What to Eat When Seeing Live Music in D.C.

Most of these venues have surprisingly large food menus.

by Octavia Silva Dec 29, 2015, 12:00pm EST

View as Map

Gypsy Sally's

| Gypsy Sally's/Yelp

by Octavia Silva Dec 29, 2015, 12:00pm EST

Residents of D.C. are lucky to have several venues for live music and other types of performances nearby. Most also happen to serve food. If hunger strikes in the middle of an impromptu guitar solo, audience members have options instead of starving until the show ends.

Here's a list of a dozen live music venues with a recommended item from each of the menus. Kitchen closing times vary, so check before placing an order. It might be too late before the end of the show.

9:30 Club

Copy Link

Recommended menu item: The Nachos of Ulysses, made with Monterey Jack cheese, diced tomatoes, onions, salsa, and sour cream, are one of the 9:30 Club’s biggest sellers. Their signature “9:30 Club” chocolate cupcakes are also popular. The kitchen at 9:30 Club closes as shows are winding down.

815 V St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

(202) 265-0930

Visit Website

AMP, Powered By Strathmore

Copy Link

Recommended menu item: Give the smoked pimento mac and cheese a try at this venue, which has a menu from Neighborhood Restaurant Group's catering arm.

Open in Google Maps

11800 Grand Park Ave, North Bethesda, MD 20852

Birchmere Music Hall

Copy Link

Recommended menu item: The fried catfish with red beans and rice is recommended both by the staff and customers at The Birchmere. Their kitchen closes at 11 p.m. daily.

Open in Google Maps

3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22305

(703) 549-7500

Visit Website

Black Cat

Copy Link

Recommended menu item: The vegan lasagna is a hearty option that's preferred by both staff and performers alike. The Black Cat kitchen closes at 11 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays and at 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Open in Google Maps

1811 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

(202) 667-7960

Visit Website

Bohemian Caverns

Copy Link

Recommended menu item: The lobster mac & cheese at Bohemian Caverns is a crowd pleaser. Their kitchen closes at 11 p.m. daily.

2001 11th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

(202) 299-0801

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Mapping the Filming Locations of D.C. Cab

Gypsy Sally's

Copy Link

Recommended menu item: The Sweetie Pie flatbread is topped with mascarpone cheese, fig jam, caramelized onions, and prosciutto. The Gypsy Sally’s kitchen is open until 10 p.m. on Sunday-Thursday and until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Open in Google Maps

3401 K St NW, Washington, D.C. 20007

(202) 333-7700

Visit Website

IOTA Club and Cafe

Copy Link

Recommended menu item: Try the cheese empanadas with pickled cabbage and carrots before the kitchen closes at 11 p.m. daily.

Open in Google Maps

2832 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201

(703) 522-8340

Visit Website

Rock & Roll Hotel

Copy Link

Recommended menu item: Deep-dried mac n' cheese bites are a new addition to the Rock & Roll kitchen, which closes at 11 p.m. on weekdays and at midnight on weekends.

1353 H St NE, Washington, D.C. 20002

(202) 388-7625

Visit Website

Also featured in:

The Fillmore Silver Spring

Copy Link

Recommended menu item: Get the Buffalo chicken tenders served with French fries from The Fillmore’s concession kitchen. It closes when the shows end.

Open in Google Maps

8656 Colesville Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20910

(301) 495-1234

Visit Website

The Hamilton

Copy Link

Recommended menu item: Sushi at the raw bar is served from 3 p.m.- 6 p.m. and 11 p.m.- 1 a.m. daily. Their kitchen closes at 1 a.m. on Sundays-Thursdays and at 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

600 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20005

(202) 787-1000

Visit Website

Also featured in:

The Howard Theatre

Copy Link

Recommended menu item: Get the shrimp and polenta made with jumbo shrimp and roasted peppers served over a creamy Parmesan polenta. The Howard Theatre kitchen closes at various times depending on show schedules.