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Love Night Club
Category: Nightlife Dance Clubs Dance Clubs [Edit]
1350 Okie St NE(between N Fenwick St & N Kendall St)
Washington, DC 20002
Neighborhood: Ivy City
(202) 636-9030
- Hours:
Sat 9 pm - 3 am
- Music:
- DJ
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot, Valet
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- Yes
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Ages Allowed:
- 18+
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
46 reviews for Love Night Club
Review Highlights
"...even when it was still the lush party called Dream."
(in 4 reviews)
"...upper levels play other types of music (Latin, house, etc."
(in 3 reviews)
"Each floor has great music to either chill or dance to your..."
(in 3 reviews)
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46 reviews in English
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Review from Brittany A.
Queens Village, Queens, NY
10/27/2011
The first time I went to the famous Love was about 3 years ago.
Did I have a good time!? Hecks yes I did.
Now, my clubbing experiences at the time I first went here were few and far between. I'll say my taste for clubs is probably a little different now. But for what its worth, you can have a great time at Love.
I partied and Diddy and Cassie were just up there chilling. At 18, I couldn't understand that celebrity's really just partied in clubs with common folks lol I was looking at them like.. "really? that's you guys." I was having a blast. I remember just as I walked in they started playing Single Ladies and I went off. I did. I REALLY DID lol It was hilarious. The fact that I even remember that is funny.
The music is live. (no house !) All the hip hop and reggae you could ever want. The energy in this place is also pretty live. People everywhere. Again, could have been due to Howard homecoming weekend but all the times I've been here it has been PACKED! Wall to wall people dancing and sweating.
There is also little lounge areas. Comfy cozy. Large bars. Different floors.
I haven't been there in the past year but from what I hear, still the same old Love, with the same old vibe.
Its tucked down this sus block so you won't spot it from a main road. The line is forever down the street though. The parking lot is designed for you to break your ankle. Gravel all over the place.. like hello. I may be stumbling over here drunk...Pave this bastard!
If you have never been to Love, next time your in the DC area just head in there. It's worth the experience. Everybody has heard of it. lol You might as well get it over with. You may LOVE the atmosphere. You won't have a bad night.
::BTW:: NOT A MIXED CROWD! -
Review from Damon L.
Baltimore, MD
1/23/2012
Use to be THEE spot...but after a few shootings and mishaps...NOT SO MUCH!!!
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Review from Taryn S.
Addisleigh Park, NY
11/16/2011
I've been here a couple of years ago with some friends and remember having an amazing time. They have stage that the bouncers let some of us girls on, the drinks aren't strong from what I remember but I loved the music. I think one of the floors was playing salsa/Spanish music. I was on the hip hop floor. All in all I enjoyed myself, oh and the parking lot isn't paved, so don't fall.
-
Review from Quinncee P.
Alexandria, VA
1/14/2011
My view on Love is that, since it's such a huge club and people talk about it even if they're not from the DC area, it's a "bucket-list" club: go once just to say you've gone, but it's not imperative that you visit again (unless there's a celeb/performance that you're dying to see).
Granted, I did end up having to go on a night when it was 18+, so I know that didn't help my situation.
The first time I went to Love, I was one of those out-of-towners that was visiting some friends in the area and we all met up at Love. The second time I went to the venue for a friend's birthday, we ended up going somewhere else, but my experiences outside of the club weigh in, too.
PARKING:
Limited street parking. People standing around to take your money to park in places where you're not sure if you can even leave your car. Hide your valuables and loose items.
CLIENTELE/ATTIRE:
There are a range of folks who turn out to Love, and I must say it's an interesting mix. Typical younger than 21 crowd: more loud, less clothing, dressed down but still allowed in the club.
BOUNCERS:
Rude, loud, overbearing. Treats clientele like 12-year-olds. There's a lot of yelling involved, coralling people into the lines like stunned cattle, no standing on the sidewalk (where the HECK else are we supposed to walk???). There are so many lines to get in, it's essential to ask one of the employees which line is which. General Admission, Cut Line, VIP, Promoters, Table, etc. They definitely hold the line.
Note: if you are coming to get in free because of a promoter, get there early as not to have the promoter line closed right in front of you, simply because the staff feels like it.
INSIDE:
It's stunning inside of Love. Ample space, multiple floors, beautiful bars, different DJs spinning different music on each floor. 18+ nights get crowded. Ridic crowded. Lots of sweaty backs grazing you and men groping you for no reason.
FINANCING:
Depends on if a celeb is there, but...
Door - $20 general, $40-60 cut line, $60-100 vip
Parking - $10-20
Drinks - $7-15ish each
Tables seem fairly affordable.
A small part of me has hope for visiting Love again, but I fear it won't be much different. It'll have to be a heckuva reason for me to go back by my own free will, not when there are so many other places in DC to try. -
Review from Gregory B.
Capitol Heights, MD
4/5/2011
I've been attending Love since it was "Dream" back in the day. I just went here recently, after not having been in at least a year or two and I had a great time. Honestly, I've loved (teehee) and hated Love overtime as I have changed and as the club has changed. Everyone I know has liked and dislike Love over time, it's really weird lol.
