- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Bohemian Caverns
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Jazz & Blues Nightlife Jazz & Blues Restaurants American (Traditional) Jazz & Blues, American (Traditional) [Edit]
2003 11th St NW(between N U St & N V St)
Washington, DC 20001
Neighborhood: U Street Corridor
(202) 299-0800
- Nearest Transit:
-
U Street Metro Station (Green, Yellow)
Shaw Metro Station (Green, Yellow)
- Hours:
Tue 6 pm - 12 am
Fri-Sat 8 pm - 1 am
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Ambience:
- Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
About This Business:
Franklins delights its customers with a unique blend of great food and beer combined with upscale, practical, and offbeat shopping. The nail bins now… read more »
49 reviews for Bohemian Caverns
Review Highlights
-
"The Young Lions, a DC favorite, also play here pretty..." In 2 reviews -
"Greats such as Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway played here." In 3 reviews -
"I've only been once, but I wouldn't hesitate to go back." In 3 reviews
Loading...
49 reviews in English
-
Review from Hannah C.
When I lived in Aix-en-Provence, we used to hang out in an underground jazz bar exactly like this - right down to the walls decorated to make it look like a cave. That familiar feeling made it strangely comfortable to be here all alone in what I had always pictured as a "date night" place. It's cozy and dark - perfect for sitting close to your beloved. This is exactly as I imagined it would be after hearing stories of the jazz legends who played here and hearing many descriptions.
The service was prompt, and polite. They serve Guinness. They have some of the best jazz I've heard anywhere that easily rivals what you hear in the clubs on Bourbon Street in New Orleans.
Ladies, one final piece of advice. Come closer... I'll whisper so as not to offend too loudly.. Stop waiting for those sad eHarmony dates to take you here instead of to Starbucks. Just drag yourself down, buy a ticket upstairs at the bar, then head into the Caverns all by your lonesome. Unlike that feeling you get after an eHarmony date, you won't go home disappointed. -
Review from Brad T.
Alexandria, VA
2/20/2012
I really like this little place. I came on a somewhat sleepy Monday evening to hear the Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra; I was not disappointed.
Yes, it's truly a cave-like environment downstairs in the Bohemian Caverns. How fun is that? For the orchestra gig there was a simple set of twin tiered, table-clothed tables set up in front, along the sides and over to the left side & back towards the bar. When things got started almost every seat was taken -- I'm thinking perhaps 100 total people in attendance from my rough count. This truly is an intimate space. I could see the color of the band members eyes, and I was sitting along the back wall in the main seating area right in front.
Sound was good; simple and straightforward. It's a small space, so you don't need much juice to make ample sound down there. The band is a hoot and was a pleasure to hear and watch. Food service was good; I ate from the dessert menu -- fried orea cookies with whip cream and strawberries, very good. The plates being served around me looked & smelled great.
Had a great time, and will definitely be back. The outside playbill seemed to be stacked primarily with jazz musicians, but I noted that there had been a performance in January by Min Xiao-Fen on her Chinese pipa. That spells a somewhat eclectic outlook to me, which I think DC seriously needs more of. Hopefully the house looks out for and accommodates acts that are imaginative and that skirt the mainstream environment. This venue is perfect for such singer-songwriters; I know one in particular that would bring the house down.
All in all a great venue.Listed in: The Places I Go To, Places I'm Glad I Visited
-
Review from Chantelle A.
Woodbridge, VA
2/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
Brought tickets to check out Nicolay (1/2 of The Foreign Exchange) at 10pm last night. First time ever in Bohemian Caverns and I'm kicking myself becase I feel like its DC little secret. One of the most intimate music venues ever. Very sexy vibe and from the way the venue is configured, the music Nicolay and Hot at Night sounded amazing!
Bohemian Caverns was everything that I imagined..dark but sexy. Elegant yet down to earth. Such a welcoming vibe. Diverse crowd. I can sit in here, sip cocktails and listen to beautiful music all night. I can imagine that a lot of babies were made the same night their parents came on a date here at Bohemian Caverns. Took me back to listening to live jazz music at Snug Harbor in New Orleans.
Left Bohemian Caverns in a pleasant mood..totally relaxed, inspired, and already planning another visit :)Listed in: Night out with the Boo....
-
Review from Jocelyn H.
