Heaven & Hell
2327 18th St NW
(between N Belmont Rd & N Kalorama Sq)
Washington, DC 20009 (202) 667-4355
- Price Range: $$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Music: DJ
- Best Nights: Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour: No
- Smoking: Outdoor Area/Patio Only
21 Reviews for Heaven & Hell
If you want a hot, sweaty, dark, crowded place to be at, this is the place. I personally loved the basement "hell" level....it almost reminded me of that scene in Matrix where everyone was sweaty, rubbing on each other dancing all awesome...that was Matrix right? Anyway, I really enjoyed it...never stayed here for the entire night, but was a great pit stop in between bar hoppings!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
FOR THURSDAY NIGHTS ONLY!!!
If you love 80s music, you must check out Heaven & Hell on a Thursday night. Actually I IMPLORE you to go there if love the 80s. I don't know Heaven & Hell is like on any other nights, but I strictly go there for the Thursday 80s experience. I consider myself a pretty big 80s fan, not huge, but knowledgeable enough to recognize and enjoy most of the songs the DJ drops.
When you go here on a Thursday night, you go strictly to enjoy the music. The decor stinks, so don't expect the same decor you would find at like some of the lounges located on K St. The crowd is very mix, so you'll get a good balance of men and women, as well as a huge range of ages. Since the music is 80s, the place does attract some older people...people who were actually conscious during the 80s. No dress code either...and I mean NO DRESS CODE. You will see people dressed up like they're going to LOVE night club to people dressed like the just came with Doc Brown and the DeLorean from 1983...and everything in between.
The music is strictly 80s, but sometimes I think they do stray into early 90s a little bit. If you are an average 80s music fan, you will be able to recognize many of the tunes. Of course the DJ will play some tracks that are for the more hardcore listeners. As you walk inside you will notice TVs hanging around the venue showing all different 80s music video as well as one huge project screen. The place does not start filling up with people until at least midnight. Once it's packed, however, it's good times. You will definitely see all sorts of crazy dancing techniques. What else would you expect on 80s night? As the night progresses, the DJ will start dumping balloons as well as those bendable glow sticks (you know the ones you see at county carnivals) onto the crowd.
***Upstairs next to the DJ booth, there's a list where you can write down songs that you wish the DJ to play.***
I can't remember for sure, but if you arrive before either 10 or 10:30 PM, you will not be charged a cover. If you arrive after the deadline, however, you do have to pay a $7 cover, but you do get a ticket for a free shot (some sort of house shot)!
I've been several times to Heaven & Hell on Thursday nights, and I have always had a good time. Let me change that...I have always had a GREAT time. I don't know what the other nights are like at Heaven & Hell, but basing it strictly on Thursday nights, I give it 5 stars.
P.S. Be careful if you have work the next day. Heaven & Hell has made Friday mornings at work literally feel like I'm in hell. =/
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Heavens/Hell NO!
To begin with, don't go here on a Friday. My friends and I represented the only four people in Heaven - not that that's a bad thing, but it's nice to meet new people too.
The drinks/drink specials may be cheap, but don't let that fool you. I ordered 6 of the specials for my friends and me, and I was charged for 8. I tried to be rational with the bartender, but in light of my friends wanting to bounce, I sucked it up, paid the inflated costs, and wrote "_ _ _ _ you" in the space that said "tip." Advice: don't open a tab.
I won't be going back (Hell sucks too - more of an aesthetic issue).
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (4)
Cool (1)
So, I'm only giving H&H 3 stars.... but don't let that fool you. I've usually had a good time here, and I used to go here about once a month...
Reasons why it's cool:
*you get three levels to choose from (hell, purgatory, and heaven)
*drinks are not crazy overpriced
*inexpensive cover charge
*one of the few places that has larger sized dance floors in adams morgan
*mix of music
Reasons why it's only three stars:
*sketchy dudes go here, and they have been known to stalk you throughout the club
*it's the same sketchy dudes each week
*hell might as well be known as "the pitch dark room that plays reggae and hip hop and everyone grabs your ass"
*bar area can be crowded
Tips for H&H:
*Bring cash for the other bars, and start a tab at the bar on the level you think you'll be spending the most time on (unless traveling up and down narrow stairs to get a drink is fun for you).
*Do not be afraid to tell someone "leave me alone" if they are following you around - in their sick and twisted way, they are just telling you that you're hot
*If you think you'd like to open a tab up in Heaven, do not use the main bar by the dance floor/bathrooms - use the back bar.