As I've aged tho, I have grown to appreciate Love because it's authentic and always a safe bet. At Love, I KNOW what I'm getting. I KNOW there will be cute girls there (albeit sometimes "stuck up bitches" as the one gentleman stated so eloquently below) because it's Love. I KNOW that there is a low percentage of a fight breaking out (although i have seen it here, rare though). I KNOW where to park (can't tell u that tho). I KNOW that I will not get hassled at the door or hoodwinked like at other clubs. ALL [dance]clubs are shady, but Love is probably the least shady and most "official" when it comes to their promotions with regard to free admission, discounted admission, etc.
The crowd varies. Mostly a rap/hip hop influenced audience and that's what is generally played. I usually spot lots of ethnicities here, but it's mostly African American. There is an element of "stunting" that goes on at Love, but that's at all clubs so meh.
In conclusion, Love is a premier club. It used to have that bougie, business card mystique of one of the most prestigious places to be, but now I think it has balanced out to a premier club where people can let loose and know what to expect. Over the years, I have seen tons of celebs at Love (lil wayne, jeezy, luda, T.I., Allen Iverson, etc.), for damn near free and shared lots of memories with my friends, so I can appreciate that. -
Review from Sarah S.
Ewa Beach, HI
4/7/2011
This club would have had 5 stars if they didn't rip my sister's and I off with their "Cut Line" tickets!
I was visiting my sister for Howard's homecoming and apparently the club to go to was Love. So we decided to buy our tickets online because being that this was homecoming we knew that the lines would be long if we didn't do otherwise. Online we had 3 options with 3 different prices. Option 1. VIP - $60
2. Cut line- $40
3. General- $20
(Don't quote me on the prices, but this was the general idea of how the pricing went)
So we decide to pay $40 for the cutline which we NEVER DO but since this is homecoming, the lines will be long, and we just want to party e.t.c.
-The problem-
We get to love and find that there are 3 lines but not the 3 that we thought.
1. The line with NOBODY in it was the VIP line
2. The longest line that wrapped around the building was the line for people with no tickets.
3. The semi long line was the general line.... um... WHERE WAS THE CUT LINE?!? They wouldn't allow us in the VIP line, and we sure wasn't standing in that line that circled the building because we had tickets already! So we instead had to stand in line with the general people who paid $20 while we paid $40!! And we spent a good 15 mins trying to ask the clueless bouncers which line we should be in. So that started the night out with a bad taste in our mouths.
Once inside all of the floors were crowded. I think there's 3? Not sure but you couldn't even turn around without catching someone in the eye with your elbow! But that's homecoming. Fortunately we spotted someone we knew in VIP and the night went off without anymore glitches or hitches.
nvm those overpriced drinks since my drinks were bought for me. -
Review from Jewel W.
Washington, DC
6/8/2011
I wonder if Love's in the market for a new motto? I can think of a few, but the expression "Love Nightclub: Where The Toddlers & Bottom Feeders Come Out To Play" sums things up nicely.
Once upon a time, Love (or Dream, as it was then known) was the place where Washington's Buppie crowd went to hobnob, swap spit and business cards, and turn themselves into walking personifications of the Drake hit "Fancy." You know: "Nails done, hair done, everything did." Oh my, how the mighty have fallen! Maybe I've been hanging out in DuPont for too long, but this place ranks so high on my "Gurl, Puhleeze! Meter" that I'm not quite sure where to begin first.
Let's start with the sketchy neighborhood. Love is nestled in a dark corner crack in the heart of Washington's gritty and government-forgotten Ivy City community. I'm a native Washingtonian -- raised in the city during its notorious days as "The Murder Capital" -- and this deserted-looking street, marred by the sight of dirt, dust, and lots of broken concrete, still manages to rank tops on my list of "Yous A Gonna Get Mugged Spots." The mile-long distance to the nearest Metro station only lessens Love's appeal. The homeless and wino community that hangs out around here, hawking parking spaces in exchange for Ace of Spades and Newports, is the reason God invented pepper spray. (But don't try to sneak any past security. The beefy girl who does pat-downs and bag searches at the door is not to be played with...)
To Love's credit, there is a strong security presence outside, but parking is limited and virtually a nightmare to find. Speaking of nightmares, did I mention the 45-minute line I had to stand in to get in to this place? There was utter chaos as numerous half-dressed college coeds and their companions tried to figure out which line was for guest list patrons, which accommodated folks with tickets, and whether or not they were being ripped off for forking over $30 (WTF? We're in a recession, Dude!) for the privilege of jumping into the "Cut Line."
Ah -- which brings us to Love's least redeeming quality yet...The clientele. I've never seen so many bellies lapping over belts in my life. And I'm talking about the women! Cover that roll, woman! Back in the "olden days," when I was under the legal drinking age, people actually had to be old enough to walk up to the bar and order their own Vodka Tonics before Love would accept their business. Not anymore! Unbeknownst to me, somewhere between college and official adulthood, Love started opening its doors to the 18 and over crowd. Yeah...it's about as appealing as it sounds. I have nothing against the toddlers, but at the ripe old age of 27, I don't particularly care to party with them anymore. Don't get me wrong, there were no fights, bottles shattering over heads, or otherwise criminal activity going down (at least not that I saw), but all of the wetness behind the ears really gave the place the feel of a high school formal.