Washington, DC
5/14/2012
If i could give this place no stars i would...Lets see where do i begin! I went here for mothers day brunch 2012 eghhh worst mistake i ever could have made. First of all the place is unorganized they have menus with some other restaurants name on it (that should have been a warning that it was gonna be a hot mess). I really wanted to have a Gordon Ramsey moment on them. First of all we had a party of nine 5 adults 4 kids on a sunday afternoon we made a reservation about 1.5 weeks out, and when we all arrived we were 20mins early for our reservation which was at 1pm. We waited about 15mins past our reservation time after asking three times about our table to the hostess and on the third time we were seated. (1st strike). We get seated as the waitress passes out the menus i look down at the bottom with the disclosure and it says parties of 6 or more will have 18% gratuity added...no biggie because thats how most restaurants work. And it also says single parties will only have the check split a maximum of three ways..ok no biggie either because thats how we need it split. Our waitress finally comes around and she seems lost , discombobulated & extremely slow..i was actually wondering if she was missing her special kid helmet! Anyway we all place our order the soft drinks & juice taste not quite right ( i have no idea how you mess up juice or soda) but i send back my sprite because it taste watered down & my boyfriend sends back his pineapple juice for the same reason. Fast forward to 1:57pm appx 45mins after we get seated we still have no food & our waitress is constantly MIA, to the point that everytime she comes back around we have to ask her for refills. I get up to ask the manager whats going on , he comes to the table and explains to my sister why we were waiting so long. He says its because they are backed up because its alot of people in the restaurant...however 90% of the people inside sitting down are drinking the bottomless mimosas. Anyway we get our food and most of the table orders chicken & waffles the waitress cant get it right she gives half of us the wrong type of chicken (ie dark vs light meat) . Then we all bite into the chicken and have a look of disgust come across our faces at this point im starving so id probably eat dog food if it was in front of me.....however AS BAD AS THIS FRIED CHICKEN TASTED I WOULD HAVE RATHER BEEN EATING DOGFOOD!!! I make it past the horrible taste of the chicken and the only good thing about my food was the waffles part of the meal. Finally we get our bill that we told her to split when we first sat down! Then she brings out the bill which is all joined together. Earlier the manager agreed to take off 20% for having to wait so long for our food. But when we got out bill the 20% was taken off however it was added right back on as 20% gratuity for a large party so the manager really did us no favors. After going back & forth with the dumb ass waitress & the ignorant lost ass manager we settled our bill pretty much for what we order NO TIP! I WILL NEVER EVER FOR AS LONG AS I LIVE EVER PATRONIZE THIS PLACE ! AND IF I WERE YOU ID AVOID IT AS WELL. I DONT KNOW HOW GOOD THE JAZZ PERFORMANCES ARE BUT MAYBE THEY SHOULD JUST STICK TO BEING A BAR & NOT A RESTAURANT BE CAUSE THEY GET A BIG FAT "F" FOR THEIR NON EXSISTENT CUSTOMER SERVICE SKILLS & MANAGERIAL SMARTS!
IN SHORT DONT WASTE YOUR TIME GOING HERE! GO UP THE STREE TO TWINS JAZZ MUCH BETTER ATMOSPHERE & MUCH BETTER FOOD! -
Review from Paul D.
San Francisco, CA
5/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
Although I had to teach the bartender how to make a cocktail, the jazz was great. Duke's old spot.
-
Review from Juana S.
Washington D.C., DC
2/13/2012
yeah I really love this place..not too much to say other than they have great music here. what more do you need?
Juana Sky (AFL STUDIO) -
Review from Christian R.
Woodside, Queens, NY
12/13/2011
I was visiting in town back in September with a friend and came to see some live jazz at the caverns. I wasn't particularly thrilled by the whole vibe here but wasn't NOT impressed. I appreciate any place that is willing to keep this music alive- as a handful of places in the states do not. For the DC area, I'd say this club is a much better option for the jazz connoisseur than the other over-priced options.
I wanted to like this place more but it just felt dirty. Something about the service was less than stellar and the mc was particularly annoying. Everyone generally exuded total exhaustion and indifference to the customers. I didn't really feel welcome here. -
Review from Gino W.
12/3/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Wanted to listen to some live jazz. Went to hear Tim Green on saxophone 26 November 2011. Returned on 2 December 2011 to listen to Etienne Charles on trumpet. Wow! Double Wow! Both performances were outstanding. So glad that I took a chance.
The whole interior them of Bohemian Caverns is catchy, making you feel like you are indeed in a cave of sorts. I am surprised that the acoustics are not botched, but it is a good thing that it isn't because the setting is very close and intimate. I must admit that I am not accustomed to going to a dinner/jazz set and hearing so much background noise from conversations while the concerts are in progress. That's not common in New York City, New Orleans, and Chicago jazz sets. But DC is its own beast.
On another note, I do believe that I have had the best whisky sour I have ever drank since I was of age to start drinking. Kudos to the bartender. I did not have any dinner, as I had eaten before I arrived, but the food I saw going out to the tables did look delectable. -
Review from Damon L.
