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Steve's Bar Room - CLOSED
- Nearest Transit:
-
Dupont Circle Metro Station (Red)
Farragut North Metro Station (Red)
Farragut West Metro Station (Blue, Orange)
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- DJ
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- Yes
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
65 reviews for Steve's Bar Room
Review Highlights
"I'll miss your PBR vending machine."
(in 3 reviews)
"The bartenders are always cool and friendly."
(in 18 reviews)
"Every week a new DJ gives his/her take on 90's music."
(in 23 reviews)
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65 reviews in English
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Review from Kara S.
Phoenixville, PA
10/3/2011
I realize that Steve's is now closed, but this review is to reminisce. Steve's was a legend in my book and it tears me to write in past-tense.
In college I frequented on Thursday nights for the "95 Live" party in which they only played old school music (think Wu tang clan, Diggable Planets, Kris Kross, Montell Jordan, LL, Busta, Mariah Carey, Boys II Men). This was perfect to break the monotony of the over-played radio hits I had heard at other places.
Steve's was truly a hole-in-the-wall bar and I loved it. It was hard to find because there was no sign and it was only reachable via an old, creaky, elevator. There was no cover , a relaxed dress code, a vending machine with beer, and a photo booth. I mean, what more could you possibly need? The main dance floor was small, but cozy. There were couches and tables if you got tired from dancing. Also, the patrons were completely unpretentious. I'd met everyone from doctors to janitors there and they were all just looking to have a good time. Eventually I discovered the "VIP" area. You had to be a regular to visit this area (or be invited by a regular). It was much more spacious, though... I had no idea Steve's was that big!
Well, my nights at Steve's are over, as are my nights in D.C. in general (there's no correlation between the two, I just moved to Philly :)) I am still on a quest to find a similar venue up here. -
Review from Jee D.
3/13/2011
I've been meaning to write a review for Steve's Bar for awhile now, and I'm sad to say that I'm finally doing it to bid adieu to this fine place. Yes, Steve's Bar is now closed. (sad face)
I'll miss your funky elevator up to the dance floor. I'll miss your PBR vending machine. I'll miss playing $5 worth of erotic photo hunt. I'll miss watching my friends dance on your tables. I'll miss your eclectic music mixes. And I'll also miss your $20 open bar on Saturday nights.
Rest In Peace, Steve's Bar Room. Dupont Circle won't be the same without you. -
Review from Ruth C.
12/30/2010 1 Check-in Here
I'm exposing the severity of my nerd card here, but they have a wolpertinger mounted on the wall wearing a pirate eye-patch and DJ headphones. I mean, hello, that's awesome in itself.
Bouncer seemed nice, and I guess he's scary enough that one of the creepers who came up to me backed off when I walked off.
Comfy seats to lounge on around the dance floor. Enjoyed the shots and red bull vodka, though for the sake of my wallet I'll opt to pregame elsewhere. Props to DJ ChildsPlay for spinning awesome tunes once the place filled out, and extra oomph from the drumbeat boys. Too bad he can't see half his results, but hey. We left when most of our group was done for the night, but a couple of us got drawn back up to the second floor because of the sweet music. I'd come back to dance more.Listed in: R* haunts: liver failure…, Can't fight the beats!
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Review from Ani P.
12/21/2010 1 Check-in Here
Dance! Dance! Dance!
Finding a good dancing venue is hard, for reals. I don't wanna be in a club setting getting hammered like a barely legal C-list celebrity. I also don't wanna be surrounded by douchey dudes. All I want is some good beats, space to dance, and chill peeps.
Steve's is one of my faves in DC. Steve's can be a bit hard to find, just look for the street numbers on buildings. There's a coat check downstairs (FREE, tip please). You take an elevator which drops you off near the DJ/dance floor (the elevator direct to dance floor was pretty neat-o). Also, there wasn't a cover for Friday night around 11 pm.
The bouncer is awesome. He has a super chill vibe. He also keeps his eye out for a$$holes. For example, weirdo tried to keep sticking his a$$ out and hit me and my posse with it (if I had a pointy purse, I would have shoved it at his bung hole region, maybe), but the bouncer remedied the sitch. Ladies -- dance in fear of not having someone's junk touch you!!
The beats were very danceable -- great mix of hip hop/pop and lots of great old skool Cali songs! My legs ached the next day from bouncing.
Drinks are mega cheap -- $10 for top shelf dirty martini=)
The lounge is on the small side, and it can get hot. The best spot on the dance floor is directly across from the AC.
Good beats, good peeps, and a great place to dance your pants off. -
Review from Semra E.
