Eighteenth Street Lounge (ESL Shaw)

The Eighteenth Street Lounge is a DC institution founded in 1995 by Farid Nouri. It became the home of Thievery Corporation (Rob Garza and Eric Hilton), spawning the ESL Music label which released globally celebrated downtempo, trip-hop, and world-influenced electronic music.

After closing its original Dupont Circle location of 25 years due to COVID-19, the original ownership reopened in Shaw in 2022 at 1230 9th St NW - about half the size, with a rooftop deck, two bars, and multiple live-act spaces. ESL still draws dedicated house heads with free or low-cost entry most nights.

Address

1230 9th Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
United States

Venue Type
Neighborhood
Hours
Tue-Thu 9 PM-2 AM; Fri-Sat 9 PM-3 AM; Sun varies; Mon closed
Music Genres
Upcoming Performances
  • Live Jazz + SoundBox Open Decks - every Wednesday 9 PM-2 AM (no cover)
  • Soulful House Fridays with DJ Smasha - recurring
  • Elements of House - recurring Saturdays
  • Get Together: Salsa & Bachata Dance Social - Mondays
  • Capital House Music Festival - multi-hour house marathon events