1/23/2012
This has to be one of the coolest spots in DC when it comes to creativity and ambiance. Its a Bohemian Cavern lol
-
Review from Donnell S.
Temple Hills, MD
4/6/2012
As of late they've started getting good entertainment, but I'm not crazy about the set up. It's like being in a real cave, but it's creepy and dark. Also, get there early to select your seat, because there is a lot of obstructed viewing. I know the club has quite a history, so I think it has stayed true to form. The food is so so. There are much better choices and les expensive choices along U st.
-
Review from Steve A.
Walnut Creek, CA
2/3/2012
It's in a cave! Seriously - it's really cool. Went there for Halloween to watch a live jazz band - was a blast.
-
Review from Elsa M.
9/14/2011 4 Check-ins Here
How can you not love it here?! Seriously - I mean, you just FEEL cooler walking in! It's like the spirits of the greats who played here are still lingering, smiling upon the creativity on stage, the vibe in the room, and the legacy they started. Yes, it's dark, dank, and cavernous, but that is part of the appeal!
The acoustics below ground are great and 90% of the seating is good too, as long as you don't sit behind any of the support beams.
The food is absolutely off the chain good and all comes from upstairs at Tap & Parlour. It's hard to choose from the chicken, catfish fingers, lobster mac and cheese, great salads, crab cakes, cilantro herb turkey burgers, fried chicken, and salmon.. oh, man. Let me stop! I'm getting hungry! lol!
The servers are nice, but it's hard for them to hear orders over the music, therefore it's also not uncommon for them to forget something or take a minute to get it right. The drinks are a good strength though, not watered down, which makes for easy forgiveness if they do screw up an order. The prices are fair as well. Actually, they aren't bad at all, ranging from $5 to $20.
It's an absolute treat for date nights or just nights out with friends. Amazing food, amazing ambiance, and great music. Perfect!Listed in: Date Night (DC), U Street (DC), Music Venues (DC), Old School (DC)
-
Review from Jeannie O.
Washington, DC
10/9/2011
My friend & I arrived at the front door at 7:30 w/tickets in hand, but for the previous night's performance. I had made a mistake while ordering online, was in a hurry as usual. No matter though, we were warmly welcomed & in plenty of time for the 8:30 show. This was my first time visiting Bohemian Caverns, and I look forward to many more visits.
We had come to hear the charming & talented Colombian Harpist Edmar Castaneda. I had also come to check out a place that I'd been hearing good things about for years. Bohemian Caverns did not disappoint. It's dark but not too dark with stalactite walls & gargoyled faces looking down here & there. An elegant setting, with candles on each white-clothed table. Good for an intimate get-together. We sat in just the right spot, felt very close to the performers while not being blasted by a near bye speaker. The staff at Bohemian Caverns is friendly, our waitress Jasmin educated my friend on the beer list. I didn't order anything to eat, but my friend had a cesar salad which he said had just the right amount of crunch, & punch. The servers manage to keep patrons glasses full even while ducking so as not to disturb the view of the stage. Well-done, I've seen this not done well at so many other similar performance venues. I really liked the audience as well, a very eclectic, diverse mix in terms of race, ethnicity & age. International, cool-makes you feel good to be a Washingtonian as part of this crowd. And Edmar's performance-it was inspiring. The performers were approachable & chatted w/patrons while signing CD copies (or not) which only added to the effortless style of the scene that is Bohemian Caverns. -
Review from Matthew M.
Brooklyn, NY
7/3/2011
Last night was my first time inside Bohemian Caverns after several years of driving or walking by it. Mostly due to apathy for the booking policy. But current co-owner Omrao Brown is a solid dude with lots of integrity and vision for the place. Since I left for college the axis has shifted from Blues Alley and Twins being the only spots to hear consistently good jazz with a mix of locals and national names to it being predominantly Bohemian Caverns and the Kennedy Center presenting the types of artists I'd want to see if I still lived in DC. Certainly the revitalization of the U Street corridor has helped businesses there tremendously. 10 years ago you would not have seen 3/4 as many white people on the street til very late at night.
It's a really happening scene and much less annoying than Georgetown or Adams Morgan. The food at BC leaves a bit to be desired but the architecture of the space is captivating, (it looks a feels like a cave) the ticket prices are reasonable; there didn't seem to be much of a minimum in effect or it was not totally being enforced and the general vibe is a chill non-uptight jazz club that's really about the music; both supporting the local scene and giving national acts a venue to play that doesn't lowball them like Blues Alley currently does and doesn't have the lead time in booking that the KC does. The capacity of the room could be bigger but they don't pack you in like sardines like they do at Blues Alley and Twins.