7/21/2010 ROTD 1/4/2011
There are many reasons why I've been a fan of Steve's Bar room:
1) I personally know one of the DJ's on Saturday nights and he spins a mean selection of new hip hop (which is GOOD, not lame), as well as tossing in the good underrated MC's from the past and present
2) the fact that I get to hop onto an elevator that drops you off onto the dance floor immediately? There's no gradual transition, & I dig that
3) They have just launched Tuesday Reggae nights & I felt like I was in the islands but this time with AC :-)
4) Steve actually is there and interacts (unlike some other owners I've seen at DC venues who think they're "above" their customers), I like when someone interacts & helps their staff, it speaks VOLUMES of how they handle life in general & treat others...which is what he did on this night. :-)
Let me just tell you the awesome experience I had last night, the vibe of the night was already off to a great start, they had one of the Ritz very own chefs supply some AMAZING Caribbean food for free the night of this launch, and when you give me some of the best Jerk chicken one woman could ask for...I will love you for life. Therefore I love this dude. CHEF IAN JOSEPH
The bar tender(s) were friendly and completely made my night...I told her I like Vodka and I like orange flavors, but I didn't want a screw driver. This girl hooked me up and I kept coming back for more, now THAT'S how you earn a great tip folks!
The DJ played every song I used to have on this old Roots Reggae mix that hit my happy button & made life feel perfect that night. DJ FYAH OATS & THE GLOBAL NETWORK. Thanks to Life Massive
(http://www.lifemassive...) for putting this together and starting something great that this city has been needing for a LONG TIME. They put on a great place to spend my Tuesday nights after a long day of hard work to unwind without the hassle of most lounges...this is a new scene that needs to be discovered by those who frequent Marvin's & Patty Boom Booms, you'll love this new scene if you haven't tested it out.....next step...working on a HH for this same night & event earlier in the afternoon ;-) -
Review from Khalib B.
Washington, DC
In the words of the great Dave Chappelle.
[singing]
Tron: There are! I say there are so many amendments in the constitution of the United States of Americaaaa! I can only choose one! I can only choose ooooooone! I plead the fif! I plead the fif! FIVE! 1,2,3,4, fiiiif! Anything you say! FIIIF! Go ahead and ask me a question!
Senator: How do...
Tron: Fif! I like to show all of you a secret document!
[pulls out a piece of paper saying "FiF"]
Tron: Fiiiiiiiiiiiiif!
Seriously, it is wild as all hell in this bar. I have no idea what's going on here half of the time. One night I'm pretty confident I got eyeballed by a tranny streetwalker. Another night the music went from house, to reggae, to impromptu rap battle accompanied by African drums. People are hopping on and over the bar and the bartender randomly shows women his abs. For all the other things I've seen see the statement above. Steve's Bar Room is more than a bar it's an experience and if it's your bag it could be a lifestyle. I don't care if you only do it once but you must go because I can guarantee that unless you spend your days at strip club run by the Hell's Angels you probably haven't been any place quite this crazy. -
Review from John R.
Washington, DC
10/14/2010
Such a weird place.
First of all, I was shocked when I found out that this place even existed, because I've walked by there so many times. Turns out that they don't actually have a sign. There's just the entrance to a random lobby, and you have to know that it's on the 2nd floor.
So, really, the best way to describe the place is that it's a high school party in your parent's basement while they're out of town. Low ceilings, loud nineties dance music, mismatched couches here and there, carpeted dance floor, a random mattress where I'm sure people have had sex, everybody is drinking PBR, and the occasional creepy old guy who does not belong but shows up anyway.
Really, not my scene, but then again high school parties never were.
I can see the appeal though. -
Review from Angel W.
8/3/2010
Steve's Bar Room is a fabulous place to go dancing. Granted, I have only entered the premises after long bar crawls, but it's definitely on my list of places to keep going back to. The music is always fun - usually a mix between your favorite old school 90s, but none of the cheesy stuff. They also mix it up a bit. It's hard to sit still and be a wallflower here.
I tend to like to be more anonymous than is possible at Steve's. Anyone sitting down around the perimeter has a full view of everyone on the dance floor so I feel a little on display. And I don't particularly have the best dancing skills and sometimes just want to act silly , which can be a little intimidating with various eyeballs bopping around, people watching. But if you can get over that, Steve's is sure to be an enjoyable time. -
Review from Marcela C.
Washington, DC
1/22/2011
I've had the misfortune of being dragged here on two occasions. I have no idea how this place gets away with charging a cover. I guess I can get over having to enter through a weird lobby, riding a sketch elevator, and paying $10 for sub-par drinks. But then there's the bad music, the musty carpet floors, and the high amount of creepers lurking in the dark . No thanks.