Only with rum and less clothing.
The older I get, the more certain I become that once you've seen a few nightclubs, you've seen them all. Love's strength lies in the DJ; it's a great place to do "The Dougie" to some soul-stirring R&B and hip-hop; the staff; save for "Beefy Pat-Down Chick," everyone I encountered greeted patrons with a smile and spoke respectfully; and the venue itself. The decor is to die for, but you know what they say about putting lipstick on pigs...
Drink prices run between $10-$12 (typical ridiculousness on the DC bar/club scene), but were strong. After three Cosmos, I was almost tipsy enough to ignore the fact that there was a 20-year-old with a giant black X on his hand touching my rear end....Almost.
Final verdict: A waste of my favorite Freakum Dress. Skip It! -
Review from Falan E.
Rocky Mt, NC
8/7/2011
I'm from NC and I visited DC for my cousins 31st birthday. We were in VIP on the 2nd floor. I must say I enjoyed myself and I LOVED the club. I will say the crowd was much younger than what I expected, but I would suggest this club to anyone visiting the area and looking for a great time. The DJ was pretty good and the staff were nice that assisted us in VIP. I hope this helps!
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Review from The C.
Los Angeles, CA
7/18/2006 ROTD 9/22/2006
If you are not a hot girl who saunters directly into the club and just sits down at a table with 20 of your friends because your rich boyfriend/guy who wants to sleep with you paid for your entire night, this is how your Dream (actually called Love now) experience is going to unfold.
First, if your car is valued over $20,000, you're going to wait about 15-20 min trying to work your way into Love's gravel parking lot. Or you can pay $15 to let a valet wait for you. Mine is not, so I take it down one of the side streets and park it on the curb, where I hand the inevitable guy wandering around $5 to "look after" my car. Look after = not vandalize. It's still cheaper than the lot, so that's fine by me.
Next, if you don't have a VIP pass, you'll be standing in line for 30 min waiting to get in. If you do, you'll be standing in line on the other side of the club for 20 min waiting to get in. Then after passing through a metal detector, being frisked, and paying $20 (waived or reduced if you have a pass), you get in.
The first thing you see as you ascend the stairs into the club is this heavily red room with salsa music blaring. This is your chance to get your drinks. You'll likely to be spending most of your night on one of the next two floors, but this bar is by far the least crowded. When you finally get good and ready, go up to the second floor where you will be greeted by one huge open dancefloor. This place is a meat market. If you're looking to score, this is your trading floor.
Anyone who's gone on Love's website may have noticed something. Vince Carter and P. Diddy seem to show up quite often, but all the women pretty much look like the cryptkeeper. Don't worry, that is not the case at all. Or it definitely doesn't seem like it when the lighting is so dim, you're absolutely wasted, and 95% of the women here are dressed like they're auditioning to be in a rap video. God bless rap videos.
The third floor is actually very much like the second, except partitioned off more. The fourth floor used to be the techno floor when the club was still Dream. I called it, "that floor no one goes to." Now apparently they've renovated it with mattresses to be the Private Party section. If you're looking for Gilbert Arenas after the Wizards game, this is where you'll find him.
But hey your experience doesn't end there. The prices at the bar are pretty standard for DC, so maybe you decide to take a few more Jager bombs than you should and get tanked. That's when a bouncer will force you out to the red room, an outdoor balcony room for you to cool off. But here's something funny: there's a BAR in the red room. You may be too drunk to mingle with the crowd, but they still want your money. So you hit up a few more Jager bombs and chase it down with a Jack and Coke, and when you wake up next, you're in this garage sitting on a plastic chair with a huge plastic bucket in front of you full of your own vomit. On any given night, there's probably at least half a dozen other people in here with you. Congratulations, you have made it to the detention room, and your experience at Love is complete!
And there you have it. It's a huge club, the women are easy, the guys are sketchy, and the Halloween parties are the absolute best in DC. Always worth a look if you're willing to head downtown and have a good designated driver with you.Listed in: Great Places Not to Take a…
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Review from Jake K.
11/19/2008
I think in the several name shifts that this place went through - they missed one:
Club Garbage
Besides the fact that it has a catchy ring to it, I think it tends to capture the experience of the place.
First, let's remember - you're in the Northeast - not the best part of our wonderful District. I think the only other benefit of being up there is the cheap gas that you get a block away before venturing back into the land of crazy traffic and Virginia State Police.
Second, the people there - well, well, well. I'm not even on the look out anymore, but damned if you get caught even admiring a lady's particular outfit, make up, or looks. As a married man, you learn to master the "quick appreciative glance" that eluded you as you either gawked and were labeled "creepy" or you checked someone out from head to toe to send the "interested?" signal. Trust me - it's a matter of survival. But I digress. If you even give the quick glance and nod with approval, most of the young ladies will respond back with a face that looks like you farted while they had their mouth open. Now, I'm not the ugliest guy but I remember even some measures of success in Dream/Love/Garbage/Whatever-you-want-to-call-it in the past. I occasionally walked out with a phone number, not the death stares you can elicit now.
