10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Washington DC
Where to Go in Washington DC at Night?
This guide to the best things to do after dinner in Washington DC includes highlights that appeal to both lovers of late night adventures and families with kids who need their sleep. The nation’s capital is a nightlife powerhouse with fun activities for all age groups. Whether you’re looking to party or enjoy a family evening, DC has plenty of options for you.
To help you pick the DC nightlife spot for you, we’ve listed our favorite haunts and hangouts around town. As the day winds down and stars emerge in the skies over the Capitol, check out our list, then enjoy some thrilling after-hour trips in this historic city.
1. Monuments by Moonlight
Famous monuments illuminated in bright lights
Good for: Couples, History, Nightlife, Photo
Through the Monuments by Moonlight tour, you can take in Washington DC’s famous memorials in a different light. Hop on an open-air trolley and ride around the nation’s capital to view beloved monuments after sunset. Guides entertain you with funny stories, historical information, and spooky ghost tales.
As you ride around DC, your trolley will pass the White House and Capitol Building. The tour makes pit stops at the MLK Jr. Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, and Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial. You’ll also see the FDR Memorial, Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial, and Korean War Veteran’s Memorial from a unique perspective.
Location: 50 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Washington, DC 20002, USA
Phone: +1 202-729-8072
Monuments by Moonlight
2. Washington DC sunset cruises
DC’s spectacular skyline from the Potomac River
Good for: Couples, Luxury, Nightlife, Photo
A Washington DC sunset cruise offers you romantic riverside images of the nation’s capital. Sip on beer, wine, spirits, or soda while sailing past some of DC’s most historic landmarks. Various operators provide cruises that pass the Kennedy Center, Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Arlington Memorial Bridge, Roosevelt Island, and more.
With multiple cruise options, you can select the vessel that’s right for your party. Impress your significant other by booking a couple’s dinner cruise. A Washington monument cruise is great for history buffs. You can also host an event on a private yacht. If you visit during cherry blossom season, DC sunset cruises offer breathtaking views of the beautiful flowers.
3. Ford’s Theater
A historic venue presenting family-friendly shows
Good for: Families, History, Nightlife
Ford’s Theater is a historic venue that’s also a great go-to for family-friendly performances. A tragic part of its history is that it’s where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. The 16th US president had a profound love for the performing arts. With true theatrical spirit, the show goes on to this day, despite this iconic historical interruption.
Ford’s Theater honors the spirit of an American hero with past productions including the likes of The Guard and A Christmas Carol. It’s hardly changed since 1865, and visitors can look inside the Presidential Box where Lincoln sat. If you’re early for the show, check out exhibits of Abraham Lincoln and John Wilkes Booth at its museum.
Location: 511 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20004, USA
Phone: +1 202-347-4833
Ford's Theater
4. VUE Rooftop
Refreshing cocktails and fabulous cityscapes
Good for: Couples, Nightlife, Photo
The VUE Rooftop bar atop the Hotel Washington in DC offers impressive panoramic views of the city and some of its major landmarks. The Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and The White House are all in view as you sip your drink.
The cocktail menu makes political references with items like “Yes We Can” and “President’s Book of Secrets”. While the opulent decor and stylish lighting present a socialite vibe, it’s a hip crowd that hangs out at the VUE Rooftop. Find a comfy spot to lounge around, watch the sunset, and enjoy your drink with these special views.
Location: 515 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20004, USA
Open: Monday–Thursday from 4 pm to midnight, Friday 4 pm to 1 am, Saturday 11 am to 1 am, Sunday 11 am to midnight
Phone: +1 202-661-2400
VUE Rooftop
5. DC Improv Comedy Club
Hilarious skits from big-name comedians
Good for: Couples, Nightlife
DC Improv Comedy Club has been featuring some of the country’s finest comedians since opening in 1992. Superstars such as Adam Sandler, Kevin Hart, and Dave Chapelle have all stepped on DC Improv’s stage. The lowkey atmosphere helps performers perfect their stand-up acts before taking them on the road.
Thanks to the club’s enormous success, DC Improv opened a comedy school to teach improv and stand-up. Check the calendar of events for glimpses of future stars before they become famous. The club can also help coordinate private events with comedic talents to entertain you and your party.
