Eighteenth Street Lounge

Such a great atmosphere and music! Love it!

No bag policy? What are they thinking? I love ESL but I've now twice been turned away for the crime of having a bag with me. Apparently they have a problem with theives, and this is their response. I can think of three others: i) look out for theives and prosecute them, ii) warn customers and tell them bags are their responsibility, iii) open up the coat check they have on the second floor. They were previously only turning away guys with bags, but it seems they've now reversed this discriminatory policy and are now applying their crazy plan to everyone.

I will happily remove this negative review once ESL responds to tell me that the policy has been reversed. Until then, and as a cyclist who needs to carry a bag for my gear, I will be avoiding ESL entirely. And I have plenty of other pissed off friends joining me.

Also, their security staff have a serious attitude problem. But I'm willing to forgive that if I'm actually allowed in

ESL has, is, and always will be one the more dope spots in DC. Unlike "Last Resort Row" (K Street NW between 13th and Vermont), the music here is fly and the crowd here can definitely be just as fly without the melodrama of smarmy dudes or bridge and tunnel muchachas. The bartenders here are friendly, fast, and competent...which helps when you're trying to get your dance on.

ESL isn't as much of a hidden gem, or as exclusive as it's heyday when as a guy your options were to roll up with some dime pieces or pay a high cover charge. The music here is a huge draw if you're into breaking it down on the dance floor, this is still the place you can enjoy a night out. ESL has all sorts of music from downtempo beats, to house, and even moombahton (which, like go-go, is unique to DC).

If you want to dress up, dance, chill with some cool peeps, or just grab a few drinks and kick it...ESL still brings it.