5 Well drinks)
It's really a very cool venue. Â Lots of standing room, and some seats if your feeling old. Â Parking can be tricky, but no trickier than any other place in the area. Â We usually end up about 4 blocks away at a little pay lot. ($10)
Looking forward to our next trip up.
What a complete let down. Overcrowded, loud, chaotic venue, rude hipsters, terrible service at the bar - would never go back.
Even though the band was scheduled for just another hour, we all paid the $20 cover to meet up with some people who were already there. The guys at the front were taking money and double stamping hands as fast as they could. We get upstairs and it's packed. Some of our group got in line for the bathroom and some went to the bar. The line for the bathroom is 15 minutes.
The line for a drink, well ... we went to the bar to the left. It was a sea of people standing with cash begging to order a drink (cash only bar). Â The wait was 3 deep and the 3 people behind the bar were completely overwhelmed. This was an event and should have had more staff on hand. Clearly it helped to be a regular or a big, rude, hipster dude who isn't against pushing a girl out of the way. We saw so many in this crowd push forward, shake hands with a bartender, and get their drink ahead of people standing with cash in hand.
So we finally got the attention of a bartender (30+ minutes later), screamed our beer order off the chalkboard menu, and get told "nope" and handed a beer soaked piece of paper which says we can order 1 of 3 things, a PBR, a shot of makers mark, or one other beer. That's it? "Yep, that's it"
So we left. Â Went back downstairs where the people at the front were still taking money as fast as they could even though the place was far beyond being able to handle any more people.
We got to the street and called our friends who were inside. They said there was another bar on the right which was serving other beer. Who knew? Maybe the bartender who was serving all his buddies first?
This place was our least favorite stop in all of DC.
The upstairs music venue at the Black Cat deserves close to 5 stars and is probably the second-best music venue in DC now that the Red Palace (R.I.P) closed. Â Some of the best up-and-coming bands and great lesser-known staples pass through here, score tickets and you can be inches from the show. Â
However, the pretension downstairs devours the greatness upstairs. People label this bar indie, but the sad truth is there is nothing independent about the clientele or the vibe here. This is hipster groupthink at its finest, coronation complete only by thick frames and thin jeans. Wear anything else and you're likely to be labeled an outsider, ostracized a second-class citizen because you're out of uniform. Â
I'm sorry, kid, I thought it was cool. I'm just here for the music. Â Guess that's not good enough these days and guess you can't just love the artist or the song, it's more important that you look like you do.
It's only fitting: attend an Irish Wake upstairs, then move downstairs for the funeral. Great music plays here, but the clientele exorcises its soul.
Tip: Attend a show here, but don't talk to anyone because they'll make you dislike the act you thought you loved.
Favorite venue in DC, hands down - might be partially biased due to the fact that I met my fiancé there at a Thao and the Get Down Stay Down show (thanks Black Cat!). Â
But also, they always have decently-priced beer options (a range of prices, something I can't say for 9:30 Club), I love the layout of the upstairs and how wide the space is. Â Makes it super easy to find a place to see, and to get back and forth to the bar during the show. Â Their dance nights are super fun, and they also have a lot of seating options (at the bar, seats in the very back, etc). Â
Overall almost all my most enjoyable concert experiences have happened there. Â So I will continue to do a happy dance every time a band decides to play here instead of 9:30 (like Kate Nash this month!)
A great stage for local acts and even bring in some bigger-name acts. It's a warehouse split into two levels, so with the low ceiling on the upper level (the main stage) the acoustics aren't necessarily the best; but it's always an intimate atmosphere with a sometimes rough-looking but friendly crowd. Â The bottom level includes a snack bar, drinks bar, and a tiny tiny stage at the rear.
