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10 Best Piano Bars in Washington, D.C
Washington is a vibrant city and there are many things one can do.
The landscape is eye-catching and the nightlife vibrant. Hop on a bike, book a double-decker tour bus or take a walking tour to explore the beautiful environment and discover nature.
Piano bars here are characterized by all-out performances to quiet crooners sitting in the corner.
However, not all places with a piano can classify as a piano bars.
In a New York Times piece from 2010, Frank Bruni makes the distinction that there’s a large difference between piano bars, and bars that happen to have a piano – mainly that in order to be considered a piano bar, “the music and maybe the chance to sing it are more crucial to the establishment’s identity than anything the bartender concocts.”
Washington is home to elegant bars that will provide you with some of the best tranquil dining experiences in the city.
A piano bar enhances your night outing in the city. We give you a list of the 10 best Piano Bars in Washington DC.
1. Georgetown Piano Bar
3287 M St NW Washington, DC 20007
Image by Carol M Highsmith from Wikimedia
The Georgetown Piano Bar is a welcoming place to hang out with a group of friends or family, especially if you are looking for a good dining spot to hang out in the evening.
It’s almost reminiscent of a speakeasy, with cocktails named after musicians and small tables placed close to each other in dark lighting.
Apart from its unique yet enthusiastic atmosphere, the Georgetown Piano Bar also provides live entertainment with some of the best pianists in town.
Sing along with the melodies and practice your dance steps on the dance floor. Indulge in the ravishing melodies played on the striking cherry red piano – the highlight of the bar.
The bar features a live piano every night starting at 7 p.m. and duelling pianos on Fridays and Saturdays starting at 9 p.m.
It’s recommended that you make a reservation in advance, as it does tend to get full, especially on the weekends
2. Jojo Restaurant and Bar
1518 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009, United States
Image by Christian Storb from Pixabay
An elegant venue offering an American menu & live jazz, blues, funk, soul & R&B nightly.
JoJo Restaurant and Bar serves contemporary American cuisine and an interesting drinks selection during Happy Hour which is between 5:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
The ambience of JoJo Restaurant and Bar is a fusion of the 1920s era and the modern, hip musical scene. Patrons can enjoy live musical entertainment with their meals here.
The atmosphere is romantic, especially with the phenomenal live band. The food and drinks are delicious and the service is fast.
You will certainly come back for more!
3. Bobby McKey’s Dueling Piano Bar
172 Fleet St, Oxon Hill, MD 20745, United States
image by Elisfkc from Wikimedia
It comes to life with live music on National Harbor’s Fleet Street – only a short stroll from the Gaylord Convention Center & MGM Casino.
The piano bar is a creative and fun idea for your next shindig. Come clap and sing along to our all-request show and see what everyone is talking about.
This is the place to celebrate Birthdays, Bachelorette Parties, Promotions, Holiday Parties, or even Corporate Events Bobby McKey’s has a more lighthearted vibe and is just plain enjoyable.
Their performers are very interactive with the audience and will play requests all night long.
The speciality cocktail and shooter menu are extensive, and they even serve food. It’s also worth mentioning that Bobby McKey’s is a 21-year-old-and-over establishment every day
It is the ONLY duelling piano bar in the DC Metro area!
4. Quill at The Jefferson
1200 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20036, United States
Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay
For classic cocktails & signature drinks with house-infused liquors served in a sleek VIP bar setting.
Quill is Washington, DC’s upscale lounge and cocktail bar.
Relax and unwind on the patio or enjoy the in-house pianist, Peter Robinson Tuesday through Saturday beginning at 9:00 p.m.
Quill offers classic and signature cocktails, a dynamic list of wines by the bottle and the glass and an elevated bar menu.
Inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello parlour, Quill is an upscale cocktail bar serving signature drinks, such as the “Route One Ricky” (Jim Beam rye, caramelized key lime shrub, and homemade cream soda), and American fare.
Guests can enjoy cocktails and conversation in the bar’s lounge or outside on our patio. New cocktails are introduced monthly.
5. Shaw’s Tavern
520 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States
Shaw’s Tavern is an exciting DC gastropub located in the heart of the city that brings a seasonal menu and innovative atmosphere to the energetic Shaw Neighborhood.
It doesn’t function as a full-fledged piano bar but hosts a weekly duelling piano performance.
With its exposed brick interior, sunlit patio, and classic American fare, it’s already a popular spot to grab dinner, brunch, and drinks.
