Sure, there’s Zagats and Michelin Star ratings, but does anyone ever tell you the important stuff like what kind of men go there, how far you have to walk from the nearest subway, or how hot the bartender is? No, they don’t. But we do. So read along. And the next time you’re planning a date or a girls night out, check with us first. We’re always around.

Date Idea (DC) – Jazz on U Street

From punk to jazz, to blues to go go, DC has nurtured beats that many of us don’t know about. Indulge in a little DC history and music by grabbing a date and heading to the U Street Corridor.

The U Street corridor has long been associated with making DC music history. Almost every bar, restaurant and club in this area offer music, delish cocktails and food. Here are my choices for a fun yet swoon-worthy.

Visit Vinoteca Wine Bar and Bistro (11^th & U Streets) for a glass of wine and light fare before heading to a jazz show nearby. Vinoteca quickly became a local hotspot, offering a range of wines and keeping its menu fresh with new items. It’s a small cozy place with warm and chic decorations reminiscent of wine bars on the LES. Choose from the happy hour or dinner menu, but if you’re like me, you’ll go straight to the cheese and charcuterie offerings (Cheese + wine = win). You have ventured into a haven for great wine but just as good people watching. Tips: This classy neighborhood wine bar is very popular. Make reservations for 2 through OpenTable, especially if you’re trying to make a show. Gab away over your wine, since a jazz performance is not the place to loudly share your latest drama.

Once your mouth is satisfied, walk the 2 blocks to Twins Jazz on 13^th & U Streets. Twins is a DC staple, not only with nurturing jazz greats from the area but also for having stayed strong through the ebb and flow of changes in our Nation’s Capitol.  The venue has a wine list and a dinner menu but inside sources advise eating before you arrive (::shrug::) and leave the jazz venue to the jazz. A door cover is required but the minimal cost is worth it for the fun you’re about to experience.  Sit back, relax and absorb the music. Twins doesn’t feature “pseudo” talent – you’re going to experience some of the best. Real jazz lovers find comfort here so rest assured you’re with the “In” crowd. Tips: Twins is popular. Make your reservations in advance and get there early to secure a table in front.

Note: the U Street Corridor has SO many fun places to choose from. It will take more than 1 night to get a feel for the area and all that it offers. New places are poppin’ up left & right, if you have a place you love, post a comment with your reccs so CG can check it out.

[Photo Credits: top Jazz from the Boston Herald, bottom Vinoteca from Vinoteca.com]

This entry was posted on Friday, August 13th, 2010 at 9:00 AM and is filed under Wining and Dining (DC). You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.