I went to see a Finnish Hard Rock band, who plays on bluegrass instruments. Due to an accident I had last year I am unable to stand more than 15 minutes at a time. The manager was extremely understanding and helpful, made certain I was able to get one of the few seats available in the stage area. We arrived early, found free on-street parking almost across the street, Had dinner, met the staff, and everyone from the door person, the extremely sweet bartender downstairs, the bartenders upstairs, and on the roof were all great. The food..different but wonderful. We shared the Pickled Shrimp, Fried Chicken with hush puppies, and Bourbon Balls. Drinks were reasonably priced. The food was fabulous and very reasonable for DC. I make a point when I travel to eat at places recommended by the Road Food people and this was better than their top rated fried chicken dinner at the Southern Kitchen in New Market, Va! Who ever heard of pickled shrimp? Well it was amazing!! VERY different, VERY good. The patrons that this club draws were even nice, which is unusual in a city bar. The sound was good. I have been a sound engineer for 30 years and I am hard to please. They did a great job, sounded very good, powerful yet clean but not ridiculously loud. I definitely recommend this club highly and will be back, even just for dinner.

While this bar serves some up some pretty killer food, I came here primarily for the live music. The layout is similar to that of the Black Cat, with the main bar downstairs and the music venue upstairs. There are two very important differences between DC9 and the Black Cat: DC9 is smaller and has better food and a more extensive menu. I love the venue for its acoustics and atmosphere.
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5
Vegetarian options
There are many vegetarian appetizers and entrees.
Dietary restrictions
There are also gluten-free options.
Parking space
Difficult to find parking
Parking options
Free street parking
Parking
There is free street parking if you're lucky enough to find a spot.
Kid-friendliness
Not the best place for kids.
Wheelchair accessibility
There is a wheelchair entrance and handicapped friendly options on the first floor, but it would be very difficult to access the second floor music area.

Upon arriving at the DC9 I was Impressed by the classic style bar and rich ascetics. I entered the venue with my on phone tickets, unfortunately one of them was not processing. I was very frustrated and anxious- this was a sold out show. The owner Bill, handled the situation very genuinely and professionally, he helped navigate through my phone to retrieve the needed information, he called stubhub who weren’t able to fix their mistake. He honored my ticket, after helping me get a refund - he bought me a shot of whisky and ensured me DC9 was where people came to have a great time, and we did; a very memorable evening. The third floor offered roof seating, with a view and great bar. The second floor was the primary venue very impressive, the intimate area offered a close up stage, great sound and lights, the show was also displayed on a projector and through TVs very wicked! Another full size bar with a great beer selection, and affordable craft drinks. I look forward to returning. Thank you Bill.

I went to go see a band, which was amazing but my night was ruined because of the 2nd floor bartender (blue haired woman). My friend group of 6 ordered multiple drinks, which the bartender closed off each time (instead of keeping a tab open). We tipped her each bill. Around 10 40 pm, she confronted me that she will no longer serve my friend. No explanation. So we didn't argue, complain or even care. My friend paid off his 2 drinks and left. She proceeded to tell me and my left over friend group that my friend is an "ahole" for tipping small, as if she was demanding tips from the left over friend group. I saw him tip on multiple bills and all of a sudden she was mad that he tipped smalle when she refused service. He wasn't even drunk. She then proceeded to call down stairs to NOT serve my friend and continued to curse at him. At this point, we were done lol nice customer service. This bartender is the reason we wont be coming back.

Came in high energy for a show. Despite being the ONLY person tipping the performers and engaging with the performance, matching their energy and being respectful, “HANNAH THE GM” said I was “too drunk to serve” after an hour. Everyone who I spoke to had said I had the same energy before I started drinking and didnt seem drunk. I was appalled because I didnt do anything wrong and she couldnt define for me what I did but only that she was using her “best judgment.” It was giving super racist undertones and as a MANAGER you should be able to back up your decisions. After that, I went downstairs and hung out with that bartender and small group down there, and everything was perfectly fine. It worries me based on the type of people that come there and for who Hannah manages. THESE MICROAGGRESSIONS IN DC ARE BRINGING DOWN THE CITY. Please do better Hannah because it is unacceptable. I will be following up with this.

