10 Best Nightlife in Northern Virginia, Virginia

The Birchmere

Fodor's choice

A legend in the D.C. area, the Birchmere is one of the best places outside the Blue Ridge Mountains to hear acoustic folk, country, and bluegrass. Enthusiastic crowds regularly enjoy table-side service while taking in performances by artists such as Judy Collins, Don McLean, Bela Fleck, and Emmylou Harris. But the club is also a draw for some of the country's best jazz and R&B artists (Rachelle Farrell, Sheila E., Angie Stone).

Blackwall Hitch

This spacious bar and restaurant on Old Town's waterfront has live music Wednesday to Sunday. Performers range from local acts to touring groups.

Capitol City Brewing Company

Shirlington

Originally a D.C. institution, made its first move out of the District with this prime spot on the Shirlington promenade. Sip on a signature brew from Amber Waves Ale to Prohibition Porter while noshing on beer-friendly appetizers like black-and-tan onion rings or southwest keg rolls.

Recommended Fodor's Video

Galaxy Hut

This quirky hangout with a retro arcade-parlor vibe and an impressive beer list is a breath of fresh air from Arlington’s postgrad bar scene. There's live music some evenings.

Lyon Hall

The craft cocktail list and more than 20 draft beers, plus another 50 in bottles, draw a hip crowd to this art deco--inspired corner bar in Clarendon.

Murphy's Irish Pub

Old Town

This lively pub has authentic Irish entertainment nightly and a blazing fire in the winter. It can get quite crowded on weekend nights.

Northside Social

Part coffee shop, part wine bar, part workspace, this casual Clarendon bar is a lively local hangout. Head upstairs to the wine bar for wine tastings, or grab one of the many craft beers from the café downstairs. The outdoor patio—which also has Wi-Fi—is always full when the weather's nice.

Port City Brewing Company

One of the region's best known breweries has tours Thursday to Sunday and tastings daily. Classic pours include the Optimal Wit Belgian style white ale, and the Port City Porter. Local food trucks often park outside the on-site bar, making it a popular local hangout on weekends.

State Theatre

This is the place to go to see concerts by aging hit makers from the past such as the Smithereens or tribute bands to the likes of Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Bon Jovi. Attendees have the choice of sitting or standing in this renovated movie theater, which is about 10 miles west of D.C. The popular 1980s retro dance parties, featuring the Legwarmers tribute band, draw locals who like to dress the part.

Union Street Public House

Old Town

Three dining rooms and two bars twist through this 200-year-old building. Although it's also a restaurant, come late for a beer in the busy main bar or chat with friends in the cozy Oyster Bar area.