Best of DC

The Best Lounges in Washington, DC

By Jiyan ⋅ September 30, 2008 ⋅  Email this post ⋅  Print this post ⋅ Post a comment

Washington, DC has long been known for it’s collection of lounges. In past years, the ambiance of these venues has been a perfect fit for a DC crowd looking for a more laid-back nightlife experience. Recently, the surge in high-end clubs has created a more stratified array of options but the lounges are still going strong. Here are some of our picks for the top lounges in DC.

L2 Lounge - A relative newcomer to DC, L2 is also the most exclusive venue on this list. With a membership program and strict door policy, L2 provides a closed, intimate setting for its patrons.

Chi-Cha Lounge - Still going strong after all these years, Chi-Cha is a surefire bet for a good time if you are with a group of friends. The crowd tends to be diverse and more mature than your typical venue in DC, however if it’s a good looking, stylist crowd you are after there are probably better options out there.

Guarapo -The only Northern Virginia venue on this list, Guarapo is a well conceived space that draws some of the more diverse, stylish crowds in NoVa.

Gazuza - A pretty consistent choice in Northern Dupont, Gazuza (another Latin Concepts venue) is more popular in warm months due to its unique deck overlooking Connecticut. Even in Winter though it will draw a more mature, upscale crowd.

Science Club - Science Club is probably considered more of a transitional venue these days, meaning it is a place to start an evening or grab a nightcap but I don’t know many who would consider it to be a main event type location.

Lima - I can’t resist putting Lima on just about every list we come up with. It is by far my favorite venue in DC and I think it is one of the best choices for just about every type of experience. On a Wednesday or Thursday it is probably my favorite lounge in DC.