Pick Six: Bars with Live Music

Live music and drinks go hand in hand, and DC is home to plenty of bars that offer both. From local bands to piano bars and live karaoke, here’s our Pick Six of bars offering live music and great drinks.
 

Featuring two stages, the Black Cat is the place to be if you want to catch local and independent bands and DJs. The main stage hosts large touring bands and DJ dance events while you’ll find smaller acts and independent film screenings at the backstage concert room. Head downstairs to the Red Room Bar for pre and post show drinks. (1811 14th St., NW; 202-667-4490)
 

Sing along to popular tunes as they’re being played live by pianists Hunter Lang and Spencer Bates. Song requests are welcome and lyric books are available to encourage audience participation. As if that wasn’t appealing enough, the bar has happy hour everyday from 5–9 PM. Piano plays from 6 PM to close. (3287 M St., NW; 202-337-1871)
 

Head to Georgetown for local, regional and national Americana music with blues, jazz, folk and country acts. Want to get in on the singing action? Swing by on Tuesdays for free open mic night where all performers receive PBR and Jim Beam discounts. (3401 K St., NW; 202-333-7700)
 

Grab delicious barbecue on the main floor and head downstairs afterwards for live music Tuesday–Saturday. As you’d expect, the music leans Texas with acts playing all kinds of country, rockabilly, folk and blues. Wednesday nights feature the ever-popular live karaoke. Pro tip: They don’t mess around with live karaoke here, so make sure to put your name down on the list first if you’re serious about singing on stage. (410 7th St., NW; 202-556-2050)
 

This music venue/nightclub on H Street has three floors of entertainment including a concert hall, 2nd floor lounge and a rooftop deck. Shows include everything from punk and indie to rock and rap. Concert happy hour runs from 5–8 PM with deals like $3 PBR tallboys, $4 rails, and half-price wings. (1353 H St., NE; 202-388-7625)
 

The Hamilton
Head downstairs to Hamilton Live and enjoy an eclectic mix of bands performing each night. The 15,000 sq ft. venue offers table service with an abbreviated menu from the main restaurant. The Loft, located upstairs from the main dining area, also hosts live music including free late night music on most weekends. (600 14th St., NW; 202-787-1000)