Be true to your bar And don’t let it down Or else it may not always be around Be true to your friends And let your friends know Without your bar you’d have no place to go Dedicated gluten free friar, good vegan options (owner is vegan), great shows, great staff, great rooftop, great vibes.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Vegetarian options
Many good vegetarian and vegan options, including impossible burgers and red beans and rice.
Dietary restrictions
Dedicated gluten free friar, buns, etc. Many good vegan options. Staff are trained and competent.
Parking space
Somewhat difficult to find parking
Parking options
Paid street parking
Kid-friendliness
Bar / venue is not kid friendly
Wheelchair accessibility
Not very accessible. Large step up to first floor bar, no elevator up to stage or roof

We had a great time at the Alejandro Aranda concert. There are 3 levels to the venue, with concerts being on the 2nd floor. It is standing only, but the manager was extremely accomodating to my friend and 2 others that I noticed with problems standing too long. They called in advance to work it out, and he was able to get stools. Get there early to get a good viewing spot. This night was sold out, but I still had a great view, as you see from photos. They have non alcoholic drinks at a decent price and bars on all 3 levels. Truly a fun place for a small show, but the standing for 3 hours can be rough on anyone, and the vertically challenged might have a hard time seeing. Just FYI.

I have very fond memories of meeting awesome people here when I lived in DC. They used to have a great indie dance night but I'm not sure what they do now, but I'm sure it's great. Some friends came to visit me one New Year's an we all came here and had a wild adventure. It was freezing outside and this place has nice warmers that keep you warm on the rooftop. Downstairs is usually crowded but you'll find great service at the bar. In the booths usually you'll meet a few cool random people. Overall, this place is perfect and has easy accessibility to the Metro. There's tons of food around everywhere, so you don't have to worry about staying hungry.

Awesome tiny venue that features burgeoning and established independent artists. Nice little bar downstairs and another one upstairs with the stage and music setup. They also serve food, which is very handy when it's late and you've had a few. The shrimp po'boy I had could have been awesome if they sifted their cornmeal dredge and toasted the bun. As it was I had some very hard rocky bits in my shrimp breading, which is scary for someone with bad teeth like myself. Otherwise it was a welcome addition to my shwilly stomach. I've seen some great underground musicians here, and I will be back next time I'm in DC.

This place has changed a bit over the years but the basic idea is, small room, in the city with cheep beer and good shows. One of the surprising things about DC9 is the level of talent they get to play here. The room is very small, but that makes for great shows. I've seen some rather large national acts here so it's a treat because of the size. I was last at DC9 about 2 months ago. I got there pretty early to grab a bit to eat. I have to say the burgers here are amazing, I don't know if they changed chefs or what but they were amazing and pretty cheap. Of course, the beers are cold and the music is good.

Really cool club/ music venue! Love that there are 3 floors to enjoy. The bartenders and staff were very friendly. The rooftop bar was a perfect place to enjoy an appetizer before the show I was there for. The bar on the first floor is cute and clean with plenty of seating. The 2nd floor, though, was where the action was. Thought the barn door was a unique touch- wouldn't have known anything was there if I didn't see someone going in/ out before the event started! The sound during the show was better than expected for a small club! Really interesting and intimate venue to catch live music in.

I went here for a Tuesday happy hour, and I enjoyed myself. The drinks were very cheap and the uncrowded rooftop provided a view of some of U Street's construction. While getting drinks was quick, I was displeased that the bartender took a long time to provide change. I got the distinct impression that she did it on purpose to keep the change as tip. Instead, I should have promptly received change and been given the opportunity to decide how much I would like to tip. Otherwise, I'd give this place four stars.

This venue is amazing!!! We came into town to see Tokyo Police Club and we were not disappointed. The show was sold out but there was still room to move and the sound was incredible. The venue has 3 floors and I fell in love with the rooftop bar. The bartenders and security guards were super friendly and the decor was rad! I wish I could take this spot back home with me. If I lived in DC this would be my regular hangout. Great job DC9, you gave us a fantastic experience and a wonderful memory.

Great place to see a show or grab food and drinks. The updated sound system is great and the music space is never uncomfortably packed, despite how intimate the venue is. People are generally polite. Bartenders are friendly and drink prices are reasonable. The few booths near the back provide respite for the overworked or kind parents who shuttle their kids to shows. Rooftop bar is a great place to escape for a smoke or to catch up with friends after or in lieu of a show. Highly recommended.

I volunteered to photograph a concert (KISSISSIPPI) just to stay in practice with my camera at DC9. So I get to the club to meet the POI Bill Spieler. "You need a vaccination card." Never once in an email did he mention a vaccination card. I know from now on to check local and state laws concerning the pandemic. Though It was just for fun, and I have been vaccinated, he could at the least offered a drink. Thanks for reading.

