Black Cat
Black Cat is a music venue, bar, and cafe all rolled into one. The upstairs main stage plays host to some of the most popular independent and alternative bands while the first floor back room has smaller acts playing in a more intimate setting. The main bar or Red Room has one of the best jukeboxes around and a pool table and pinball machine to keep things interesting. The Food for Thought Cafe features an extensive vegetarian menu but also caters to non-vegetarians as well. Black Cat’s crowd changes depending on the bands but for the most part, it’s a destination for area hipsters and the like.
Cost – $
Service – A-
From the doorman to the bartenders, the service has always been good. No complaints here.
Food – B
The Food for Thought Cafe isn’t a gourmet eatery but it isn’t trying to be. If you are looking for a better than decent bite to eat at a very reasonable price, this place does the job – especially for vegetarians. The bar has a pretty good selection of micro-brews and imports and seems to stock a number of bourbons and whiskeys.
Decor – C+
Like most music venues, it’s mostly about the music so there isn’t really too much going on. The Red Room and cafe both have a vintage feel which is part of the non-pretentiousness of this place.
Feel – B+
I like the Black Cat as a bar and music venue a lot. The regular crowd is always pretty laid back and fun which makes for a really cool place to hang out. My only minor criticism is the line process to watch bands sometimes makes for an overly crowded Red Room.
Black Cat is located at 1811 14th St. NW. They can be reached at (202) 667-6960.
What’s the Buzz:
January 2, 2007 – Playboy Honors Black Cat (DC Metblogs) – Congratulations to the Black Cat, named as one of the 10 Best Rock Clubs in America (warning, link is to Playboy. Seriously, if you’re at work, and your IT department is cuckoo for cocoa puffs, you may want to wait til you’re at home, seriously. Full article…
August, 2006 – Black Cat (Washington Post) -Foo Fighter Dave Grohl is part owner of this second home for D.C.’s indie rockers. Check out the bands or go to the Red Room to shoot pool. Full Article…
Black Cat is a staple in DC. Agree with all your points – it is definitely makes for a good night.
Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.
Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.
Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste … and taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.
Like most music venues, it’s mostly about the music so there isn’t really too much going on. The Red Room and cafe both have a vintage feel which is part of the non-pretentiousness of this place.
I’m amazed it’s not even more crowded. we have a venue like that in Provo called Velour, and though it doesn’t serve drinks or food, it rocks on the decor and music selection. But it’s always crowded with hipsters.