The vending machine with PBR is great but not enough to tempt me to ever go back. -
Review from Yumi R.
Washington, DC
8/12/2011
CLOSED. This place was really fun, and different!~ CLOSED. DC needed a place like this. (Though sometimes the crowd was a bit odd and sparse) I'm quite sad that I won't be able to dance to sick beats, i.e. Biggie while there are 90's music videos playing on the jumbo screen. $20 open bar Saturdays were killer, too, because they made their drinks STRONG.
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Review from Deanna W.
Washington, DC
2/3/2011
I left my credit card there and have been back twice to get it, both times around 8:30-9pm, the elevator was stuck and there are no stairs to be found. I've emailed, I've called, with no luck and no ability to leave a message because the voicemail box is full. I'm pretty perturbed at this whole gig, and am hoping someone gets back to me stat.
If it weren't for THAT whole thing, I'd probably rate it higher mostly because it's a perfectly perfect dive. Somewhat sketchy, good music, no pretension, plenty of room to dance. If you go in the back room beware of the nasty looking couches that have surely seen a lot of raunchy action in their day, and take note that you will leave smelling like food because there is a random ass Indian buffet hovering in the corner. None of it really makes sense, but that was its charm.
Someone that works at Steve's: PLEASE fix the elevator or clue me in as to how I can get my credit card back! -
Review from d. h.
Alexandria, VA
7/21/2010
Khalib, I plead the "fif" as well. Ain't gonna incriminate myself by sharing too much about my attendance at yesterday's reggae night. Just know that Steve's may have ruined me for other bars. There was some hilarious random sh*t going on (dude who brought his own drum to the bar and "broke it down" in the back room, I'm looking at you...), and it was the best time I've had out on a Tuesday night in the contiguous 48.
A sketchy lawyer I went on only one date with told me about the place years ago, making it sound like some secret den of debauchery. I doubted its existence as a real bar, thinking that he had just described an unlicensed strip club, but left the strippers out in polite company. Seeing it in a Yelp event listing confirmed that it was legit for me, and I decided to give it a go.
Get there around midnight, and don't be scared off by the scruffy entrance. Press onward and upward to the second floor. Once you get upstairs, the vibe is chill, doowutchyalike.
The friendly bartenders (including the owner, who was literally spitting fire in the air at one point), unpretentious multi-culti clientele, and great music have made it hard for me to muster any enthusiasm for invites to stuffy buppie lounge nights in DC for a while.
There's no dress code or attitudes. The constantly opening elevator makes you feel like something highly dangerous is about to jump off at any minute, but in a good way.
Last night's bonuses: 1) a Caribbean buffet in the back room, 2) A surprisingly clean bathroom stocked with all necessary paper products. And did I mention there was no cover? Take that, buppie lounges!
Sketchy lawyer, I apologize for thinking the worst.Listed in: Spots Where My Evil Twin…
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Review from Tara L.
2/16/2010
For locals, Steve's Bar Room is an institution. You go there to dance. You go there to be somewhat anonymous. You go there because you just don't give a flying FUC (Funny, Useful, Cool review votes on Yelp!)
To some it may seem odd to enter a small lounge through the entry of an old, gritty office building. But not if you're used to Steve's. When you head to Steve's, you pretty much can locate your destination by the thumping music randomly pulsing through an open, unmarked door on Connecticut Avenue. But not in a sexy way. You will then walk to the old, rick-rackity elevator and probably cram in there with 7 other strangers. It will then take you about 30 seconds to go up one floor.
Enter: Steve's Bar Room.
You've got the DJ with his laptop to your right. Bar to your left. You're usually surrounded by a sea of random people. I feel like Steve's Bar Room attracts a crowd that does not want to deal with some of the more pretentious venues in Dupont, but may not truly appreciate the traditional dive bar. The bartenders are always cool and friendly. The music is usually with a beat.
And, that's about it. That's Steve's Bar Room. A room full of controlled, unassuming, simplistic randomness on the second floor of an office building.Listed in: Riding Red!, Dupont Hoppin', Just Dance!
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Review from Vivian K.
Silver Spring, MD
1/24/2007
DAMN THE LUCK.. so i was thinking ( before this weekend ) that i would be the first reviewer.. BUT gayle beat me to it.. FINE.. YOU CAN HAVE THAT TITLE..
anyhoo.. so what do you say to only the best bar in dc because they play really good music, and because i was on my way to being a plastered BUT fun gal that nite??? you say : let's gooo!!!! so let's describe a good nite at steve's bar room..