Solid place to visit. Low prices and such, but there isn't much room to dance. It's a club for small groups of people rather than a club to host a larger group of people. Overall, the layout is pretty good and tbe 3 floors they have (especially the rooftop) are very nice. The drink menu is relatively standard. If you've never been before, I'd recommend visiting for an event and forming your own review!

DC9 is a great place for whatever one is in the mood to experience. The first floor is a cozy bar that serves food and drinks, compete with booth service if one wishes. The second floor has various events such as nerd nites, bands visiting, goth nights, and 90s dance parties. The roof deck has great food and drinks. Highly recommended. 2022: Still a great venue with very friendly bat tenders.

Went on a Friday night and it has so much to offer. First floor is mostly a bar with some sit down booths, second floor they have concerts and when an act isn't booked they have dancing (cover), the roof is probably my favorite. Great view and even when a lot of people are there it doesn't feel crowded. I could always get my drinks quickly as well and the bartenders were great.

DC9 has one of my favorite rooftop bars in the city. It's pretty small and can get really crowded on a weekend night, but I've been able to snag a table a few times for some bar food and drinks. It has a really cool view of the rooftops down U Street. It's also one of the best lesser known live music venues in the city. I've seen a bunch of great shows there.

Awesome food and great venue to be up close and personal.really close to stage like in your face. Of course sweaty band groupie nerds will be bouncing up and down and rubbing their sweaty arms against you but its very tight up there and worth it for the closest you will ever see your favorite band perform..they can actually touch you while on stage

I went for a concert held here and it was amazing. The venue on the second floor is a nice size and even though the show was sold out there was a comfortable amount of space on the sides if you needed a minute. the staff was friendly and all in all they made it a great experience
Price per person
$10–20
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

I had a great experience here. I use a walker and the staff went above and beyond to help me to get upstairs to see the band. They made sure our food got to us and that I had a chair to sit in. I highly recommend this venue. I generally do not go out because not everyone is ADA compliant but DC9 is awesome! The food is fantastic as well!!!

I like going to concerts here the place has a good vibe and nice staff, the only issue I have is the way it's laid out is a bit strange the merch table is right in front of the door so you get people blocking the door trying to get merch. It's a small complaint but overall this is a good spot to go see music I really enjoyed it.

Saw Bilmuri here for the first time, it was small, but accommodated the crowd well. The building is 110 yrs old and the band played on the second floor, so when everyone started jumping around you could feel the floor sag and bounce back, kinda scary but cool at the same time. Great staff , very helpful and just a fun place

Best Chicken Sandwich I've ever eaten! It's seriously perfect. The bar is cool, rooftop is nice. Staff are always friendly. Only complaint isn't really a valid complaint: depending on who's playing it can be impossible to hear yourself think while eating, but hey, It's a venue so oh well I'm happy to deal with that!

They have good food and all your basic drinks. We went to see a band and the space is cozy and you really feel like you're with the band. They have a roof top deck also but I didn't make it up there. The only downside to this place is that the light in the ladies room went out pretty quick with a motion sensor.

The food was great and the people are very polite and friendly. The lights keeps dimming and brightening over and over again which was weird () but the drinks ended up being so much more than expected and ruined the night.
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

Tiny, but there's definitely more than meets the eye when you walk in. Came here to see a show and had no clue what to expect. Absolutely phenomenal experience though. Has a rooftop bar/smoking lounge where you can get a breath of fresh air. I will be back here, even if I'm not seeing a show. Lots of stairs!

Best burgers in town and awesomely affordable. They hands down beat the ludicrously expensive, and snobby food experiences of other 9th street establishments like 1901, The Brixton, and the Satellite Room. Be warned: there are no douches at DC9. It's a cool place for chill people to enjoy themselves.

Great venue! This venue has been host to some of the most exciting artists. DC9 hosted The 1975’s first performed in Washington DC and also hosted Cautious Clay’s first performance there as well! It’s a excellent venue with a great staff and great hospitality. I definitely recommend this venue!!

Great intimate show space to see smaller up and coming bands ... only hold about 150 people - so sold out shows are tight. Staff is super friendly. Beer is cold. Sound is good. What more could a music fan ask for Check set times though. Sometime shows are early with dance parties afterwards ...

This was a great place to spend the night. They had great live music and at the same time you can enjoy food and drinks with your friends and still be able to chat because it is not hardcore dance music like serious nightclubs. Great place for summer time will be spending here lots of nights

The staff followed myself and my friends around the venue like hawks and slowly invented reasons to kick us out, one by one. The environment felt hostile to be honest. I used to love this place, and I’m super bummed to see the direction it’s heading in. If I could rate zero stars, I would.