Review Source:Sigh. Â The Black Cat should be a great venue. Â I've seen a handful of great shows there (e.g., Dinosaur Jr., Alkaline Trio). Â
But they have terrible sound at a surprisingly high percentage of their shows, resulting in bands I know are good and have seen before repeatedly sounding just god awful. Â It's pretty clear some nights that the monitors are screwed up and the band can't hear themselves at all, which results in a phenomenally terrible show. Â I walked out of AC Newman on a night like this. Â
Security and common sense are completely lacking. Â I've seen people scary drunk get served over and over. Â It results in an obnoxious crowd and really detracts from the show-going experience. Â And results in me getting crashed into by drunk men trying to mosh all alone outside the pit. Â
They also can't run on time to save their lives. Â Take a cue from the 930 and get it together to post a set time schedule online and then follow it. Â
Plus, they have this big giant indoor stair case that they don't use for it's obvious purpose. Â Put your ticket taker at the top of it when it's raining and have people line up instead of making me stand outside.
I love live music and go to a ton of shows. Â But the Black Cat so hit or miss that I'm reluctant to go to shows here anymore, even when it's a band I love.
UPDATE: This should illustrate how much I dislike the Black Cat. Â I'm going to New York. Â To see a band that's also playing in DC. Â Because they're playing the Black Cat and I refuse to see them there. Â Yep.
Bottom line: concrete-floored, bar-sized pool table with Bell's Brown Ale on draft. If you're yearning to be a shark but you're almost a shark, then walk in here, order a beer, act like a shark, and you'll be a shark with the clientele that tries to shoot pool here. Did I mention sharks here? I did. Be one.
Review Source:This place has been around for a while and still remains to be one of my, and DCs favorite for great live music and a laid back vibe. It's definitely very indie, but that's what I love about it. It has a large loft like feel going for it, drinks are cheap and they always feature some very cool lesser known bands.
Oh and it's cash ONLY...which kind of sucks, but has never stopped me from going back.
We went for their New Year's Eve party with live swing music and dancing, and overall we had a really fun time. Â I didn't really feel quite at home here for some reason (probably just because I'm nowhere near hip enough to be hanging out in places like this!), but everybody kind of leaves you to your own business so I certainly didn't feel judged.
The venue is definitely making some effort to look like a dive, but it works. Everything is very low-lit but there are several different rooms with different feels. Â The upstairs is the concert hall area, standing room only, with two bars lining the sides and an attractive checkered dance floor. Â The downstairs contains the red lounge area with lots of games (pool, billiards, a juke box); a back room with small stage and bar; and the Food for Thought cafe, with a few tables and another juke box.
The employees we encountered all night were all very pleasant and gave us good service, particularly the woman in the cafe. Â We ordered several drinks and found the prices to be pretty reasonable for U Street and for a music venue in particular ($6-$7 rails and calls, $5-$7 for most beers). Â The bartenders were being kept very busy but still put out excellent drinks all evening. We ordered some vegetarian nachos at the Food for Thought Cafe and found them to be surprisingly tasty--an interesting and unusual combination with the olives, peppers, and sauce.
Just a note, as many before me have mentioned as well, that the whole place is cash only. Â They put that information pretty clearly on their website but not everyone checks there so just go in knowing that in advance or you'll be stuck paying high ATM fees. Â Overall this is a really fun venue and I would certainly come back to see a concert here at some point. Â Worth a visit, either for music or just for a few drinks in a very relaxed environment.
Very nondescript concert venue in downtown DC. Â Fortunately, this spot is close to a lot of residential neighborhoods so finding free street parking is possible. Â There are pay for park lots in the area as well. Â As is the case at a lot of mid-level to "underground" venues, the doors don't open on time so there is a wait. Â
Came here to see rapper Talib Kweli headline a performance on a weekday evening. Â The venue was promoting a great ticket deal online. Â It was $20 per ticket, who wouldn't like that? Â Just as the doors open late, the performances start late as well. Â
Decent sized bar that also provides pitchers of water. Â Good thing because it is HOT as heck in this venue. Â So hot that the devil called inquiring about extra tickets. Â Â
Speaking of the venue, it is basically one large room so there's isn't really a bad place to stand. Â That's right STAND....as in standing room ONLY!! Â Good thing I wore comfortable shoes......oh wait.....I wore Tims (boots)......DAMN!