Types of acts you'll see here: Ron Carter, Jacky Terrasson, Ben Williams, Gretchen Parlato, Sachal Vasandani, Sean Jones, The Jolley Brothers, Marcus Strickland, Jeff 'Tain' Watts, etc. -
Review from Jason C.
1/30/2011
I'm so tempted to give 5 stars b/c of the outstanding performance by Matvei Sigalov I saw yesterday...but I'm going to keep my cool and try to rate this place as objectively as possible.
This place is a very nice venue. It's different from the traditional jazz venues that I'm used to going to (Green Mill Lounge in Chicago), but this place does have its perks..and a definite unique cavern design that I have not yet seen in jazz clubs like this.
The place is very small, the tables are small, and the chairs are small. It kind of reminds you of economy class seats in planes, something that was designed to accommodate adults back in the day when everyone was thinner. The funny thing is that in some sense, the small, packed space worked in that it made it a much more intimate environment that made a lot of strangers talking to each other. That was a plus.
FOOD: didn't try it. Honestly, some things that others ordered looked very bland and ho hum. I'm glad I followed advice from other reviewers. I took the route of going to the Greek Spot for food before coming here.
SERVICE: a nightmare. No carbonation in diet coke on a prime time on sat night *(not to mention that it tasted like RC cola or something generic coke), drinks take on average 10 min to come...ugh. It was so hard to get the server's attention too.
Some minuses about the place:
1) Temperature was cold in the room. I heard complaints about how hot it is in the summer. Perhaps they should control the thermostat a bit better?
2) Speaker system. I'm not sure if you need a speaker system in this small area and I think it would be better to do without. I think it would have made the experience a lot better. I saw a lot of older people in the audience and maybe they have hearing problems. Oh well.
Overall, I have to give this place somewhere between 3.75-4 stars. Definitely good, but not on par with the best I've been in around the country. -
Review from Robin M.
Gaithersburg, MD
3/30/2011
I don't know about the "Whoohoo! AS good as it gets!" rating, but this place is real decent.
Creative ambiance with a real intimate setting
Delicious food! Chicken wings.. shrimp and grits...sweet potato fries... and more! - the food is actually served from the restaurant upstairs. I don't know what its called, but that place is nice too.
Service is great, nothing back to say about it
Its not real big, but for the types of audience it caters to, it doesn't need to be. There's sitting and standing room. I do have to say that it is an awkward setting though. There is less space in front of the stage and almost twice as much on the right side of the stage. The first time i went there, I was lookin at the side of the performers head along with 35 other people. The host it really the only person who speaks to both sides of the audience. That's another good thing: The hosts are always amazing. -
Review from M M.
Fort Washington, MD
12/5/2011
I had the best time here, the food was great and we listened to a live band. I ordered the tickets online which is the best option because they sell out fast. they have open-mic night sometimes. I love how it's three seperate parts, we ate upstairs (my friends and I) and enjoyed great conversation. For the performance we had to go downstairs to the "Cavern" like area and they had a good amount of space with tables so that we could continue drinking. It was lit with candles all over and we all had a blast. I went on the website and it's been around for a while the name has changed a couple time but it's great history there. A lot of known artist have played there, can't wait to go back with my hubby!
-
Review from Tracy L.
Arlington, VA
3/1/2011 1 photo
A great place for jazz performances!
When you enter the club, you enter an artificial cavern. Once you're in the basement, you will see an intimate, classy jazz stage.
I've been here several times and always had a good time. I like to arrive early and grab a front seat to see the moves and expressions of each musician. That's the best part of all the shows.
However, (I hate to bring this up) the service for Saturday nights' shows could be a bit slow. I noticed that there was only 1 server for the whole night whenever I was there. So definitely order something as soon as the server approaches, otherwise you might have to wait for a good long while before he or she comes back to you again!
Other than that, this jazz venue offers a jazzy fun time. -
Review from Chris T.
Washington, DC
8/16/2010
I go to Bohemian Caverns for the music and only the music.
I go to Bohemian Caverns because the people on stage and in the crowd are passionate about the art form.
I go to Bohemian Caverns because they tend to feature my favorite kind of jazz, smaller groups that focus on harmonization, rhythm, improvisation; the type of quintet that will just jam for 10-15 minutes straight and throw in a solo on the stand-up bass, then maybe an organ feature, suddenly they'll bust out some scat, and then change it up with smooth ballad.
I go to Bohemian Caverns to hear music and artists that I've never heard before, but that's part of the fun.
The bar has limited selections and service is rather poor, but the gigs they book on weekends are usually wonderful enough that I don't really care.
The cover can be a bit high, but it's often negotiable. Particularly if you have an attractive woman in your group who will flirt with the bouncer. On more than one occasion I've been admitted for half of what the cover was supposed to be thanks to a female friend.