Finally, the place is just way too overpriced. Seriously. Let's think of the economy here for a moment:
Cover Charge: $20
Bottle of Water and a Gin and Tonic: $16
Gas Money to Drive Round Trip: $10
The ability to say f&*( it and just spend the $46 minus gas money on a few cases of beer and a pizza with friends: Priceless
Seriously, I'll keep avoiding this place. Not worth it - even for someones birthday. -
Review from Lianne Z.
San Francisco, CA
10/3/2008
I grew up in the metro area so DC nightlife was my prerequisite for life in the Alcohol lane.
Back when I was in college (or hs), this place used to be called " Dream".
Somewhere between graduation and adulthood it changed its name to "Love". Along with new management and the new name, it lost its luster and appeal.
I do not LOVE "LOVE".
It's roomy, spacious and definitely reminiscent of some fun, summer parties. And when it first opened it was definitely known to be a celebrity hot spot.
However, despite it boasting more than enough space, this predicted asset is actually it's downfall.
No one can ever find anyone here.
First floor is mainly hip hop but the spacing is all off and not at all conducive to a proper shakefest. It's like partying in a really large and not as fancy hotel lobby. It's weird grindin' with carpet underneath you!
The upper levels are better in terms of it looking like an actual nightclub with a dance floor but I'm a fan of hip-hop...and the upper levels play other types of music (Latin, house, etc). They have an open air rooftop but music isn't good up there either.
The area is seedy and don't expect street parking to be free- someone is bound to come up and claim the public space as "theirs". If you don't pay, they'll leave you some nice presents: pierced tires, scratched paints, or broken-in windows guaranteed.
I like how they have a sobriety/detox room for those that are too wasted.
Good lookin out Dream/Love!
I do have LOVE (ha) for this place because it is reminiscent of my 19-year-old fake ID using days when my skirts were shorter than Mariah Carey's and my heels were higher than Posh's.
Mid-twenties me though? No thanks.
Now you'll find me in hot spots around Dupont/Adams or Georgetown on the rare occasions that I do decide to leave NY and venture home. -
Review from Britany R.
Washington, DC
1/29/2010
Not a fan of clubs but having hosted an event here and attended...it is tolerable as long as I have a VIP section. The staff is somewhat pompous, the decor is average, drinks okay but I have fun wherever I go. Its a club, its not supposed to represent reality so it does its purpose.
I love how so many of my friends have had to go to detox jail lol.
Its the place to be at if you are a faux baller or wannabe model.
I am not a club person but I would rather not pay the cover charge but Love is very spacious with different floors so if you get tired of one scene, you can go to the other. I just smile at everybody so they can be snooty if they want to but I am still gonna have a good time. Don't cross it off your list if you want to go out but just don't expect to meet your husband or wife. THIS AINT THE PLACE.
Great for girl's nights out, dancing, and showstopping.
Now my review for hosting an event:
I LOVE THIS PLACE. NO WAITING IN LINE. NO COVER. VIP. ITS GREAT!!!! lol . Its just a different situation than being a normal guest..so that would get 5 stars because they are so accommodating. -
Review from Tuan N.
South Riding, VA
6/21/2011
Nice, huge club, but Ghetto
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Review from Mia K.
Baton Rouge, LA
11/15/2006
I've been hearing mixed reviews about Love for years (since it was Dream) but until this past weekend I hadn't actually seen it for myself.
My Persian friends all swear to me Love is so ghetto, omg don't go there, it's disgusting, we'll never go there!
Another one of my friends here in PA swears that Love is the only club worth going to (although she still calls it Dream) and makes the trek to DC at least once a month to frequent the venue.
So one day I was browsing shows on Ticketmaster and found out that one of my favorite artists ever, Common, was coming to Love. I've never turned down an amazing show in DC, why should this time be any different?
So after an amazing dinner/hookah session at Oasis, my brother and I hit 395 to New York Ave. to make sure we were at Love with plenty of time to spare before Common hit the stage at what I was told would be 10.
Love was ridiculously easy to find. I had forgotten the name of the street to turn off of New York Ave. onto but that was ok, because there's a huge sign on the building that you can see from 2 blocks away! I brushed off the valet guy who wanted to charge me 20$ and drove around the block, where I immediately found on street parking. So what if I had to walk past 2 homeless people begging for cash, that's the city baby!
So I skipped in through VIP, went through security and all that jonx (I could have hidden anything in my purse, so I wish I had brought a real camera - oh well, I know for next time).
Love is freaking BEAUTIFUL. I've done Avalon and Webster Hall in NY, Hush in Houston - some of what are supposed to be THE BEST clubs in the US. As far as presentation is concerned - Love has them all beat.
We walked over to the bar, and I decided to buy my brother a bday drink. They were like 8$ - not ridiculous, but definitely not dive bar prices.
The show was incredible - best concert I have EVER been to, however, there were a few things at Love I didn't like.