The sound system is really good but as with any underground type of venue, the volume will hit you all at once so get ready for some temporary hearing loss after the show. Â
Packed house so get ready to get to know your neighbors really well!
We stumbled into the Black Cat after the line at U Hall was way too long. Â Much to our liking, we were told that they were playing 90's music, but there would be a $7 cover. Â It was well worth it! Â The drinks here are inexpensive (and they sell PBR tallboys for $4!) and the music kept our eardrums buzzing all night long! Â In the back room, where they hold performances on some nights, the stage was open and we danced the night away to an eclectic mix of early 90's music. Â What a journey through time! Â I will definitely be back.
Review Source:Still one of DC's best and most beloved music venues, the Black Cat regularly brings in both big-ish names (to those in the know) and new-on-the-scene bands you won't be surprised to see blow up down the road. It's small, dark (walls painted black, etc.), and feels more like a bar for creative types than a concert venue for fans. In fact, there is a good-sized bar room where you can kick it before or after a show, or just chill even if you're not there to see anybody. There's a pretty good beer selection at really good prices ($5-$7 for good stuff), some busted couches and easy chairs, and a couple games if you're feeling more active than 99.9% of the people chillaxin' around you. You're likely to see band members in this space before/after their sets.
There's two stages; the larger one has its own bar, the smaller one doesn't but it's right by the aforementioned bar room. Both spaces feel intimate, low ceilings, hyped crowd (especially in the smaller room, where a number of guests are likely to be personal acquaintances of band members), and of course the black walls. Never had a problem stashing my jacket and purse in various corners and nooks, and many others do the same.
Keep in mind the whole place is CASH ONLY, so come prepared. There's an ATM but the fees could buy you another PBR, and that's just depressing.
This is where all the upcoming bands play before hitting the big time, then go on to play at 930 club. Â
Cheap PBR, chill crowd, and a large space to rage. Â Its really simple. Â Cash only, but they have ATM's on site.
The 80's parties here are also pretty fun. Â Definitely a fun place if you are into indie bands.
I'd give them 5 if they took cards :(
To see a show... yes, the Black Cat is worth it..  To stick around and drink, forget it. This place is the lamest watering hole I've ever had the displeasure of knowing.. and  boy, I've been to a lot of places in my time, but to say the staff sux is a total understatement.. The staff is downright LOUSY.
And interestingly enuff, I didn't really come to this conclusion until a recent visit, but now that I've thought about it..every experience I've ever had the past ten years that was negative about the BC had to do with a staff person that was just being plain dickish.
I was reading a review below and I swear to Gin that I was reliving my most recent experience..About one of the staff members saying: Â "If, YOU were this person's friend you'd take him or her home" Â I had some douchebag behind the bar say that to me the other night and I was downright like "WTF"
first of all, the chic I was with was NOT my friend...douche...I Â only met her 2 hours before and actually had no idea how much she had been drinking or what.. all I know is that she and I and a third friend left crowded ass Saint Ex to come over and see about a place less crowded. Â That's when the crapster decided to start judging me and my "friend"...........Also, we are both 40 year old women and KNOW when we have had enuff.. for some douche behind the counter that is probably no older than a half of minute to make that "call" for me and my friend is just. plain. bad. business. Â
It was the most bizarre experience in my life at a bar.. because as soon as douche behind the bar made the statement to me and my "friend".. suddenly one of the "bouncers" if that's what you want to call them.. what a joke.. I could have taken him...came up behind  us and then ordered us to leave! I couldn't believe it.. BUT at that point we couldn't have been happier to leave..and then we were gone..
but i'm telling you, I soooooooo haven't forgotten and will NEVER, EVER go back there to have any kind of Dionysian fun because now the gods have spoken.. The black cat bar is shite.