If you're looking for a DC Institution, a real gem in DC, skip Ben's Chili Bowl and drop down into the darkness of Bohemian Caverns. -
Review from Taryn L.
1/29/2011
In a nutshell:
Waitstaff all friendly, if not a bit scattered in its service.
Atmosphere lively - people are there to see the jazz and show appreciation for the performers.
Decor is fun - fake, but fun. I'll take it.
Drink menu - nonexistent. They say they have a full bar but when we ordered an Old Fashioned said they couldn't make it because they didn't have any orange. When I requested suggestions for a speciality whiskey cocktail, she suggested a whiskey sour (not my idea of specialty, sorry!)
Wine - limited selection, but they have it, and it was decent.
Performers were very talented, particularly the trumpet player. High class. (We saw Elijah Babet.)
We didn't try the food.
I've only been once, but I wouldn't hesitate to go back. I'd recommend eating at one of the other many great dining establishments around U before going for the show and just plan on drinking there. Take a sweater if you're going in the winter - it was freeeezing down there, and many people (both men and women) left on hats and coats throughout the night. -
Review from David S.
Washington, DC
4/10/2010
I had heard great things and was really excited to stumble on this place last night. What a huge mistake. The cover was $10, when we said we were looking for something without cover, they let us in for free. That was nice, but it was all downhill from there. The music was so loud we could feel it in our bones. It was actually hurting one of my friend's ears and I was having difficulty breathing. The staff was standoffish at best. When I went to the bar to order a Makers on the rocks, money in hand...
"We don't have it."
"OK, then how about Jim?"
"We only sell it by the bottle."
"What? Are you kidding? I see it right there, it has a dispenser on it."
"Sorry, don't know what to tell you."
"OK, then just rail whiskey."
"We only sell whiskey by the bottle."
"Fine, I'll just have a Bud."
"Miller."
"...whatever..."
Suffice to say, I'm not going back. -
Review from Gayle G.
Woodbridge, VA
11/25/2006 3 photos
Because it is still going through renovations, Bohemian Caverns looks like it is still closed (as least it did when I was in this hood 2 weeks ago).
This place is as much of a historical landmark as it is a jazz club. It was opened in the basement of a pharmacy as "Club Caverns' in the mid 20's and became well known for their floor and variety shows. Greats such as Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway played here. It underwent one more name change before it became Bohemian Caverns.
You also may have heard about the Caverns when a million dollar drug ring made up of affluent high school students was busted after one of its members was shot. Those kids hung out here.
Anyway, after being closed since the 60's, Bohemian Caverns re-opened in 2000. The layout is as follows: 1st floor is a swank restaurant serving entrees named after famous Jazz artists (Billie Holiday = baby back ribs), and the basement is, of course, the Caverns which is the nightclub and where the acts still perform today. Above the restaurant portion is a small club, featuring a bar, dance floor and tables. The caverns and the nightclub now each have a seperate entrance. Beware on the entrance to the caverns-- the ceiling is LOW.
The Cavern's decor is neat-- it looks like a cave with reproduced rocks hanging down, shiny walls and wood tables. If you aren't into Jazz, I would not recommend coming here for the food, since the centerpiece of this place is the music. $10 typically covers you for a 3 sets by a band, depending on the group. Check first because the price varies. -
Review from Eric S.
Chevy Chase, MD
3/4/2008
As a note, I've only been once (but liked it enough to go back!) and only to the actual bar. I'll be updating more as I get back to the place.
I've been by the Caverns dozens of times, and numerous people tell me go check it out, so back when they were closed for renovation for a while, I was a little sad. Thankfully, they re-opened under new management, and while waiting for the U Street-Adams Morgan shuttle one night shortly after they reopened, I found myself in a conversation with one of the new managers. He's from Detroit, and definitely seemed to know his stuff, and on top of it was a very personable guy. That set the stage for me wanting to go back when I could.
Fast forward a bit to much more recently, and a friend invited a bunch of us out the Caverns on a Tuesday night. Who goes to the bar on a Tuesday night you ask? People who like quality beer on the cheap. That's who!
Tuesday night is 1/2 price Belgian beer night, and believe me, it's worth it. It was rather dead for such a good deal, but given that there ended up being about 20 people in our group, that worked out quite well. We drank our way through many a lambic and chimay, at prices that didn't make me want to reach back and slap the bartender with a bottle.
Speaking of the bartender, we had a couple of them, and both were very personable and helpful. They had the drinks and food out on time, got through the multiple tabs without any issue, and even made a good attempt at figuring out who might be interested in what later events. Given the usual level of service at some DC watering holes, it was a nice change of pace.