8:00pm:
you're at home.. you're thinking " where the hell are we going to go tonite..??" it's a freezing 25 degrees and you haven't had a drink so far... you can't decide what to wear because like the superficial girl you are, you wanna look good ( which usually means you're going to be wearing LESS) but then you dont' wanna be the dumb ass freezing your tail off because you just wanted to look good..( because then all the girls think you're a skank and they laugh at you). .
9:00pm:
the guys and gals of your group meet up for a lil' pregaming social at someone's house.. you finally decide on a dress but at least it's got some sleeves and you're pairing your knee high boots to them so you'll look "warm"... everyone starts to drink the spiked punch and loosen up.
9:30pm:
you all realize to check for your in-before-11-free pass to save your cheap ass $10 to get in.. (I'm prolli going to regret writing this since i would like to keep getting these passes and if too many people know and too many people do it, then they might stop these passes ... if you weren't a yelper.. ... .... .. ) anyways, .. so you all thankfully make sure that everyone brought it, and then relax and continue the pregame and watching MTV videos to make fun of what's on.
10:00pm:
you all hop on the metro and then regret being in arlington at the time because now your metro ride will either a) take a long time to get to dupont because you haveta transfer b) haveta freeze your butt off walking 5 blocks up to dupont from farragut west..
10:15pm:
farragut west lets you off and now you realize that you need a new job because the one you have now isn't paying enough for you to avoid freezing by catching a cab.. and then you grumble and stumble your way to dupont.
10:35pm:
you laugh at some girl outside of 1223 because she's wearing a lacy tank in 25 degree weather with no jacket and yelling to her friends 'hurry.. it's cold'... and you think 'well, duh.. it's only 25 degrees out..' a few more steps and you get to steve's bar room.
10:45pm:
you're in.. the bouncer checks your pass and your license and lets' you in this lil' room with an elevator.. it looks like you're going to someone's apt.. and then BAM .. the door opens and you're atta bar... the bar is surprisingly somewhat full and you make your way to a lil' area to leave your coats somewhere for someone to spill on and you mosy over to the bar to continue that faint buzz you had before.
11:00pm:
you notice the decor.. it's simple.. sofas and seats on the perimeter of the room, it's dim red, and there's one big bar... the bathrooms are in the left hand corner of the bar, and when you get in, it's actually clean.. no puke that nite at least.. and the toilet isn't overflowing becuase someone flushed something they shouldn't.. not bad...
11:30pm:
the music is AWESOME.. it's like a top 40 thing, but top 40 80's, and hip hop and just funk.. the dj's prolli your long lost brother because he loves everything you love.. Purple Rain the movie is playing in the background and you love the fact that these people love prince.. who doesn't?? and who doesn't love the fact that Purple Rain is a sucky movie in general but it's PURPLE RAIN!!!!!!! tainted love comes on, and those three shots and two drinks are now .. officially buzzing throughout your bod.
1:00am:
the music is still great.. the place clears out a lil' and you hear word of some other place.. but the fact that now you're not squished in a corner is enough for you to just say "f- it, I'm staying"..
2:30pm:
you realize the metro doesn't wait for drunks and you make your way down the elevator and just like alice in wonderland, you woke up from your nap.. sad.. but true.. you head to the metro.. and start planning your next night at steve's.. your new hubby.. -
Review from Bassey E.
Arlington, VA
8/10/2009
2.5 stars.
PBR in the vending machines! Congratulations you're adorable.
Didn't encounter any of the rude staff that others have commented on. Bathrooms were decently clean. The mens room had an attendent (ask me how I know) which is annoying when you're in a place with CARPET on the dance floor. Yes, i'm deducting 2.5 stars for placing carpet in a bar. A) Gross. B) Really?!?
Great DJ though. -
Review from Gayle G.
Woodbridge, VA
1/10/2007 2 photos
This bar is a great spot to hang. Steve's is just south of the Circle, but it does not have the attitude and pretense like some of the places up the street.
Just going off the name, I was expecting more of a tavern/saloon type of decor. I was pleased to find contemporary furnishings like a stools shaped like pails facing a bright red bar. There are also a bunch of comfy sofas to lounge on.
The bartenders and servers are nice and friendly- there is no such thing as a VIP room here, but you'll feel like one one anyway. Well, there is VIP bottle service like up at MCCXXIII, but that's cause Steve's owner used to be there.