*The VIP area was allowed to reach maximum capacity and we had to wait about 10 minutes to go up - how the hell does that happen? Why would they sell more VIP spots than they can hold?
*We left early, but I can't imagine how many homeless people would have been outside at closing, and I wonder if they have more police at that point.
*Some of the people (by no fault of the club) were pretty rude - one guy asked me to move so that he could see the pool table even though I was standing there first.
Things I adored:
*The drink glasses - they're thick plastic so they don't break, but they look nice like real glasses.
*The pool table, and the cute lil guy who's job it is to rack the balls
*The door people were really sweet
*Very mixed crowd (I'm not sure if this was typical but I was impressed by the diversity)
*Easily accessible from NY Ave.
All-in-all I had a great time at Love, although after the Common show it was a bit too packed, and I was ready to call it a night. I would definitely go again if my Persians weren't so damn racist haha.Listed in: DC baby!!
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Review from Stephanie N.
Clearwater, FL
8/25/2006
Make sure you're dressin like you're going to a pimp's and ho's party cuz that's what its really all about!
Mixed feelings about this place. Like it cuz its big w/ good music, but lines are ridiculous and if there's a special event - FORGET IT.
cover is like $20-$40 and/or free if you have a pass. -
Review from Tynisha D.
Bowie, MD
1/5/2010
2 stars for 3 things:
The snobby staff... they are rude at the door every single time. Not to me, I have gotten in on several occasions for free, but then they charge my friends... PARTY FOUL!
Drinks are extremely expensive, and when they say open bar, you better believe they're gonna hold you in that line until its over. Then if a bartender pays you any attention, the drink will be tiny and cost you triple its worth. Enjoy that ice.
The kids... there are so many children here its rediculous. I am not surprised b/c when I was fresh outta highschool I used to come here and see EVERYONE. Now, I will just pass.
Oh, if you don't wear something that looks expensive or like your bare skin, don't expect any attention. The "exclusiveness" and glitter that comes with Love seems to attract shallow idiots like a mosquito to a flame... male and female.
Oh and when its time to leave, good luck getting out. Your car might not be there, and then the traffic will be horrible. And dont depend on those homeless guys to watch your car... I know its tempting, but a girlfriend of mine got her window broken and camera stolen from the car. The area is pretty sketch.
Meh is right. -
Review from Curtis B.
Upper Marlboro, MD
3/29/2010
Mehhh
I don't know if my poor view of this place is due to not being a huge fans of clubs, having been to this place so many times, or if its really low quality. What I do know is, is that its not geared towards a mature crowd. It always seems to be nothing more than college aged kids in this place. It maybe a good place for club hoppers or those into the night life scene but it definately is not somewhere to go for a more mature adult crowd. I would still recommend going here to someone new or just visiting the DC Metro area due to its popularity.Listed in: Night Life
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Review from Vince L.
Annandale, VA
8/14/2008
If you just want to come to see and be seen, this is the place for you. It's not really a "club club". You're not really gonna be "getting low..low..low.." in there. The people are pretty stuck up - not a welcoming place at all. I do have to say they get some big name stars in there to perform though. If anything, go there for the performances. They have had people like LL, Bow Wow, and lots of others.
As far as the parking, yeah it's a seedy part of town. I guess I have been lucky. I have never had to park "a few blocks away" or get one of the "homeless" parking spots. -
Review from Collin S.
Arlington, VA
9/4/2008
Don't be fooled by the Yelp rating on this place...this place is ridiculous. The appearance is good - plenty of rooms and bars, even if they're crowded like 6 people deep. The clientele is where this place falls off. The worst of the worst come to Love on the weekends, wearing all sorts of shit you'd never imagine being club attire. Meanwhile you could be left standing outside because you decided to wear your Diesels out instead of a pair of dress shoes because you weren't trying to come back with skids and scuffs on your shoes....but whatever I digress.
Stay away. This place is garbage. -
Review from Lexi G.
Fairfax, VA
10/1/2011
The website claims everyone is free before 11pm and doors open at 10pm, but they do not allow the line to move until after 10:30pm. I was about 15th in line and did not get to the door until around 10:51pm. When I got to the door they said "$10." Turns out the "free before 10pm" only applies if you have a text message. That was never stated on the website, so I walked away from it. I spent over 50 minutes in line, they lied about the times and prices, and I refuse to go back. I've been there 3 times before and only liked it once, when I got in for free. It's overpriced and not a great time.
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Review from Barri R.
Alexandria, VA
8/14/2008
I am not a fan.
1. The cover charge is as much as the price of drinks. They rape you for parking, b/c the area is such a hot mess you dont want to leave your car out there.
2. The 'DJ" is playing a tape on a loop.. if you go floor to floor you notice the rotate it.
3. Crowd.. there are just no words. JUST. NO. -
Review from Tu-van L.
1/20/2006
When I went there, this place was called Love. The name might be different but the quality of the club is excellent. When celebs visit the District, this is where they come.
Each floor of the club has different types of music (1-world, 2-hip hop, 3-latino, 4-techno/lounge). Each floor has great music to either chill or dance to your heart's content.