Now, you want a cool little hang out.. after we left that shite.. my "friend" took us around the corner down to the CodMother.. and OH MY GAWD, it was like the heavenly gates opened letting loose all the beautiful amber waves of whiskey.. now this is a joint I can frequent. Small, tough, and with two no nonsense "Ok, you ready to drink?" like veteran bar handlers... I have found an oasis!!  The two guys behind the bar were so cool. Working the line with a  real "I aint your mama" sensibility.  man, I appreciate that shit.  What I don't appreciate is being judged by a snot-nosed poseur who seems to think just because he's got a few tattoos and black rimmed glasses gives him the gdmn right to treat everyone else beneath him just because we've all been drinking...I"m sorry if your life's choices has YOU on the OTHER side of the counter on a beautiful saturday night forcing you to "babysit" a bunch of ADULTS who have the good luck of being able to have FUN!! that's your problem..maybe you should stop trying to just serve fun..and instead have some yourself.. and that goes for ALL THE STAFF. Lighten UP.. you're not that special.
take my advice, any place that takes itself too seriously is exactly that.. too serious.. And like I said, if you want badass and REAL dionysian fun.. head around to the Cod..shit... head around to the frickin McDonalds any place is better than that place...seriously... OH except for Saint Ex... man, talk about over-rated.. ugh that's another one. LOL
I've been here a handful of times when I was in DC for an academic quarter back in Spring 2011. Â I remember meeting the weirdest people here. Â
They have PBR tallboys which is pretty awesome.
Lighting is dim, which makes people appear more attractive and mysterious.
I met this one chick here one night who said she was in a band but would not (for the life of her) say what the band name was.
There's two separate rooms. Â One room is for where the live band plays and where people do the bump 'n' grind. Â The other room is for games and pool table or something.
I loved going to McDonald's after coming here. Â OMG McDonalds!!!!!!
I've been to Black Cat twice, both times were pretty good experiences. The first time I went to see a main stage show with a friend and that was a while back so I'm a little fuzzy on the sound but I recall it to be fine, I think the bands we saw that night were more acoustic/folk deals. I like the space, it's pretty open and there's some seating in the back and a bar (can't speak to this one as I was still underage at the time). The crowd upstairs is obviously going to vary slightly based on the music that night but I'm gonna go ahead and say this is one of the few places in DC I know of that draws a more hipster crowd.
More recently I grabbed a few drinks with the same friend at the Red Room bar. We went with the intent of catching a free DJ set in the backstage room but it never got past the middle school dance phase so we hung out at the bar, which is cash only but there's an ATM inside. There are some booths and tables and a pool table in the corner. The bartender taking care of us is really friendly, guy with the looong hair. If you're from or a fan of Richmond you'll feel right at home here, aside from the DC drink prices. $4 PBR tall boys are laughable to me but not out of place up here. I'll be back both for shows and the bar for sure, I feel way more comfortable here than I do even walking by the lines for a lot of other U-Street establishments.
I like it! Black Cat's a good concert venue; 2 stages and three bars. I would prefer some better draft beer choices but their options are good and it's nothing to complain about really. The drink prices are about standard.
I've been to two shows (one at each stage). I like the downstairs room a little better. It's smaller and it seems like the acoustics are a little better. The upstairs isn't bad but it's a big room and the ceilings are low so if you're at the back it's not too awesome.
Both times I've been the staff has been cordial if not nice (I've seen some reviews with people mentioning they were rude). Last time I was there it seems like everyone was going out of their way to be uber-nice actually. Maybe there was a change in company policy...or maybe those peeps were asking for it.
This place is alright. Â As a venue, the main-stage is kinda cool - the checkered floor is sweet and it's all surprisingly nice to look at. Â There's a decent raised seating area in the back where you can watch the shows. Â
That being said, the sound here is so so. Â I've experienced really good sound for some shows, and not so good sound for others. Â Cults was probably the worst show I've ever seen. Â Granted, the band was awful live, but the sound was so muddy and that didn't help the already dismal situation. Â That said, I saw Fleet Foxes here a few years back and they were great. Â It's definitely not as consistent as the 930 Club though in terms of sound quality.
