Arlington, Virginia, has a vibrant nightlife influenced by its multicultural population.
Arlington, Virginia has long been thought of primarily as a suburb of our nation's capital. But in recent years, Arlington's vibrant multicultural community has made it a destination spot in itself, and its attractions even draw visitors from the District of Columbia to visit this exotic locale right in its own backyard.
That exotic nature is perhaps best experienced at night, as the cultures all come out to meet, mingle, and party! Perhaps you'd like to get started with a little salsa: Cecilia's Restaurant and Nightclub has the largest dance floor and loudest sound system (so they say!) of any Latin dance club in the DC area, and Thursdays through Sundays they salsa the night away.
If big band swing is more your thing, check out the Clarendon Ballroom, brought to you by the folks who operate the Clarendon Grill restaurant.
Asia Bistro, Matsutake and Sala Thai are all Asian restaurants with the added attraction of live jazz - check out each restaurant for the current schedule and performers, as they are subject to change.
Like electronic/techno and world music? Try Gua-Rapo for tasty tapas, exotic cocktails made with the fresh sugar cane juice for which this lounge is named, and the kind of music you won't hear too many other places.
If the kind of world music you like leans more towards the Celtic, you might prefer Ireland's Four Courts featuring live entertainment Tuesdays through Saturdays, and, of course, a well-stocked bar with Guinness and Harp on tap.
Whitlow's on Wilson is yet another place to hear live music: rock, blues, jazz, acoustic, funk, reggae"¦they do it all. Cover charge is a reasonable $4-$5 Thursdays through Saturdays only. There is an extensive menu as well, with choices ranging from bar snacks (wings and nachos) to burgers and sandwiches to full meals, pasta entrees, and even a kids' menu.
The Galaxy Hut hosts indie rock, punk and alternative music acts on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday nights (no cover charge!), and has djs spinning indie rock, dub, electro, Britpop, hip-hop, reggae and a few surprises every Tuesday and Wednesday night. The menu features a few vegan choices; the walls feature a rotating art show; the drinks range from the exotic (Allagash Belgian White Ale) to the plebian (Pabst Blue Ribbon served in the can).
And, of course, true nightlife connoisseurs will not want to miss a night at Dr. Dremo's Taphouse , voted one of the Washington Post's "Best of Washington Nightlife" hotspots (as well as 3rd Best Pool Hall and 4th Best Neighborhood Bar in a Washingtonpost.com reader poll). Be sure to check out their specialty beers - the flavor of the month right now is Chocolate Donut! Live music, pool, open-mike nights Wednesdays and Thursdays, and on Tuesdays - free movie night hosted by the Washington Psychotronic Film Society! Just Like Mystery Science Theater, only with bar patrons instead of robots supplying the wisecracks.
Whichever venue you choose, you are sure to have a good time. There is variety enough for everyone, and no matter your taste in music or entertainment, if you look, I'm sure you can find something to suit.