As for the environment, some veterans told me that they liked the old layout better, but I was happy with what was there. It did have a real cave-like feel down to fake rock walls and the ambient lighting. The darkness threw me at first, but once I was used to it, there was a real cozy feel instead of being oppressive. Despite not being amount of volume overall inside, the seating felt very open and I'd be thrilled to come back and see a small jazz show sometime. Having a choice of barstools, couches, and a few tables with plenty of room to stand made for a great experience.
As for the food. . . well, I barely had any, and can't really say much about it. It actually comes from the Mahogany restaurant upstairs, which seems to be an upscale soul food sort of thing. Since "upscale" and "soul food" don't really make sense together for me (note I have yet to actually go to B. Smith's) when I can walk two doors over and get it on the cheap at Oohs and Aahs. So, a few of us went to Chix for dinner (I've already reviewed that) in the middle of hanging out. I did have a few bites of someone's catfish tenders, though, and they were damn good.
The one downer I will note, other than the price of the food, was the overall noise level inside. Clearly they were setting up music for later that evening or something, because it was way too loud for a happy hour. Or maybe it's always like that. At any rate, it was really hard to hear each other talk over the DJ who seemed to be constantly cranking the volume. If it were after 9, I'd have been fine with it, but this was literally at like 7 PM when everyone was just chilling with a drink. Seriously man, not cool.
Anyway, I'll be making the trek back here in the future for damn sure.
~EEE~ -
Review from Jesus J.
Silver Spring, MD
10/31/2010
To start off, I'm not a Jazz enthusiast - I just like good, live music. I've been to the Caverns a handful of times and each time I've enjoyed myself. Every band and every musician that I've seen here are extremely talented and played a good show.
The entrance of this Jazz club leads down into a basement where the interior is completely modeled after a cavern. There are a decent number of tables, but there are some really bad places to sit (think a pillar or wall blocking your complete view of the band). I recommend arriving early to catch a great table (with some being directly in front of the band). The place is very dimly lit and has a relaxing vibe to it.
My complaints with this establishment is the drink menu is minimal (especially beer selection), and the staff are hit or miss when it comes to friendliness. Out of five times I've been here, I've gotten one memorable waitress who was kind and respectful. The other four not so much. This includes the bartenders. I think the covers are a bit expensive at times. I stopped by one evening on a whim and noticed the cover was $22. That's a bit steep, but then again, I don't know very much about Jazz so I don't know the norm. I just know I've been here multiple times when the cover wasn't that expensive. Maybe the artist who represented the $22 cover was a big wig in the Jazz world. There are some cheaper shows here - just check their calendar before stopping by.
I've given this place three stars because I find it a decent place to relax, get a drink, and hear some good music...but I have a feeling there are more welcoming Jazz clubs in D.C. -
Review from Dede O.
Manhattan, NY
If you want an intimate performance where you can see the sweat drop from the performer's brow then this is the place. I cant say enough things abou Bohemian Caverns. The tmes that I have been, the performances have just been memorable. I would definitely say make sure you get there early because the seating is first come, first serve and you just want to make sure that you get a spot that is best for you.
-
Review from Joye P.
6/30/2008
I visited Bohemian Caverns - where Duke Ellington used to play - this spring and loved it. Joel Holmes of Baltimore was playing piano, and his prodigious performance was one of the best that I've heard in my five years in DC. Joel's playing again on July 5, 2008, and I will be there again. Cover was $15 and worth every penny.
Like many jazz joints, Bohemian Caverns' food and drinks aren't too good. I always order a simple mixed drink, although I have been there for the Belgian beer happy hour, and I enjoyed it. Better to go somewhere else for food, then visit BC for the music. I deduct some points for the cheesy stalactites that are protruding from the fake "cavern" ceiling (which offers sub-par acoustics).
The value of BC comes from its historic significance. In this city, a small handful of downtown establishments host bigger name jazz performers: KC Jazz Club, Blues Alley, Bohemian Caverns, HR-57 and Twins Jazz. The list is growing, but don't underestimate the value of this historic jazz space.
I recommend.
7/5/08 update: GREAT MARTINIS. How refreshing: a jazz place that makes good martinis! Take THAT, Blues Alley.Listed in: DC Jazz - Best Beats
-
Review from Audra K.
Washington, DC
3/8/2008
This place is absolutely amazing! It's a great answer for those who ask that popular question, "I have a friend visiting DC and I want to take them someplace unique that's really cool for a taste of DC. Where should we go?".
