Local 16

Local 16 is a lounge/club located in the U Street corridor that has been around since September 2002. For the past few years, it has been one of my favorite venues in the U Street area. It was created with the vision of providing the local U Street denizens with a cool place to hang out and has actually managed to do that, although in recent years has gotten a bit too trendy for my liking.

Cost – $$

Service – A-
I’ve always had positive experiences with the service at Local 16. The doormen are pretty cool and I’ve always enjoyed chit-chatting with the bartenders in the downstairs bar.

Food – B
The food is nothing to really write home about although I must admit that my penchant for food that will inevitably lead me to an early demise has compelled me to mention that they do have several pretty tasty items on the bar menu.

Decor – A-
Local 16 self-describes their style as Italian Renaissance. To be honest I’m not entirely sure that whoever wrote their promotional materials really was qualified to make a statement like that but I do have to admit to really liking the decor in Local 16. They have a spacious second-floor deck that makes Local 16 an extremely popular place to go when it is warm outside. Additionally, the decor throughout the rest of the venue gives you the distinct feeling that you are at a house party in the abandoned house from Fight Club (with nicer drapes). PS – that is actually a good thing in my opinion.

Feel – B
I used to love Local 16 and then the University kids found out about it and now when I go there on a Saturday night I sort of feel like I’m back at Georgetown, and I’m too old to feel like I’m back at Georgetown. Anyway, this is a bastardly thing to say, but I honestly wish they would put a cap on how many patrons are allowed in under the age of 24. Amendment – I honestly wish they would put a cap on how many male patrons are allowed in under the age of 24. If I’m sitting at a bar and the people next to me are talking about how they are going to bang a girl while taking shots of patron, that is normally my queue to leave.

Local 16 is located at 1602 U St NW. They can be reached at (202) 265-2828.