The DJ at Steve's will get you moving with a nice mix of electronic and hip hop. The music, thankfully, is not too loud. Beware if you're planning on making this just a brief spot, you may end up on staying, -
Review from Sarah L.
Washington, DC
2/12/2009
Oh, Steve's how I love you.
My first trip to Steve's Bar Room took place over the summer. A friend of a friend was hosting their 30th birthday there and upon finding out the name of the bar I was at loss. Steve's Bar Room? Never seen it before, let alone heard of it, and it's located on Connecticut Ave? That was my stomping ground when I used to work downtown. I'd walk up Connecticut at least twice a week and had the string of bars ingrained down to location and happy hour. So I Yelped and Googled Steve's in hopes of finding out where this hidden gem was located.
For first timers: walk past Heritage India, look up, UP to your left and spot the sign with a smiling bald man. Now enter through the side door below it, walk to the elevator, and hit the 2nd floor button.
The birthday girl had reserved the use of the backroom for her birthday. I'm not sure what the fee or limit is to rent it, but there were multiple groups of people in the back, so there might not be. Rail drinks run $8 at Steve's, but if you're looking or a cheaper option PBRs are $3 (you can also get PBRs from the vending machine near the back.. and cigarettes too). I spent most of my first night at Steve's in the back room and had a fabulous time.
Since my first visit I've been to Steve's numerous nights with different experiences each visit, so I'm going to list some pointers for when you go (which you should):
If you're going during a weeknight, it's going to be quiet and if you make the mistake of arriving too early you will be the only one there besides the bartenders. Steve's isn't a happy hour joint. It opens at 9:00 on the weekdays and usually doesn't start to fill until 10-11.
There is a cover at Steve's, its $10 but only on weekends. If you get there before 10 the cover is waived and if you go online and sign up for the e-mail list you can print out a pass that will waive the cover until 11. Also, if you're attending a party there just get your name on your friend's list, again no cover. And I know, we all hate paying a cover, but it's worth it if you come later, promise!
As I said, there's no happy hour at Steve's but there are nightly specials. On Thursday night there's free champagne until 11 for ladies. Don't screw over the bartenders, order a drink too and double fist that champagne with it. On Fridays from 9-12 you can pay $20 for an open bar of rail drinks, Budweiser, and Miller. Just pay the bouncer when you enter on the street level, and he'll give you a wrist band entitling you to three hours of drunkenness. I know when you think of an open bar you're thinking of 1223... and yes that place blows. But an open bar at Steve's means quick friendly service, and I can almost guarantee that you will get your drink within two minutes and that it won't be 90% soda. At $8 a rail the open bar is definitely worth it. Plus once 12 hits you're already drunk and the place is filled to perfection.
Again don't come to Steve's early. The party starts late here. -
Review from Sarah F.
Brooklyn, NY
10/28/2008
Yargh, this place is miserable and COMPLETELY empty if you arrive before 11pm. The drinks were ok ranging from really strong to really weak and I think that the DJ (I think it was DJ Whack-a-Mole or something like that...) was on crack. I have never heard a more incoherent mix of crappy music in my life. Don't think I'll be coming back to this one
Oh yeah I forgot they were showing Ultimate Fighting on all the tvs when I was there. I don't know about you but I can't really relax and enjoy a drink when I am watching some guy get his ass handed to him. -
Review from amanda s.
12/28/2009
SKETCHY ASS PLACE.
if you can get over that and into the elevator, find your way into steve's bar room, complete with a vending machine providing beer and a bar providing overpriced, underpoured beverages.
the mix of people here was mind-boggling. yes, it was nice to have different people come together in one spot, but it was.....cliquey. if i wanted to go back to high school, i'd jump in a time machine, thanks.
the music and clean bathrooms were actually the salvation. but if you're like me and that just isn't enough, you might want to look elsewhere. -
Review from Chang W.
Gaithersburg, MD
1/25/2007
Coming to Steve's on a Friday night is like taking a trip back to the '80's: Prince's movie playing on the Tele; Gen X/Y anthems like "Tainted Love" and "Bizarre Love Triangle" blaring from the speakers; and even greasy dudes doing the crazy jungle dance from "Can't Buy Me Love". The only things missing are those big brick cell phones and tight rolled jeans--gosh I miss those tight rolls.
Steve's, like Gayle mentioned, isn't as pretentious as the other spots in Dupont. It's a cool little place to down a couple of beers and watch drunk people make fools of themselves. -
Review from alexis g.
Falls Church, VA
9/23/2008
I was there for a friend's birthday and was already a bit tipsy when I arrived. I liked that we were able to reserve a small room for the birthday party, even if they yelled at me for moving one of the chairs.