The drinks are on the pricey side, but it's well worth it for what you get and the vibe that comes with it. If you want to try saving money sign up online for their VIP list (can do it until 8pm of that night) and arrive there before 11pm.
A fabulous place to be fabulous and meet fabulous, gorgeous people. If you wnat to go all out with the partying and clubbing scene, this the place to be. -
Review from Arista W.
Fort Mill, SC
10/8/2007
Back when i was 18 and could not get into the club on a friday or a saturday Love was the place to be...but now that i'm grown i have come to realize that Love is over-rated. the lines are long even in the "guest line", parking sucks, drinks are exspensive, and if you don't get there super early you will have to pay $20 and that's only if there is not a celebrtiy preforming...once you are inside the club is packed to what seems like over capacity so people are stepping on your feet all night, and spilling drinks=(
i have also realized how much of a rip off the place is. We were just there Friday to see Common and Q-tip preform, and you were supposed to buy the tickets online for $20 and if you didn't you could pay at the door. but the catch was if you paid at the door you would not get the vip wrist band that would let you upstairs to the concert. of course i purchased the tickets online but if i was one of the people who didn't and i paid $20 to get in i would have been very upset, espeically because it cost the same amount to pay at the door vs paying on the internet. -
Review from Alan L.
Brooklyn, NY
7/12/2009
A large group of us went to Love on a Saturday night, and I had low expectations. First of all, large groups like ours are always difficult to accommodate, but also I've always been weary of the "exclusive"-New York-Las Vegas-Miami-LA-wannabe clubs that take any opportunity to rape your wallet "because they can."
So, it was with that mentality that I went to Love expecting rude staff, lots of stares (and not in the good way), and overpriced drinks.
I was totally wrong!
Perhaps we were there on a good night, but my worst fears were not realized at Love. The lines are long but the bouncers do a good job of making it move quickly. They seem to be used to high volumes of people here. We also had printed out a free pass on their website the day of to avoid having to pay that hefty cover charge. I'm not sure I would have gotten over paying $20 to get into a club, but thats just me.
As previously reported, the drinks are indeed expensive but no more so than most clubs (I paid $12 for a vodka-tonic, my friend paid $8 for a Corona - again, not cheap but not beyond expectation). Anyone expecting market price for alcohol at night venues is setting themselves up for a lifetime of disappointment.
The staff were all very courteous and they do a good job of keeping the place orderly and clean (considering Love easily handles 500+ in its peak hours). Aesthetically speaking, Love was precisely what you'd expect from a self identifying "high-end" club - ubiquitous red lamps hanging from the ceiling, lots of plasma tv's playing god-knows-what, and bars EVERYWHERE. I actually thought there was too much light in the dance areas, but that's just my opinion. Also, I thought it was weird that the "dance areas" were carpeted.
If you do decide to go to Love, just remember it is not in the greatest area of town. We were smart to take cabs as the parking situation looked dire and nobody wanted to be a DD. On the downside, it took me 40 minutes of wandering these sketch streets to track down a taxi after leaving the club at like 2am (they race down New York Avenue already occupied). So word of the wise: order a taxi in advance if you can. -
Review from Dave H.
4/16/2008 3 photos
Love Nightclub is fun, open late (until 4 AM), with a diverse crowd, hip music, and lots of energy. It's in a pretty ghetto quarter of DC (run-down buildings, panhandlers, don't want to walk around there at night), so if you don't want to risk street parking, you'll have to resort to Love's private lot for about $30. If you want to skip their long lines (this is a popular place), try the shorter VIP line - was quoted $40 last I was there.
Love has multiple floors (huge dance floors, relaxing lounge areas, private rooms available), multiple DJs, and multiple bars. What's open and depends on the night (check their site, and call with any questions or requests, such as reserving table service). The bartenders, security detail, and hosts are friendly, accommodating, and there to help you. -
Review from Chris K.
Baltimore, MD
2/29/2008
Went to Love to check out the free Talib Kweli show. My friends and I didn't make it to the front of the line until 11:08 but the bouncer was nice enough to still let us in for free. Felt a little violated when another bouncer at the front door stuck his hand inside the waist of my drawers to check for "illegal items". I guess that's the price you pay for a free concert.
Drinks were $8 but fairly strong. Mr. Kweli only played for 25 min. (Apparently Love only paid him half of what was promised) Tons of people but it never felt crowded. -
Review from Tee A.
Bronx, NY
7/30/2007
This place is Awesome,. if you ever go to dc, or even if you don't, make a trip to go here,.. if your hot and smart! you don't have to wait in any line , and don't pay for not a damn thing!.. .. I loved it and i wanna go to dc , for one night , just to hit this place up!....
The next day when i woke up , Still very heavily intoxicated, i relied on my trusty digital cam for the story on what i did that night,.. and i had pictures with so many diff people and races, so on lol, it was really funny. So i guess that goes to show, that its a really diverse club. Anddd yeah , it was fun..lol, there was even an old couple in there, GETTIN DOWN!, LMAO , i had to ,play around with them for a minute bc they were recording each other dancing, .. This place is good times.. good times.....
