Mr. Smith's Piano Bar

Mr. Smith’s of Georgetown provides a musical experience like no other in Washington, DC. Patrons leave with vocal cords exercised and pockets empty.

A clash between old diner and museum in terms of décor and fixtures, the bar’s inconsistent theme is a metaphor for the pianist’s various tunes from the 70s sung by GWU-students to today’s hits playing throughout the bar during the pianist’s break.

Requests can be made by guests from the limited lists of songs, but the line can be long, so it’s vital to stick around to hear your favorite jam. A buck or two for the pianist may even help as he is surrounded by dollar bills strewn throughout the piano, which is transformed into a bar on the other side where guests can sit and get a close listen to the songs.

For those looking to socialize with their gang, the upstairs is always open and provides some extra seating at a few rustic tables, an open floor and a less rambunctious crowd.
The back room, lit up by white lights, is a garden restaurant heated during winter months and where a second bar will soon open up. Tables hovered by a large bell and hanging plants will make patrons feel as though they’re dining in a greenhouse.

Squanderers may be tempted to try out the $1,000 burger, any burger of their choice and any toppings, all accompanied with a bottle of Chateau Lafite Rothschild.
Whether it’s a night of big-spending, vocal cord-stretching or hearty eating, Mr. Smith’s of Georgetown leaves its crowd feeling satiated in multiple ways.

Dodge City in DC

A dive bar located among a slew of popular concert venues on and around busy U Street, Dodge City brings in a large regular crowd of music-loving patrons.

Much-loved for its wide selection of microbrews, most patrons are found with an artsy-labeled bottle or can in their hands – no PBR up in here – while wandering from the first to second floor of dim-lit Dodge City where the vibes are often completely different.

On the bottom floor, a more laid-back vibe is given off. The DJ plays mellow blues, funk, or lounge music and casual-dressed yuppies sit and chat it up along the rustic bar or at the few tables and benches beneath funky artwork scattered about.

While walking up the old worn-down stairs and passing by the subdued bluish-gray walls, the music gets louder and a little faster. DJs on the second level play hip-hop, house, go-go, and more fun, up-beat tunes on Friday and Saturday nights and the open room fills with rowdier club kids looking to get their dance on.

The second level’s fully stocked bar from floor to ceiling shows that Dodge City doesn’t only specialize in microbrews, but offers a large selection of liquor, allowing a little more liquid courage to break a move on the dance floor.

When the groups of revelers need to cool off, they head to back patio where bar-goers escape the noise and chat with friends.

Though the patio is normally a relaxed space during the week, it’s also very popular for sports-lovers on Sundays, when the bar opens early to accommodate the NFL season and starts to look more like a good friend’s backyard party than a rustic watering hole. With a beer in hand, patrons walk out to the back patio, where heaters are present during wintertime, and grab some eats from the bar’s grill with meats provided by 13th St Meats, a local wholesaler.

Whether they want to chill with a few unique beers downstairs, bust a move to local DJs upstairs, or enjoy some backyard grilling without having to clean up after themselves, Dodge City keeps everyone entertained.