I really, really liked the vending machine that was dispensing beer and cigarettes -- you had me at hello.
I also thought the bartender was super friendly and accommodating. And after that, I really don't remember much else. -
Review from Dave H.
7/9/2007
Steve's Bar Room is hard to notice if you've never been there (oh, and if you forgot the address). With the help of locals, our group managed to get there.
Besides one low-key sign outside, there's not much else to call out this nightspot. We waited in line, handed a bouncer our free passes (get them from their web site), and crammed into an elevator to go up.
A few moments later, the doors opened and we were greeted by a sleek bar and a cool, cool atmosphere. It's almost like you're at a long-time (but sexy) friend's place. A bartender offered free drinks to my friend, who was newly engaged - she happily accepted, of course. We planned to head elsewhere but the friendly crowd and engaging DJ (DJ Tru, their resident DJ) kept my party there and hopping all night long! In case you need to relax for a second, there's plenty of sitting room. Recommended. -
Review from Liam D.
Washington, DC
1/7/2009
I really don't know how this place is still in business. They are located on the 2nd floor of an office building above Heritage India and they have this little tiny sign outside letting you know that they exist. I must have walked by it 400 times without noticing before someone at work scheduled a HH here. We walked into the building, took the elevator up, and walked into the red-hue that is Steve's Bar Room. There's a big bar, and a semi-big room, although not extremely big. Frankly, it's a pretty small bar and I couldn't imagine being in the place for anything but a happy hour that guaranteed 50 people in the place.
On a cool note, they have a candy machine that dispenses cigarettes - that's something i've never seen anywhere else, so kudos to you Steve, for your originality. Now, just find a cooler venue and I'll visit more often! Perhaps something that is streetside so I don't feel like i'm walking into a speakeasy, only to be disappointed when I realize that alcohol is legal, and therefore, no one is really that excited to be at your place. -
Review from Allan N.
Fairfax, VA
10/5/2007
Went here last week for my wife's and another friend's bday. I picked Steve's from Yelp recommendations and we were all pleasantly surprised with this random place none of us had been to. There's a good chance you'll miss it if you're not paying attention or know the address. The music was good, everyone liked it. The drinks are nice and decently strong, also fair priced.
I'd definitely come back here. I'm pretty bored with everywhere else. -
Review from Tracey C.
7/21/2008
I went here this Saturday for a bachelorhood party and I must say that I loved the atmosphere. I'm not one for big clubs full of mean ass people pushing and shoving for attention and space. Most of the people here were just so damn nice and all about having a good time.
DJ Tru did a good job of keeping the party going. The song list is mainly Top 40 but some good 80's, 90's, reggae, and reggaeton is thrown in for good measure. If the opportunity presents itself again, I might have to fight my way to the front to get one of his mix cds.
It started to get crowded around 10 or 11 but it still wasn't cramped and annoying. You just had to put in a little more work to get to the bathroom.
I'm hoping that the crowd stays like this because I definitely want to go back. I'm also hoping that the bartender is true to his word when he says he'd look into ordering some cider. That would definitely earn them an additional star.
Edited to add there was no bachelorhood party but apparently the spellcheck thinks there is no such thing as a bachelorette party so I'm leaving it. -
Review from Adam M.
Madison, WI
7/25/2009
On my 1st night in DC, Yelpers made this look like an adequate destination for a guy heading to a dive club without a group.
I went early -- 10ish to take advantage of the no cover charge until 11PM Saturday Night offer they had. Also, they featured an all you-can-drink domestic beer and rail package until midnight for $20.
The experience was weird. The DJ is awesome if your into '80's dance. The music flowed with video near the bar (very random ... very kitsch).
The bouncer and bartenders were cool, but the place stunk of cheap alcohol and mustiness. The bar and dance area was small. As a dude without a party, the experience was cold and isolating, I felt like Hunter S. Thompson on a strange vaguely explainable disastrous trip. I took three drinks and left. It was too much. Me in the corner drinking like a lonely alcoholic without purpose and depleted of mojo. In the spirit of the good doctor, one of my beverages was a bourbon, but it was cheap and disgusting and the bile started to form from my gut reflected my space and temperament -- it was time to go.
This place is GREAT for those retro files with a small group and a strong stomach. For me, it was a bad idea.Listed in: Isolated DC Vacationer
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Review from Chris M.
Washington, DC
8/11/2009
The quality of Steve's Bar Room has diminished greatly since 2006 when it first opened. Then, taking an elevator up to a bar seemed hip and cool for a city. Now, it seems like a shady and trashy bar where most of the people appear underage.