Nice little club. The corner stage almost reminds me of the old 930 club. Sound is pretty good all things considered. Stage is pretty low as is the ceiling. I don't know if it was just bad luck but there was annoying guy standing right in front of the stage taking pictures the whole show.

We have played here half a dozen times and it has consistently been one of the most welcoming clubs in the country! I will forever look forward to coming to DC9. Also, the food slays. The chicken sandwich, red beans & rice and burgers are always great. Thank y’all and see ya soon!

Nice atmosphere though it was so hot I had to leave early. Pretty small place overall. Very convenient to get to via Metro. Drink prices were very reasonable and the bartender was great. Didn't get a chance to try the food, but I'll be going back so hopefully I will next time.

This dive bar is awesome! In the summer you can relax on the 3rd fl rooftop and laugh at everyone waiting in line for the "popular" bar across the street. In the winter they have small indi bands on the second floor. Great concert space. Staff has seen it all so be respectful!

Absolutely awesome place! I love these smaller venues because you just get a much more person connection. I saw Troye Sivan and Greyson Chance here. It’s a great place in a great location with lots to do. Totally worth the visit if you have an artist you like performing there.

Extremely friendly staff, great atmosphere, but no way I could see of getting upstairs to watch bands if I were wheelchair bound. That being said, the sound system in the band area is excellent! Again no real complaints, just wish there were an elevator to get upstairs!

Saw a show here last week and it was such a great venue! Easy to see the stage from just about anywhere and there’s two other floors that are just bar spaces. I’ll definitely be back for another concert and probably just to grab a drink at some point! More

One of my favorite venues in DC. It's a very intimate space where you can be just a foot away from your favorite artist. The upstairs performance area is a little tight, but it makes every show feel packed which adds to the energy. Go, you'll love it!

150 person capacity venue means you can get up close to the bands but shows usually end pretty early and the beer list is not impressive by any means. The food is pretty good tho, and be sure to get their garlic fries as a side to whatever you order.

[New Episode Live] It's alright, this remains me band in the modern Irish club bars and British Dining Bars. Which is great to have something like this. Pretty Impressive. One of the most popular events in the Downtown district. Sure thing.

Great place for live music. It is a really small and intimate venue which makes for a much better experience. Bouncer was really nice, drinks are averagely priced, and overall a good experience. Would come to a show here again.

Its been a while since I had a Schlitz. Good sound system on the 2nd fl. The roof bar is cool even when it rains. Best food on the block. Staff are cool and friendly from the cooks to the door guy. Tons of fun, busy or slow!

I haven't been there in awhile, but went there for a memorial for a friend last month then went back later that evening for the nightlife. Every experience I have ever had there has been wonderful. Staff is excellent.

I first visited this bar during pride week... returned on a non-descript day of the week and was a little underwhelmed. Nonetheless, I'd consider this bar a good alternative to those of us still avoiding Nellie's.

Generally loud, and the stage riser is too short (low ceiling so nothing can be done about that. Nevertheless a good vibe and fairly intimate venue. Recommend, but get there early, grab a good spot, and hold it.

Little but intimate. TTNG played twice here and it was a laid back experience. Bar on every level, food always smells great, bands perform on the second level without it being over crowded! Great place to rock!

Great spot for indie bands. Fans to keep you cool in the summer and good heat in the winter. Overall excellent place to catch a show at. Audio is decent too, for the size of the venue. Highly recommend!

Great place for local beer, intimate shows with some up and coming artist. The typical snobbish dc crowd. The staff isn't too bad either. Locations isn't bad considering the venue isn't the most known.

Intimate venue and very friendly staff. I would highly recommend if you can! The tickets were shockingly affordable and the folks at the front actually checked vaccination and ID. Much appreciated.

This place hosts great touring acts, and unlike most places in the U street area, the beer selection is great and the prices are super reasonable. Check out the roof top bar, it's super cute!

Good food, good/affordable drinks. Awesome events. Nerd Nite DC is just a great monthly event about science, history, pop culture, and other nerdy topics, and it's tons of fun every time.

I go to a lot of concerts and I've been to a lot of music venues between New York and D.C. DC9 was definitely one of the nicer ones. The staff were friendly and club's layout was nice.

Decent dive with plenty of base drinks. Sunday nights feature karaoke with plenty of options for songs. The bar features a patio for daytime drinking and a stage for live performances

Local drag performer Domingo hosts a talent show here titled Doningø's got Talent. It is a great space for the queer community and always a fun time. Definitely worth checking out!