I don't know what's the most bizarre aspect of The Black Cat- seeing what a craphole for yupster idiots it has become or reading the one-star reviews complaining about how "punk rock" this place is because they don't serve martinis or some other trust fund complaint.
There was a time when the District of Columbia commanded amazing respect in the music underground. Â This little geographical square was where it all was happening- politically-charged post-punk that took the mold and smashed into pieces. Â Dare I go the cliched-route, but it was one of those places, like Paris in 1920s or San Fran in the 1960s, where all the right people were making the right art at the right time.
And a guiding force behind that cultural high note was the urban decay which surrounded it. Â Rent was cheap because anyone with money lived in MoCo or over the very wide Potomac. Â Places like the Black Cat were open to those struggling bands and struggling fans who looked for a place of refuge in a world they didn't understand.
But at some point in the journey, DC and The Black Cat became the world we didn't understand. Â
Perhaps I am a vile, racist segregationist to all the wrong people. Â I think the trust fund yupster crowd should stay in their (cough Georgetown cough) zip code and leave the rest of DC to those of us who still give a damn about what this city was and what it could be again- a place of real revolution both culturally and politically. Â And it needs to start with The Black Cat. Â
Our rehabilitation program begins with getting rid of any and all dance nights. Â There are tons of dance clubs in DC, you don't need to take over our place. Â If it's not live music, it doesn't belong at The Black Cat. Â Drop the alcohol prices slightly. Â Yes, I know this is the District of Capitalism, but that doesn't mean you have to charge $7 for a domestic. Â That brings "the wrong crowd" in my vile racist segregationist eyes. Â
You think the crowd is rude to you because of your fresh out the mall rags and designer hair cut? Â Good. Â Go some place else. Â The world is your oyster. Â You have the power, the privilege, the money. Â Leave the rest of us these little scraps of dignity we have always enjoyed.
The only reason to go here is because for some reason they hook some of the best indie bands around, and frequently. They also host a lot of local talent and parties in their space they call "backstage"
Overall it's a dive bar...a really dirty one at that..with two stages. A cheap music venue where you can see some amazing talent, it never costs more than $20 but gets sold out quick.
I love the black cat. I've seen some amazing shows in both the new and the old Black Cat space. I'm only talking about the upstairs concert space, I haven't invested time or energy in the bar or the back room.
Why I love the black cat:
1) All ages - I've been both the kid who went to a ton of shows in college, and the 20 year old who wasn't allowed into shows all over Chicago. I really appreciate that here in DC we keep things all ages, even if I'm well beyond it mattering to me personally.
2) Dedication to the local scene - sure it isn't the entire scene, it is much more the punk scene, but the black cat is the place to see local bands as well as Government issue, Scream, or Frodus reunions.
3) Fair ticket prices - very rarely does a show cost more than $25 bucks.
4) Good, if not great sound. I wouldn't say the Black Cat has the best sound in the world, but it is pretty good for a boxy room.
An important part of DC music now and its history.
Been to a few concerts here and must say it's not my favorite, at least the upstairs (big stage) isn't.
There is something off about the acoustics in there. At first I thought it was my imagination or the band but each time I've been it feels like there is something off. It doesn't give a great concert feel, doesn't feel like the music is all around you, like it's not loud enough or something? There are also these big lights in parts of the main floor that brightens up there area and takes away from the concert vibe.
Downstairs bar and Small Room:
-I like these much better. Cool hipster bar feel with great draft selections. I think there's a pool table there and a few booth benches to chill with friends.
-Love the small room for concerts. Really intimate vibe and great sound. Always have a ton of fun a shows there.
I would think twice about shows in the upstairs. Even some of my favorite bands didn't sound as great up there and it was disappointing.
Bar Cash Only. Beers are $6 for the good draft beers (others are 5 for a yuengling etc.)
I've been here three times, once for an IDM show, once to see Girl Talk. and once for a spoken word performance. The venue isn't bad. It is seedy and dingy but that is what you expect when hanging out at U and 14th.