After a year or so absence, I took a group of friend's there instead of Cafe Citron since Steve's had no line. Boy was I stupid.
No thank you Steve's Bar Room. Please return to the office cubicle you once replaced. -
Review from Lydia M.
Burke, VA
7/18/2008
Me likey...
Great music- the DJ was on point with everything he spun.
Atmosphere- low key, not crowded and friendly.
Bartenders & Bouncers- friendly and the drinks were deeeelish! My buddy introduced me to Steve who is a really nice guy.
The only thing that kinda sucks is that you can easily miss this place. But then again, that can be a positive. Less people= more drinks, a seat and elbow room... ;-) -
Review from Amanda E.
Washington, DC
3/12/2010
There is a PBR vending machine in this place. If that doesn't demand your presence, then you're crazy.
It's a random place on the second floor of a building, and they charge a cover, but not in an annoying "clubby" way, but in a "shit, someone has to pay for the elevator" way.
It's a fun place, the bartenders are quite friendly, and the DJ was good. The music videos for the songs were playing on the tvs, and since it was 90s rap music, it was pretty entertaining. Sipping my vodka and watching MC Hammer jam in the parachute pants, all while perched in my stilettos on the orange bar, I must say, Steve's is quite a place, and I will definitely return. -
Review from Mary B.
Arlington, VA
4/2/2009
So they first time I went late night on a sat night this place was awesome!
First of all its kind of fun how you get there...go into an office building and get off on the 2nd floor..when the elevators open you are immersed into a full bar scene.
Full of young professionals who are laid back and just there to have a good time. Its a pretty versatile place in terms of whether or not you want to talk or dance.
The drinks weren't that pricey and having pbr in a vending machine is just fun.
Now the second time I went there on a sat night (granted we got there at 11..but we stayed till 2am) it wasn't nearly as crowded and seemed pretty much like a sausage fest. I am not sure if this was just an off night as the first time I went there was so much fun.
The back bar/lounge is pretty cool esp. when you have a large group.
Overall the pros in this place is lack of d-bags and good music (not a fan of techno, but love regular pop music to dance to..which they played a mix of 80,90's and today's stuff, and the music was great both times i went)
cons: cover charge...I really can't believe this place has a cover charge...even for ladies. with all the other bars in dupont that you don't have to pay it doesn't really make sense to pay $10 here when you can go somewhere else for free. I think if they took that away steve's bar room would be more fun and crowded... it seems sort of like a hit or miss place..probably really great with a large group where you just want to dance/ hang out and have a chill night at a fun bar. -
Review from Jeremy L.
San Francisco, CA
1/25/2009
Well to start off - Steve is a great guy, super nice and personable, I met him through good friends of mine and while I don't make it here too often; its one of my favorite spots in the city.
The thing with Steve's is there is no pretense to it. A snack food vending machine if you get the munchies. Not a lot of thought put into decor. Just good music, great drinks.
Another great thing about going to Steve's is the people are cool. I'm sure it happens, but I've never ran into assholes there, everyone seems pretty chill.
BC - Above the average as far as club/bar bathrooms go. -
Review from David H.
Washington, DC
6/1/2010
Walking up Connecticut Ave at the end of the night, my friend and I hear some crazy beats coming from a door partially open by a spare tire with chrome rims that look like it came off a monster truck. We peak inside this nondescript room and see a small sign that says Steve's Bar Room 2nd floor. And there's only this small elevator to take...
We didn't stay long, so I can't be to thorough. But I loved the contrast between it being a speakeasy in the sense of not being able to see into the bar and nothing advertising the name, while there's this huge chrome wheel with music blasting from the second floor. The music was good and the people seemed cool. Probably a local crowd which always gets points in my reviews. -
Review from Mikey W.
Fairfax, VA
9/30/2008
I've been here numerous times, and never left dissapointed. Most recently I was just here to celebrate my bday, and I love their 9-12 open bar(beer/rail drinks) and free champagne bday coupon! The place never gets overly crowded, the dj usually spins a good mix of music and the bartenders have always been friendly.
The only drawback...where my asian girls at!? -
Review from Sarah M.
1/2/2009
My friend was a promoter here for a while, so we came here pretty frequently. Not really by choice though. More for the cheap drinks and b/c of our connections. Since he stopped working here, I haven't been back.
There's really nothing special about this place. There was never ANYONE in here! The bar was always empty and the dance floor was dead. The only people dancing were me and maybe 2 other people. That's not awkward or anything.