**please Note:I usually go when there is something really big going down in Dc, like Howard's homecoming, or, The Alpha's 100 year aniv. So i wouldn't know how hot the club is if its a reg sat night...I don't know if they are exp or not ,.. because i just wont/don't pay to party or drink.. Free Free Free... -
Review from Alexa B.
Silver Spring, MD
8/27/2008
I've had some really good times with the girlz here. If you want to be seen, this is the place. The music is not great but you get to shake a leg, and after a few drinks at the VIP Section nothing really could ruin your nite. (Except for your few haterz in the crowd) hahaha.
The parking is expensive, and the valet parking attendants will ask for a tip up front (how rude).
I only gave 3 starts, because bouncers and valet is just ridiculous. They could get a little extra pushy with club goers who are not regulars. -
Review from amanda h.
Norfolk, VA
1/6/2009
if you're over 21, do yourself a favor, and DON'T go when they let in the 18 year olds.
** helpful hints **
LOVE is not like Fur, they don't accept credit cards for the cover charge. if you're driving, bring at LEAST $30 for parking, and at least $20 for the cover, all in cash. If you're 21 and up, the bar accepts credit cards, so no worries once you get inside... but there's no ATM on the premises.
I'm 21, and my first time at Love was on a Saturday (the only day they let in the 18 and under crowd). And maybe the kiddies were bitter because they couldn't drink... but everyone there was SOOO STUCK UP!!! 90% of those with vaginas (women) were just there to "See and be seen"... 87% of those without were too focused on dancing within their herds to dance with anybody. which was disappointing.. whenever i go to Fur, Felix Lounge, Republic Gardens, or ANYWHERE else, guys are tripping over themselves to dance with me (not conceited, just the truth :) ladies, if you're like me, be prepared to be ignored: guys here are too focused on the fresh meat to pay any attention to you. and even if you approach one and try to freak him, he'll look at you like you're some strange new life form. youngins can't dance... so GO ON A FRIDAY!!!
Got there at 9:20, and parking was a breeze, but we weren't too thrilled with paying $20 to park in the lot across the street. Oh well. Better than going the Valet route, or having some homeless guy "watch" our car for us.
Waited in line for about 1/2 an hour, was in the building by 9:55. paid $10 cover (make sure to visit the website and send the e-mail for the free / reduced admission pass!!). but once we got in, security wouldn't open up the 2nd floor until 11 PM. by 10:30, the floor was so horribly crowded, it was dang near impossible to navigate through the crowd without some under-21 year old getting jealous and knocking the drink out of your hand. which is why if you're 21 and up... go on a FRIDAY!!!
by 11:30, me and my friend were so sick of getting our drinks spilled back on us, and pushing ourselves through cliques of unfriendly 18 year old women and metrosexual scarf-wearing lupe fiasco wannabes, that we decided to bounce and go to the Legend. (which is free before 12 on Saturdays!!!)
might try Love again on Friday, with the 21 and up crowd... but when i party, i want to have FUN, not hear gossip about people's outfits all night. to recap... GO ON A FRIDAY!!! -
Review from Cedric B.
Silver Spring, MD
1/15/2010
Damn....they closed this shit? I thought it was aiight. You had a lot of assholes in here usually, but there were a lot of fine ladies too. Plus there was a lot of room since they had so many levels to choose from. It was expensive as hell though. It got me a few hookups back in the day, so I'm not mad at 'em.
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Review from Solace C.
Manhattan, NY
3/19/2011
When Love Club was called Dream Night Club it was a 4 star club. The club is in the hood...of NE, DC. Its not the safest part in town. Its in the Ivy City neighborhood. The parking is outrageous. They will charge you an arm and a leg and even though you pay for parking...The lot is NOT secured. You can take a risk in parking in the neighborhoods...but some peddlers or the vagabonds will come out and approach you and say Ill can watch your car for $10/$20. Knowing good and well that the minute you leave they will leave too...But the DCPD patrols the streets often, so need not worry. The lines are outrageous long...and if you dont have connections or the cash expect to wait in the long lines. Try to get on the guestlist by adding the promoters on social networks. I never have to wait in line or pay to get in but the average price is $20-25 to get in. Dont bring your pack of gum or cigarettes because security will make you throw it away. Once your in inside if its b4 11pm/12am expect to be cramped on the first floor. After 11 or 12 depending on the night... they play different types of music....on each floor..the top floor is for VIP u must have a bracelet ...its pretty posh up there but nothing exciting. The crowd is pretty post high schoolish....Girls who are ready to fight if you accidentally bumped into them or spilled a drink... Speaking of drinks.... the drinks are overpriced..the bartenders are so stuck up and think that we should roll out the red carpet for them...Me think not... They give you small cups and drown your drink in ice.... One bartender had the nerve to ask me why I didnt tip her? I was like WTH seriously?! I was like you can't greet me properly or say thank you...and you want a tip? That was your tip honey...When the club closes...expect to go blind for a few seconds when they turn on the bright lights... Its a stampade to get to the parking lot...and please leave in groups because like I said...its not the safest part in DC...This club was once it....but now its a miss....
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Review from Kaya A.