The sound can be hit or miss in the main room but that is par for the course with most venues.
As other people have said, bring cash.
So I'm a lame-O thirty something gal who went out with some friends to celebrate a birthday and Black Cat was on the agenda.
I was pleasantly surprised! Yes, it is dive-y place. We went here for 80's night and had a blast. Â What I loved about this club was that no one attempted to grab my ass, there was no smoke, and no one spilled drinks on me. Â The dance floor was very small, but everyone was out there shaking anything and everything they had.
AND NO ONE CARES!
People were here solely to have fun. Â It was great crowd. Â Everyone was nice and friendly and totally un-creepy. Â You can tell that people were here just to have a good time rocking out to the 80's. Â
It could be that it was an older crowd but people were really polite and respectful. Â
FYI...this is not a credit card friendly place...bring cash before you get there. Â There is a $7 cover for the 80's night. Â If you don't want to dance, you can get into the bar area without paying a cover.
The bathrooms have pink leopard prints!
The guy checking IDs was hilarious. Â There was a teenybopper couple in front of us in line, and he takes one look at them as they start pulling out their IDs and starts teasing the hell out of them. Â More importantly though, those handstamps smear too easily (why didn't you have my back, Jeff W?!). Â I have yet to really take the time to appreciate the Red Room downstairs. Â Vodka tonic was weaker than the misheard g&t, but that's more of a discussion about weaker evils. Â Cash only bar is a liver-pleasing handicap for the plastic-dependent.
Schedule tends to see some decent bands touring through (I think my most recent few here were Antlers, Freelance Whales, Electric Six), and it's a small enough space that it feels like a pretty intimate show. Â Pillars have tiny bar shelves where patrons discard drink glasses, and are themselves unconducive to clear viewing. Â The floor is not for the hygienic. Â Pricing's reasonable but sound quality is a little lacking. Â Crowd varies a lot in tone from show to show, but I've had some cool random conversations there. Â None of the cons are particularly bad enough to keep me from coming back for the right lineups. Â I've found parking at tiny lots down the street, but more lately I've been Metroing it since the hike's quite reasonable.
Dear Black Cat Bar Staff,
I know that I lack the full tattoo sleaves that you expect in your clientele. Â I don't come out wearing faux-ironic Elvis Costello style classes, and I reserve baggy plaid shirts purchased at Goodwill for yard work and painting. Â I don't have a shitty or pretentious attitude about music, and sometimes, I smile.
While I realize these factors set me apart from other patrons, there is one thing that I have, that should make you want to serve me attentively.
I have money, and I would like to purchase a gin and tonic. Â And then I would like to tip you.
Even without a plaid shirt, funny glasses or inherent knowledge of indie rock...I can still pay. Â I can! Â And I like to do it!
But you don't seem to care. Â You continue to ignore me, feigning to acknowledge my existence.
I'm not sure how much more of this I can take. Â I want to love you, but you're not giving me what I need.
Liquor.
Love,
Jules
Red lighting at a bar (or the illusion of such) tends to mean one of four things:
1) There is a velvet furniture piece nearby
2) There is slight lingering scent of sex musk
3) There is a slight lingering scent of Mary-Jane
3) PBR is on tap
Although it was probably a little early for 1,2, or 3 there was definitely PBR on tap for only $3.25. The perfect price for chugging! Just remember to keep the plastic in your pants. The bar here is cash only.
Surrounded by pool tables and loungey areas to sit and enjoy the predominantly rock & roll music, the laid back vibe was cool, calm and unpretentious. Our group kind of just did out own thing, got rowdy and enjoyed ourselves without any interuption.
Although a cool alternative, I didn't really feel that Black Cat had a whole lot to offer without a live band or performance. Â There were no drink specials or additional allure for me, so although I had a great time, I was very aware that it was due to the company I was with.
Probably not a place would come to on my own unless there was a live show I was trying to check out. There are plenty of places on U Street that I would rather drop by to grab a quick drink.