On Thursday evenings there is a live jazz show called, Sound of the City. One of the guys was on turntables, which added richness and also kept the music from abrupt cessation when they took breaks to switch instruments. This is a group of very talented musicians and the music flowed so freely! Speaking of free, the show is also free and starts around 9pm. Arrive early enough to grab a cozy spot on one of the couches or at a table where you can order food before 10pm. They have a full bar that also serves Belgian beers. Check the website for current shows. The place crowds up as the night progresses to standing room only. It is a vibrant scene and as I mentioned before, I haven't seen anything quite like it before. We were comfortable in jeans, while others singled in wearing suits and ties, even.
As others have mentioned before me, the decor is unusual. The cave atmosphere is probably more about sound proofing than anything else. The acoustics are fantastic because there are no right angles. Music fills the room without seeming loud or noisy! -
Review from Liam D.
Washington, DC
11/6/2008
When I walk into a place called "Bohemian Caverns" I am not expecting lights to be on. On election night (GOBAMA!) I was quite surprised to walk into this place (after paying a $5 cover - boooooo) and see the lights on. I walked around the lower level looking for the stairs upstairs, only to realize they are outside the actual bar. Really? You have a 3 story bar and the bottom floor is not connected to the top? Bootsy.
So then I go to the upstairs, which is dark like I expected, and I see people lounging around on couches and in this instance, standing on a bunch of couches and I think "this is kinda cool - very frat-house-esque." I felt right at home.
drinks aren't too pricey and the crowd seems a mix of unpretentious and hipster, which works. I'd go back, but not if i have to pay those covers!!!! -
Review from Jelila M.
7/8/2011
This place is awesome for live music. It's pretty small and intimate, so you're really in touch with the performance. Also, there's no shortage of character. It is designed to look like an actual cavern, being dimly lit and with a rock facade on the walls. If you look hard enough, there are even some (creepy) faces molded into some of the dark corners of the cave walls. The service was a bit slow, but no more than expected for the crowded setting. Also, the menu was okay and pretty over-priced, but I think many jazz clubs have a minimum food/drink charge which they didn't require here. I had a burger and sweet potato fries, which were okay, but next time I'll probably eat somewhere nearby first. Overall, the music was entertaining, the crowd seemed easy going and friendly, and there was a great atmosphere.
-
Review from Irreputable S.
Washington, DC
11/14/2007
There is just something about watching a live band and knowing that back in the day Duke Ellington played on that exact spot.
When you enter this little jazz spot, you descend down the stairs into the "cave", which I think adds to the cool atmosphere. Notice the faces carved in the wall in various places. I've caught a lot of really great acts here. Most recently, a quartet featuring a guitarist that had played with Dizzie Gillespie. They were AMAZING. The Young Lions, a DC favorite, also play here pretty regularly.
The group is definably diverse. You will find people of every race, gender and age all enjoying the music. Most nights (the best nights) the crowd will really get into the music. Because of its small size, the venue remains intimate and there is no bad seat in the house.
On my last visit, I tried their food for the first time, I was actually really surprised at the selection and everything my group ordered was delicious.
Parking on the street is probably your best bet, but they do have parking lot immediately next to their building for $15 a car.
The only drawback is they are DESPERATELY understaffed. They had one bartender who was acting as the only waitress to handle the 50+ people in the joint.
U Street and the jazz movement is a huge part of DC history, if you have never been to this area, I highly recommend it. -
Review from Amanda M.
5/10/2010
Great little no-frills jazz venue. The decor is a bit strange - the walls have been transformed to literally look like a cavern - but the tables are arranged in a way that there is literally no bad seat in the place and you're never more than 20 feet or so from the stage. We arrived at 8pm for an 8:30 show and had our pick of tables.
Dinner was served promptly and the food was surprisingly good. I recommend the deliciously rich shrimp and grits, though my caesar salad was great and our friends who tried the fried chicken and apple cider cured pork also polished their plates. The bartender deserves a shout-out too for making up some fine dirty martinis and a cosmo for me.
The music was awesome (Jolley Twins Quartet) and the crowd seemed like an appreciative bunch. I would definitely come back here for another show. -
Review from Dave E.
Washington, DC
8/7/2008
Music comes first and food/drink come about 26th at Bohemian Caverns. Hit the bars or have a few drinks with a few friends before heading over here. The intimate atmosphere allows the musicians' sound to really take over. Don't sit near the bar, the supports will block your view of the stage. Also, the set-up of the place and the minimal capacity makes this a place where you don't want to come with more than four or so people. You want to bring a crowd, go to HR-57 or Twins.
Thursday nights, Sounds of the City are a treat to listen to.
All of the criticisms of this place are legit. The drinks are iffy, the table service is nearly non-existent, and I wouldn't even think of trying the food, but if you can get a spot in the main room closest to the stairs, you can expect a great, great atmosphere for music. -
Review from Betty W.
