The Torch Club

Best music in town, great bartenders, great owner (Marina), great bands. It's mostly a blues club although the music varies, but where else can you get good music and good drinks 6 nights a week. The history of this bar is great. When I first started coming here, in 1981, it was on L street next-door to Frank fats. Then, it moved to between 16th and 17th, still on L St.. When it was down by Frank fats, it was a hangout for politicians, lobbyists, and hookers from across the street at the Greyhound bus station. Used to go in and see sitting at the bar Jerry Brown, Willie Brown, Jesse Unruh, etc. And sitting next to them would be three or four foxy hookers. Wheb it moved up to 16th street, that's when it started being a blues club. The politicians stopped coming there and, as Willie Brown wasn't here anymore, it was more fun then. That's when I met Moose, also from New York, the greatest bartender I ever knew. We loved each other, but now he's gone. Anyway, I still love this place. I love listening to the music, having a drink, and hanging out with people who are not all in their 20s. I wish they served food, then I'd never have to go anyplace else, except home - maybe.

First timers! We will be back

There are a number of aspects that have to meld just right to make for a great dive. Especially if that dive is touted by many as the go-to music venue for intimate viewings of fledgling acts.

I've been on many an occasion - daytime, nighttime, drunk, sober, when there was music and when there was not - and I can say it's always a unique experience. There alway seems to be a larger over-40 clientele than many of the other dives-turned-hipster-hangouts on the grid. The drinks are stiff and it's easy to get lost in the bottom of a tall glass of one of their many beers.

The downside is the music portion. The stage sits at the far end of what is basically an open room. If it's a crowded show, there is almost no visibility unless you're up close and it gets hot. The random tables and chairs around the floor make it difficult to navigate to the bar or the bathroom. And the sound system is barely hanging on - the last two bands I've seen there have complained into the mic about how certain amps or instruments kept cutting out.

I appreciate the Torch for what it is, but I also see it as having as many strengths as weaknesses. Tied in with a visit to Republic next door, it's a worthy place to spend an evening.