*Girls - go with more than just 1 girlfriend to this place unless you've got no problem with telling guys to back off. With more than 1 friend it's easier to play "keep away" from the weirdos.
All that being said, H&H can be a damn good time, but usually the more drunk you are, the better time you're going to have here.
Music:
Hell - reggae and hip hop
Purgatory - Top 40s
Heaven - Top 40s with some 80s/early 90s and salsa mixed in
Best night to go: Saturday or when they have an 80s night
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
I couldn't stop laughing when I was here on a recent Friday night. I mean, really? I'm about 10 years too old (and I'm in my mid-20s) and 100 times too classy (and I have a tramp stamp) to wind up dancing here. Still, four of us were looking for a place to dance and get even more toasted, and we certainly found it (free shot with entry, though I don't remember paying cover--and it was tasty! we asked the recipe, but of course I can't remember it now, either).
One good thing about the laughing fit: I hope at least some of the constant stream of sketchy guys hitting on us thought I was laughing at them, and not at the absurdity of this place, or at least, of everyone there--myself included.
People thought this was:
Useful (5)
Funny (6)
Cool (4)
Words can't even describe my love for Heaven & Hell -- I mean that's where I met my husband of 3 years (9 years together). How can you top that...it's a funny story that doesn't really need to be told one more time. During my wedding the pastor mentioned Heaven & Hell and used it to make a funny analogy about marriage. I guess without H&H I would not have met my husband so I must give it 5 stars!!
And also for the long-haired blond guy who yells to the street "Heaven & Hell" -- anyone who has lived in DC long enough knows who I am referring to and god bless that guy. Back in the day, when I was a regular of Adam's Morgan, my friend and I would say "door nazi" and he would let us in for free with no cover and no wait. Not sure how we came to know that but it worked every time.
I haven't been there in years...is that door guy still around? What happened to its sister club, CRUSH? Wow...I miss those days of my youth. Excuse my nostalgia...*sniff*
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (3)
I went here for the second time last Saturday as it is decent enough to make a return trip. The place feels like an alternate universe, and reminded me of going to "heaven and hell" parties on greek row at the university. There are three levels, each with a slightly different vibe and music. The top level (heaven) is coated in black lights and plays poppy dance music (as others have said, think Beyonce, Christina Aguilera, and the Akon). The middle level is a bit more chill with more top 40 stuff along with a couple classics from the '80s and '90s thrown in. The bottom floor is much more chill, with hip-hop and r&b. The drinks are decent, and although there are some sketch characters here, if you' ve come to dance and not find your dream guy, it's worth it. Especially if you come a bit early (before 11 or 11:30??) and get in for free.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Cool (1)
This place is actually just Hell. Nasty people all up on you, too crowded bar, ok music. I haven't been back in a while so maybe there have been improvements, at least I hope there have been. My friend cut open her hand when she went to flush the toilet (don't ask me how she did this), and although she told the owner she'd "hang him by his balls", he did nothing for her and it was a LONG night in the emergency room. I plan not to go back to Hell...well...EVER.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (2)
Came here for an evening of celebrations after happy hour and made it in time for the "2 shots, 2 beers for $10" special (which ends at either 10 or 11). Each shot was more like 2-3 shots each. Then, they had a Smirnoff promotion going on - plenty of free shots to go around. Timewarped to a college frat party. Since we got there so early, we were able to secure a big table for ourselves. The music was mainstream and included a couple of salsa mixes (yay!) and Michael Jackson songs.
As the other reviewers have made clear, this is not a classy place. It's a place to have a fun night with a group of friends. I think the crowd was pretty young, but I don't really remember....It's a good spot for a bachelorette party.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
I've been here twice, 1x to Heaven and 1x to Hell.
In Heaven on the 2nd floor they were video spinning 80s hits like Whitney Houston "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" with colored strobe lights and we're the ONLY people on the floor and indeed in the entire bar. LOVED IT! I used to love going to Spilt Milk at Red and well, if you enjoyed that with friends then wtih a little alcohol this scenario I just described in Heaven could live up to its name,
Went to Hell for Halloween a few years back. My friends and I were the best dressed folks there -- meaning the only folks dressed for Halloween? Or perhaps we went there on 2 difference occasions... Binge drinking makes my mind fuzzy...
For the most part, I really liked the DJs who spun on Sundays -- a mix of dancehall, hip-hop,and booty thumpin music. The floor is small with room to literally sit or stand on the wall and you meet interesting characters. The only snag was when they started spinning some song about watching homos burn or something, my friends had to leave the floor.