Their seasonal menu offers both a vast array of classic comforts and rustic delicacies.
Here, people gather to dine in one of the best restaurants in Washington, DC with family and friends amongst a backdrop that combines urban form with country elegance.
Whether you are searching for a quiet table for two or multiple private dining venues, Shaw’s Tavern is one of the best dining experiences in Washington, DC and can cater to all of your dining needs.
Experience “piano night” every Wednesday night and on the first Friday of every month.
6. Mr Smiths of Georgetown
3205 Water St NW, Washington, DC 20007, United States
It is just a short distance from the White House.
Mr. Smith’s of Georgetown is the friendliest saloon in DC. Located in historic Georgetown, our piano bar has been serving the best since 1965.
Mr. Smith’s has been the premier Piano Bar in Georgetown since 1965. Did you know we’ve been the launching pad for music stars too? Tori Amos, who started playing with here as a teenager, went on to become a recording artist and receive many awards and Grammy nominations throughout her career.
It is the best place for a night of mad piano skills and good beer on tap!
Their popularity is most likely due to our delicious food at very reasonable prices, served in relaxed, casual surroundings.
7. The Bombay Club
815 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006, United States
Image by Scott Anthony from Pixabay
If you are looking for a quiet, elegant place to eat, instead of being engulfed by noise, then the Bombay Club might be the place for you.
The Bombay Club provides you with a soothing eating environment, where you can enjoy the tranquil melodies of live piano, as you sit back and enjoy delicately prepared meals, at the same time.
The menu of this restaurant features an Eastern touch, providing you with a unique eating experience that’s unlike any other in the bustling city.
However, kindly note that the dress code requires “smart casual” clothing, in order to dine at the restaurant.
If you are driving here, valet parking is also available to help keep your car safe. For Eastern cuisine, accompanied by a tranquil musical environment, the Bombay Club is the place to be.
8. Alice’s Jazz & Cultural Society
2813 12th St NE, Washington, DC 20017, United States
Photo by Brian Mcneil from Wikimedia
Alice’s Jazz and Cultural Society is an intimate Jazz club in the Brookland neighbourhood of Washington, D.C. that presents live music twice a week (Wednesdays and Sundays, 6-9 pm).
It’s the love-child of Dr. Alice Jamison, who owns the building and trumpeter, artistic director and building contractor DeAndrey Howard.
They spent five years renovating the formerly dilapidated storefront into a friendly, intimate, nonprofit, alcohol-free, soul-food-available space that hosts local bands and all-age (under 12, free) audiences.
9. Madam’s Organ
2461 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, United States
Image by Greco Lacerda Cruz from Pixabay
Madams Organ opened Halloween of 1992 with its first stage act, The Bobby Parker Band.
There was a line down the street on night one, and to be honest it hasn’t let up yet.
Little did owner Bill Duggan know what he had started when he brought the idea of Chicago Blues, live music, intimacy, and comfort to live in what the world now knows as Madams Organ.
After almost 30 years in business, Bill says he thinks he achieved his goal of creating a place everyone, no matter their status, could feel comfortable and at home.
Lively blues bar offers comfort food & drinks in mason jars along with music, dancing & a roof deck.
10. Howl at the Moon
900 7th St NW Suite 150R, Washington, DC 20001, United States
Image by GuangWu YANG from Pixabay
Ready to Howl, Washington, D.C.? Howl at the Moon is the No.1 nightlife spot that is keeping Chinatown dancing.
Part bar and part concert, Howl creates a non-stop party with live music performed in a high-energy setting.
Get on the dance floor and join talented musicians in rocking out to your favourite songs. You will hear everything from classic rock to hip-hop to pop.
It is the best Washington, D.C. nightlife has to offer. Howl at the Moon’s energetic and interactive setting creates the perfect atmosphere for any type of special event in Washington, D.C.”
Howl at the Moon is also the perfect location for bachelor parties, bachelorette parties, birthday parties, holiday parties, corporate events, private parties, meetings, cocktail parties and networking events.
Piano bars are a great place to hang out with your friends and family after a fruitful day of exploring the city.
Whether you intend to enjoy a soothing, elegant atmosphere or an enthusiastic, noisy place to end your day, Washington D.C. always has the right place for you to stop by.
From our list, choose the best piano bar for you and step into a world of sound, booze, food and good times.
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