Bowie, MD
8/11/2006
As many of my review predecessors have indicated, you have to have one hell of a charmed life to survive in this environment. But there are alternatives -- shortcuts if you may -- to enjoying the heaven-in-helll called Club Love without having to be a great candidate for an episode of VH1's A Fabulous Life Of...
Let me count the ways:
1. Find a way to know Marc or Taz. They are the evil geniuses behind this institution, even when it was still the lush party called Dream.
2. If access to Marc or Taz is too hard, find Masoud. He's their right-hand promoter and best candidate for Most Likely to Give You A VIP Pass.
3. If you're not quite the extrovert, go to their Web site. Sign up for the VIP list and get yourself a free pass. Have a strong stomach when the bouncers roll their eyes at you, but they do that anyway to anyone who isn't a member of a gang, a professional sports team or a recording studio.
4. Find guy friends who owe you big time to come with you. Bonus points if they're really tall or really big. If your male friends would rather brave Dante's inner circles, find a bunch of lady friends. There is strength in numbers. And if you want to go alone...good luck.
5. Remember all those beer commercials about how cool girls can be when they come up to guys to buy them drinks? Don't even think about it here unless you know the guy, where he lives and how his mother is capable (and willing) to kick his ass.
With that said, I've always had a blast in every soiree at Love. As pricey as drinks may be when I had to pay, they're above average to very good for the most part. Staff is really nice when you're not trying to impress them or pretend to get into their pants for goodies. -
Review from Andrea W.
Washington, DC
10/22/2008
eww i hate this club... first when ur looking for parking crack-head are out and they want you to give them money to watch ur car n if u dont give them money they.ll break into ur car... so ur forced to valet park...
there drinks are pretty weak and i wouldnt pay to wait in line for hours in the cold just to go here.... -
Review from Michael G.
Northwest, DC
9/25/2010
nothing but stuck up ass bitches and stuntin ass dudes.
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Review from Maxfactor C.
Laurel, MD
2/12/2010
I heard sooo much about "Loves" before I moved here so I had to check it out. I was not impressed. First parking is non existent and expensive. I went with a friend of mine and when we got to the door we had to spit out our gum because they were concerned with people spitting it on the floors...HuH??? That was just the beginning. Drinks were 10.00 or more. VIP was a roped off couch and rooms were for those who wanted to give the impression of being a baller. I wasnt impressed at all. The crowd was from 18 and up so the stripper pole was in rotation....
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Review from Yi-Lun D.
San Francisco, CA
9/24/2007
Parking here sucks. There is a paid lot but I always park on the streets and have to wave off the homeless man who's guarding the spaces. A bit of a line, but usually fast. Music is kind of loud, but not deafening. Huge dance floors and multi-level, so even if it gets crowded, still have space. Takes a while for things to get fun; people spend a while drinking/looking around. It isn't convenient so I don't usually come here unless friends have a bash. Clientele is on the nice side/early twenties.
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Review from Ellie P.
7/8/2005
My friends from Maryland took me here, and it was a blast! With three floors of music, including a patio on the roof, everyone in your group will find something they like. The crowd is classy, and the $20 cover is reasonable for the variety of experiences. (Note: the last time I went to this place was May 2004.)
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Review from Seiji C.
San Francisco, CA
6/5/2009
this club is gorgeous, has 4 floors, 37 rooms, enough variety and diversity to never be bored, always be exploring, and find new things on every visit. plus, it's beautiful. one of those clubs that you'll either think is stunning, or cheesy. they dont hold back.
main catch is that if you dont drive there, you are stuck.
oh, and it costs a gazillion dollars for everything. -
Review from gree n.
White Plains, MD
6/7/2010
The clubs are creating a perception which is why some people kill me...
I remember walking towards one of the top "high end" spots in NY and some chick starts talking to me before I get there. This chick is wearing FLATS fucking FLATS and she looks about 5'5. I told this chick she wasting her time but she don't give a fuck...
Get to door, few mins I breeze right in, chick never made it... (Cool chick but naive when it comes to this superficial nightlife business especially the high end places)
You got male models, millionaires, rappers, sports players just chillin like normal people. NO WAY they're letting in some 5'5 chick who has on a jeans and a top. Anytime I bring chicks with me it's a must that they dress to kill when they're coming to these spots. Like a club owner once stated, the people expect a premium service due to the prices they're paying.
Dudes are worst...
- They bring NO GIRLS and come with mad dudes
- They don't play the GAME themselves an have a perception of a "Billionaire"
- They add NOTHING to the venue
It's not about making money at these places, it's "Who's" money is being spent there because ultimately they want the relationships/connections. If you bring no value to these places there is no need to even have you there.
That superficial criteria is lowered as you go to more mainstream night venues...
Door guy's job is to keep the perception of the club strong so play the game OR just don't even go there. -
Review from Sila D.
Washington, DC
3/31/2008
It was only cool when it was called "Dream" and you were 18 years old (or 17 and under with a fake)...other than that, this place is horrible and is a wanna-be pretentious place that attracts trash. I don't understand why people still go here...seriously, let's stop acting like we're 18 years old, again. We should have left it the way it was, back when it was "Dream"...