NYE 2020 party was rather fun. The DJ switched songs too quickly but otherwise a great. Bartenders were very nice and friendly. Dancefloor was a bit smaller than expected.

Great place to have fun! The rock shows are awesome and you can really tell that the staff really cares about their customers. My favorite bartenders are Bong and Sheena

Fun dance parties! Gets a little hot in the summer, not sure the a/c and ventilation are always great. Drinks are average. Gets crowded. You'll meet a lot of hipsters!

I love DC9. We go here regularly. The bottom floor is a typical indoor bar, the second floor is for dancing, and the top floor is a rooftop bar. Definitely recommend.

Bill helped me out. Polite helpful.not at all like a lot of night venues similar in what's offered. Hey Willl Butler amd band definitely visit DC 9 again. Thanks

The food was great and the music was great but it's always great with this DJ. The rooftop was perfect but the seating could use an upgrade or at least cushion.

I came for a show and the staff were really helpful and really friendly! Would definitely come here again
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Frankie (Frankenstein? Lol) is a fantastic bartender. The atmosphere was fantastic even though there weren't too many people. Definitely gonna come back often!

Had son much fun for my birthday at DC9. Can’t complain, the staff was super amazing, drinks on point and the music selection was so diverse. Way to go DC9!

Fun place. I go periodically for Nerd Nite and always enjoy it. It can get crowded but the roof deck is very nice. The bartenders are unfailingly polite.

Great ambiance especially for live music, will say that the bartender was extremely rude to the people I was with which kind of made the experience sour.

Great bands, great dancing, and great food! The burgers are some of the most creative in the city, and they have great vegetarian and vegan options too!

Cheap drinks with a small concert venue that's perfect for getting closer to indie artists and up-and-coming groups. They do dance/karaoke events, too.

Great bartenders, lovely year-round rooftop, and a decent selection of food and beers. All this can be enjoyed while listening to top-notch music.

a lovely small music venue with a rooftop bar for the warmer months and another bar by the entrance. i have seen some of my favorite artists here.

Saw Cuni, Bummer Camp, Jhariah, and Pinkshift here. Everyone killed it 11/10 I have no clue if the food+drinks are any good cause I'm underage

Depending on the bartender determines a great or horrible experience. The ac needs to be updated, it gets very hot especially in the summer.

Great organic meat hamburgers. And tasty appetizers like green fried tomatoes and hush puppies with a jalapeno honey sauce. A must try.

Awesome place! My brother had his wedding here and everything was wonderful. Attentive and friendly staff and the owner is a great guy.

Great quality sound system, nice close intimate atmosphere, good beer. An amazing show overall. Would definitely come back here again.

I have only ever been here for nerd night, they do a great job with that show every month. Drinks are standard, food is good bar food.

Came here once with the guys and had a great time. Music was great and me and the DJ shared a few jokes joaning on each other lol

Saw Ryan Caraveo here. Awesome little venue. Bar service was a little slow (maybe understaffed?) but overall it’s a cool place!!

A little cramped and definitely a hole in the wall. That aside, you can get right up by the stage and the burgers are amazing.

This is a great place to see a rock show. The staff is excellent. The food is great. It's a nice intimate live experience.

Great place if u want a bite to eat and catch a vibe love the rooftop and the drinks staff and the owner bill are amazing

Hip music club with bar and friendly staff. An oasis from some of the chaos of U street corridor. Highly recommend.

Fun bar with live music, we saw a local band that was phenomenal! It gets busy so plan on being in close quarters.

Best combo bar / music venue in DC until further notice.
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

10/10. Top-tier music venue, bar, with amazing food. Fried chicken sandwich and garlic fries . …

Super friendly staff. Sound equipment is on point and it's a super nice place to just be. 5 stars for sure.

I love this place. The food is good, the staff is fantastic, and the roof deck is my favorite in the city.

Door and bar staff were friendly and the sound system was nice
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

only go for the music. the food has to be ordered via Grubhub for some reason. the booze is only ok.

Great little venue! First time there. Very intimate space with good sound and atmosphere.

Always a good time. It's cheap and pretty safe for women and queer people. Great staff.

always a good time, the best unofficial gay bar in DC — great acts, cool space

Good vibes... Loved the rooftop bar. We were the only ones but it was nice.

Went there for a small intimate concert. Loved the venue and the staff!!

Very fun and friendly staff! Food and hot apple cider was perfect

Good place. The rooftop is a great to drink and see the street.

Intimate stage to see a band. Pretty groovy

Cool little venue. GOOD FOOD