I don't think I ever came here on a night that was busy. They have a back VIP room which is cool...but only if you come here with a ton of people. Otherwise, you just feel secluded in a backroom.
Overall, meh. -
Review from Kamau W.
Washington, DC
11/9/2008
I'm a fan!
I checked out Steve's this past Saturday night and I must say that I really enjoyed myself. As one of the other reviewers noted, it is pretty empty before 11pm. The atmosphere picked up at about 11:30 though and it was good times from there. I really dig the crowd! The diverse clientele is fairly attractive and fashionable but much friendlier than I would have expected. Oh, and they actually dance too!
Music is a big, big thing for me when I go out so I don't tolerate garbage DJs. Thanks to DJ Tru, the Saturday night resident DJ, that wasn't a problem. His mixes are well done. There's a little bit of everything sprinkled into his set yet all of the music is conducive to dancing.
The bar is a little smaller than what's shown in the pictures on the website but it never got too crowded at all. There were just the right amount of people and space for a great time.
Great crowd + great music + great staff * 20 dollar open bar = Return trip! -
Review from Sila D.
Washington, DC
4/6/2009
One time, I overheard a couple telling their friend, at a restuarant, that they had met here and mind you, they were married...I thought that this was extremely funny because of the motley crue of people that come here, at the various hours of the evening. Plus, this place is so strange, that how one could meet a significant other here just boggles me.
Besides that, I love how odd and off this place is, and the fact that this is one of those places that everyone and their mother has at least been to once or heard of. The bartenders can be quite eccentric here but seem very cool. I'm usually my drunkest, when I end up here at the end of the night, so maybe this is why it has such character to me...the best is when I end up in the back part of the bar, which they call the "VIP," and find an even more eccentric/eclectic bunch. Its quite a sight at Steve's Bar, I tell you...it gets four stars because its so amusing but to any other person probably a one or two-er.
With all that said, to me, this place is more of the "late-night tip" kind of bar and not somewhere to really hang. -
Review from Stefan M.
Washington, DC
10/14/2009
There are some definite pros and cons here... The crowd is very strange, just an extremely eclectic mix of people, so I would highly recommend bringing your own crew. Not a place I'd brave alone. The friendliest people are the bartenders, and they are great. Doling out free shots and spinning flaming bottles in the air is always nice.
Gotta love the $3 PBR vending machine, but a pricy (unwarranted) cover on the weekends and a "Frat basement" atmosphere get it a couple points off.
I had fun here, but I don't know that it is always a slam dunk, you need to be in the mood for it... -
Review from April P.
11/16/2009
A friend recommended Steve's for Thursday nights. And I too definitely recommend this spot as well cuz it was definitely crackin'.
We got there around midnight. At first, I wasn't sure what to expect when we heard the music from a speaker blaring at the ground floor and having to take an elevator down to the actual bar. I wasn't sure if the music was the actual music that was playing downstairs or if it was music that was just playing upstairs to attract people to Steve's. Quite misleading at first. But there was no cover, no dress code... I was liking this place already. The guys who work at Stussy and Commonwealth off of U St. were there. The DJ was bumpin' 90s hip-hop and house music. The crowd was eclectic and there were some b-boys so that really made the night entertaining (thought it was gross though, since the floor is carpeted). And the drinks were cheap! And my friends mentioned that they felt pretty good after just a couple of drinks.
I really liked that there was seating because I wanted to rest my footsies despite the fact that the music was on point. On the downside, the floor was carpeted. Not sure if/when they plan to change that or how often they clean the carpet because that's pretty disgusting. O_o It does get pretty musty in there. There is a small air conditioner in the wall but I'm sure there will be at least a few people wanting to occupy the seating space by the AC. And the space in general is pretty small; way smaller than KStreet Lounge. But at least there's a major lack of d-bags, which made me happy.
Overall, it's so hard to find good places to go out in DC that play more than just Top 40 music. Steve's on a Thursday night is crackin'. -
Review from Nate M.
Washington, DC
1/21/2011
get in, get freaky, get stuck in the elevator with a stranger, take pictures with some hot bbws, watch some real bartenders work.
sometimes, I wish I was steve... -
Review from Chinita A.
Washington, DC
7/13/2009
Everytime I'm in Dupont to party I know I can ALWAYS count on Steve's for either a good time or as a last resort. My friends and I know the bouncer so we always get in for free. The bartenders are cool and the music is always good! Even the bathroom lady is the best!
The decor of the place is very chill. It feels like you are at a friend's house party and I love that fact that it is hidden away from the general public as there is only a small orange sign that indicates you are there.
OH and they also have PBR's in a vending machine!