Washington, DC
1/21/2010
Tuesday happy hour/open mic night:
I went there after a coworker recommend it for my weekly date night with my bf. Great choice/big mistake. The happy hour is sub par- the $5 food specials are ok at best (I've had much better wings, though the spare ribs were decent) and the bartender informed us that there were no beer specials (really?). The choice of beer was very, very limited (and unimpressive; miller high life?) and the drinks are served in red party cups. The DJ during happy hour (which was sparsely populated) played some GREAT 90s classic hip hop but it was so loud my boyfriend and I could barely talk (hence the big mistake for date night).
However, big however, the 9pm open mic show was aammmaaazzziinnnggg and the people were so friendly and welcoming. It was a night at the Apollo meets the urban stage. The energy was so positive and everyone put out a very peaceful vibe. The house band was very good (though they could benefit from turning the mic away from the snare drum) and we saw some african dance/drum group, a few spoken word artists, a couple of singers, some great free style rap, and a couple of comedians.
Though this may not be the best place for happy hour or a date, it's worth returning to for all the great up and up acts. -
Review from William M.
Washington, DC
7/1/2010
After entering a mysterious door on the corner of 11th and U Street NW, you immediately head down a set of stairs. Once you reach the bottom you see the wonderful space that lies beneath the ground. Excellent lighting - the space is small, but on a weeknight there is pretty much always room to sit. The bartender will usually come over and ask you politely to pay the cover charge. There are no bouncers outside the main door -- you just walk right in. Bohemian Caverns is a true gem.
It boasts a fantastic atmosphere and amazing music. It's perfect for a date, a relaxing evening with some friends, or even a night out with some visitors you're introducing to the city. Without doubt, one of the best (if not the best) jazz club in DC. -
Review from Curtis B.
Upper Marlboro, MD
3/29/2010
Very creative layout!
I've only been here once but I really enjoyed it! The first thing you'll notice upon entering is how the whole place is LITERALLY designed to look like you're inside of a real cavern. The walls are made out of petrified wood (very interesting). The food was great and the spoken word artists (the feature that night) were deep and creative. This is a great place to go if you just want to eat, enjoy performing art, and take a load off.Listed in: Night Life
-
Review from Belita M.
Suitland, MD
2/2/2010
So, I like chill spots with alot to offer. Bohemian Caverns is a pretty chill place that has alot going on. There's three different levels....the lounge area, concert setting, and the cavern.
I went to an open mic not too long ago and I enjoyed myself. The atmosphere of the open mic is very open and didn't seem judgmental at all. In fact, its kinda like family.
I didn't orders any food, but it smelled amazing. So next time I go, that's something I have to do. -
Review from martha w.
My friend and I tunneled down into the Bohemian Caverns on U Street last night and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the performance by Zwei, a local R&B group. The tickets were $10 each online and worth five times that. Excellent band and fun crowd. Just had drinks, so cannot comment on the food. Overall, great vibe. Will be back.
-
Review from Joel B.
Manassas, VA
3/28/2011
This place is a real treat. Excellent musicians, very cool atmosphere up and downstairs, and the Buttermilk battered and fried chicken over a bed candied yam mash is the best meal I have had in ages. Take a trip, great for dates, very reasonable prices for DC. Keep it up!
-
Review from Sarah F.
Brooklyn, NY
1/19/2009
Went here last night for the URB Magazine Inaugural Party with Pharoahe Monch and holy claustrophobia! This place is co creepy, The cave motif seems outdated and childish, there aren't enough bathrooms and the staff didn't really seem to know how to handle the large amount of people that showed up. DJ Stereo Faith was good but the sound system blows. Unless you are standing right in between the speakers it sounds like a distorted mess. Wont be coming back here
-
Review from Veronica J.
Washington, DC
9/1/2009 2 photos
I loved when live bands came to play, had some pretty good turn outs, election night was awesome too. Roberta Flack was even there! And then some nights like the previous Promo girl was mentioning, the bands or the performer might have cancelled. I honestly don't think this is the kind of place to order meals. The only things they should be serving down there are appetizers and drinks. The bathrooms aren't in the best shape but it's an old building. I never saw any rodents or roaches etc... just the usual fruit fly which is common for a lot of night clubs bc there's a lot of water spills and such behind the bar. I would eat there, and I have eaten there.
I'm a vegetarian and there really isn't much to eat if you're a vegan/vegetarian. Everyone always raved over the appetizers (my bf still talks about the ginger hot wings). Overall, it's great if you're going to see someone perform and for happy hour/appetizers (Great bartenders! and great happy hours specials!) but if you're going there to dine go upstairs to the actual restaurant.Listed in: Places I've Worked