Overall, after experiencing this booty shaking FREE dance night on Sunday, I vowed never to return to Bar Nun for their Sunday Ladies' Nights which spins similar music (on repeat).
I would return. With friends. And a buzz.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
I used to have fun here once in a while. I was lured in by the long blonde haired man that randomly shouted out "Heaven & Hell!!!!" He was like a circus worker stuck in 1987. I'd have to say the only night worth going was Thursday for 80's night. I think I may have been there on Fri or Sat, but I definitely did not stay.
Is that guy still around?
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Um, men have to get padded down and leave their hats in a box (which I think a few bars to in AM including Brass Monkey) so that was just a shady introduction to my first time here. It's a different crowd- more urban, rap, hip-hop atmosphere which isn't really my thing, but the music was decent- ranging from Beyonce to Madonna's new stuff to Pussy Cat Dolls. They only pad down the guys to check for weapons, but that really worried me- was there an incident there that I haven't heard about?? I agree with " Maxwell S." when he says: more Hell than Heaven.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
A couple people already summed it up: grope-a-licious and just enjoy it for what it is. I did have one fabulously fun night here a while ago, but it's definitely not my first choice for AM. They did have a decent music selection, at least good to dance to after partaking in the drink specials. I have yet to try out their 80's night, but I do hear good things about it.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Came here about a month ago. Mostly stayed the bassment part (Hell). Wasn't to keen on the crowd and I think that I've been spoiled by California's no indoor smoking policy because I felt like I was gonna suffocate from the constant cigarette smoke. Wandered upstairs briefly before I had to leave. Crowd seems more my speed. I'll have to check it out the next time I'm in the area.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (3)
Cool (2)
I actually liked this place a lot. It's definately kitch, but it has a charm in its grimmy atmosphere. Bar tender was a manchester united player and hooked me up of course, but even without that, heaven ended up being awesome. Music was a lot of fun, and it even has this second tier that is private and lets you and your girl just go up there and well...this is PG right? Friend of mine wanted a random play, and she was setup within 5 minutes of getting to heaven. It's that kind of place. Go there with a few friends and enjoy it for what it is.
Random hook-up rating: 10
Date rating: 5
Ginger-ale rating: 5 (too drunk to remember disclaimer)
People thought this was:
Funny (1)
I had a lot of fun here. Went to Heaven (upstairs) for 80's night. The music was good, and they dipped into some more alternative 80's stuff (i.e. the Smiths, Yaz), which pleased me. The decor was fun, with elaborate blacklight murals on either wall (which were surprisingly well rendered). There was a drink special going down which was 3 beers and a shot for $10.00. My friend and I did two rounds, and the hot barkeep Alex (dark hair, glasses) was a delight. Give it a shot, it's more interesting than your average Adams Morgan dive.
80s night on Thursday nights=4stars. So much fun. Has gone down hill recently, but I'll still give it a try every now and then.
Any other night of the week, eww. Grope-a-licious...
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (2)
I always have fun at Heaven & Hell. It's a cheesefest and the people you find here will enjoy it for what it is. I highly recommend Thursday's 80s night. It takes a while for the place to get packed, but you can always occupy yourself with drink specials. Before you know it, you'll be dancing the night away to Duran Duran with the best of them :)
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
More Hell than Heaven, this place makes me cringe. I used to go because I had a buddy from high school who used to bartend here, so it was a great spot for me to go to drink, but that's about all. Since he left, I've sworn it off. A really good indication of what you can expect here is apparent when you walk in and the bouncers pat you down. Yea, that's never a good sign.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Typical club where it gets hot, crowded, and filled with cheesy people trying to crassly pick you up. Different floors have different music (usually more mainstream dance in the upper level and hard rock-like in the lower level). The music isn't so bad either. A decent place to go clubbing, but I recommend the Dupont area for a more quality experience.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Ah Heaven & Hell. How I loved you. Then I turned 21. Enough said.
People thought this was:
Funny (2)
People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...
Related Lists
-
DC stands for Damn Cool
It's not NYC or LA...it's the mutha f**cking… -
Back in the D - D - D - C
All the reviews of places in the second home I… -
The Places I Go ( I Mean…
When the sun goes down, you'll find me here...well…
Hot and New
- Good Stuff Eatery
2 reviews
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill/Southeast
- Inti
15 reviews
Neighborhood: Dupont Circle
- Butcher Burgers
6 reviews
Arlington, VA
- Montmartre
42 reviews
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill/Southeast
- Lalibela Restaurant
21 reviews
Neighborhood: Logan Circle