Location: 1140 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA
Open: Wednesday–Friday from 6.15 pm to 11.30 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 5.45 pm to 11.30 pm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Phone: +1 202-296-7008
DC Improv Comedy Club
6. Board Room
Craft beers and your favorite board games
Good for: Couples, Nightlife
Board Room is a bar in Washington DC where you can ditch your smartphone and have fun by interacting with your friends and other bar-goers through 30+ games. The game selection includes classics like Scrabble, Yahtzee, Trivial Pursuit, Connect 4, Backgammon, and Life. Don’t worry if you can’t find your favorite board game as the staff encourage guests to bring their own.
As the competition heats up, choose from 21 draft lines, seasonal wines, and handcrafted cocktails. If you want to catch the big game, Board Room has 9 big-screen TVs to watch the action. And the staff welcomes private parties for groups of over 200 fun-loving guests.
Location: 1737 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA
Open: Monday–Thursday from 4 pm to 2 am, Friday 4 pm to 3 am, Saturday noon to 3 am, Sunday noon to 2 am
Phone: +1 202-518-7666
Board Room
7. Nellie’s Sports Bar
Sports games, buffet eats, and drag parties
Good for: Couples, Food, Nightlife
Nellie’s Sports Bar hosts an energetic vibe for sporting events, just a 5-minute walk from Howard University in Washington DC. TVs and funky memorabilia adorn the walls of the 2-story sports bar. In addition to watching your favorite sports, Nellie’s hosts theme nights to further entertain. Drag events are popular and create a fun atmosphere for large parties.
Other fun events include karaoke, ping-pong madness, trivia games, dance parties, and sports league nights. DJs encourage guests to get down on the dance floor, and bartenders serve beer, handcrafted cocktails, ice pops, and slushies. If you’re still hungry after dinner, Nellie’s also offers delicious appetizers and a huge buffet.
Location: 900 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
Open: Tuesday from 5 pm to 1 am, Wednesday 5 pm to midnight, Thursday 5 pm to 2 am, Friday 5 pm to 3 am, Saturday 11 am to 3 am, Sunday 11 am to 2 am (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +1 202-332-6355
Nellie’s Sports Bar
8. Blues Alley Club
Intimate performances from talented jazz musicians
Good for: Couples, Nightlife
The Blues Alley Club hosts intimate jazz and blues performances, tucked away in the charming streets of Georgetown in Washington DC. Tables sit close to the stage, from where you can get up-close with the passionate musicians. Touring artists and local performers showcase their talents in a cozy, laidback setting.
Blues Alley Club nurtures young musicians, and the Blues Alley Youth Orchestra features aspiring artists. The venue has multiple shows during the evenings, and top-tier talents usually make weekend appearances. Blues fans of all ages are welcome, but the ambience makes it a lovely spot for couples.
Location: 1073 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA
Open: Daily from 6 pm to 11 pm
Phone: +1 202-337-4141
Blues Alley Club
9. Cafe Citron
A colorful dance club with lively Latin music
Good for: Couples, Food, Nightlife
Cafe Citron in Dupont Circle is the place in Washington DC to bring your dance shoes and boogie to Latin music. Get ready to dance to reggaeton, bachata, and other energetic styles the moment you enter the building. The colorful decor mimics the Caribbean, and that island spirit permeates around the club.
The staff serves refreshing tropical beverages that quench your thirst after you’ve worked up a sweat. Cuban mojitos, Brazilian caipirinhas, house margaritas, and Spanish sangrias highlight their selection of cocktails. And if you get hungry, their Bolivian, Mexican, and Peruvian-inspired plates will ease your appetite.
Location: 1343 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA
Open: Wednesday–Thursday from 8 pm to 2 am, Friday–Saturday from 7 pm to 3 am (closed Sunday–Tuesday)
Phone: +1 202-422-3005
Cafe Citron
10. Madam’s Organ
Live blues and a laidback rooftop bar
Good for: Couples, Food, Nightlife
Madam’s Organ is a blues bar on 18th Street in Washington DC that offers live music 7 nights a week. Boogie to blues and rock bands while sipping refreshing beverages from mason jars. Grab appetizers and pair them with beer, wine, or cocktails. The 1st floor features local and regional blues acts, and the upper floors include bars, lounges, and pool tables.
Join the singing fun by warming up your vocal cords for open-mic nights with your friends. If you’d rather relax, head up to the lounge and rooftop deck to feel the evening breeze.
Location: 2461 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA
Open: Sunday–Thursday from 6 pm to 2 am, Friday–Saturday from 6 pm to 3 am
Phone: +1 202-667-5370
Madam’s Organ
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.