The best clubs in Washington, D.C. to let loose

The vibe: Electric, dance-heavy

At Flash, you've got three options: the club level, decked out with sick sound and mesmerizing lights; a dance floor; and a bar. The ground floor has its own dance space and special cocktails like a barrel-aged Negroni. But the real party is on the rooftop dance floor, a haven for electronica fans that charges a cover and attracts starry DJs. The atmosphere is always buzzing, with DJs flying in from all corners of the world to spin on weekends. Another benefit of Flash in the summer? The rooftop has fully retractable bifold doors and a retractable roof, which means it doesn’t get too hot and sweaty. Check the calendar for the rooftop performers before going to make sure the cover charge is worth it. 

Time Out tip: Flash prohibits cell phone use on the top floor, so try your best to stay off your phone because if you don’t, they may kick you out.

The vibe: Rowdy, rave-y

Soundcheck is about as close as you can get to a rave in D.C. The audiophile-friendly space draws world class DJs like Zedd and Martin Garrix and is closely associated with the beloved local Project GLOW festival. You'll never get tinny beats or washed out sound here: the club boasts a sound system imported from Germany, the rave capital of the world, that includes 4-inch thick soundproof foam in the walls and ceiling. 

There's still a place for you here if EDM isn't your jam. Soundcheck hosts Avalaon Saturdays, LGBTQ+ circuit parties where patrons dance the night away and deck themselves in body paint and glowsticks. Check the club's Instagram for other theme nights, which include hip-hop night.

Time Out tip: The club is 18+ Wednesday-Friday, but 21+ on Saturdays.

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The vibe: House music heavy, dance-focused

Tucked away from other nightlife hotspots in Ivy City, Culture is well worth a visit, regardless. Run by D.C.-based artist collective Nü Androids, Culture is part nightclub, part event space: any given week sees a schedule that includes a rave god DJ or an art installation. This is a must-visit for House fans: the lineup of talent includes the hottest up-and-coming DJs and genre vets like Justin Martin, Chromeo, and Hayden James. The dance floor is spacious and fun; the DJ booth is located on the ground-level dance floor, allowing for total immersion in the sound and space. The many disco balls and colorful lights create a trippy rainbow of colors in the dark. The well-priced drinks keep flowing and make it easy to party till the wee hours. 

Time Out tip: Because Culture is a multi-event space, you have to keep an eye on its Instagram page for what's happening on a given night. 

The vibe: Grown up, sexy 

You haven't truly partied until you've experienced a night at Park. This hybrid hotspot, or clubstaurant, boasts four floors and a devoted fanbase. It's the busiest spot in D.C. each year during Howard University's Homecoming, and for good reason—this is a place for a "cute turn up," according to one of my close friends who is a regular.  It's the kind of place to wear your highest heels and best dress—not one to stumble around in. But don't mistake that for boring: the music is always hot and mostly includes hip-hop, afrobeats and R&B. Grab a late-night bite, opt for some bottle service, and hit the dance floor. Don't forget to take a picture in front of the iconic flower wall. 

It's also known for its bottomless brunch, which comes with killer mimosas.

Time Out tip: This isn’t really the spot to rage—if your mood is for an elegant hang with some dancing, this is your place. The bouncers are quick to toss anyone who gets too sloppy.

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The vibe: Lively, Latin music and food-focused

It's not often that a club focuses on serving great food too—Café Citron is an anomaly in that regard. Situated just off Dupont Circle, Café Citron is a lively Latin club and restaurant with a menu that incorporates flavors from Cuban, Colombian, Peruvian and Mexican cuisines. It takes cues from the best club hostpots like Mexico City and Bogotá: Here, DJs spin Latin house, pop, and reggaeton tunes, alongside salsa and bachata. Each of the four floors plays a different type of Latin music with some EDM sprinkled in, but the music on each is loud, and the dancefloor is always packed. Keep in mind that the club is small compared to others on Connecticut Avenue, so space fills quickly and the bouncers turn more people away later into the night.

Time Out tip: If you don't mind starting your night a little early, take advantage of happy hour from 7-9PM. You'll be able to score $10 taco platters, nachos, Caipirinhas and more. Can't make it? No worries—there's a late-night happy hour 9-11PM, too.

The vibe: Lavish, opulent and dark

This spot is known for its cabaret dinner theater experience, which gives way to a dance club with pulsing music and bottle service on weekends. Opulence is the name of the game at SAX: attendees are held to a strict dress code that prohibits jeans. The open space, which features 60-foot ceilings, is adorned with gold accents and crystal chandeliers—remember Beyoncé's "Alien Superstar" lyric about "kicking vintage crystal off the bar?" That's the vibe of this spot. 

In terms of music, you'll find a steady mix of popular hits and house music. Focus your attention on the 20-foot enclosed stage, which hosts a variety of captivating performances that take this club up a notch. Past acts include ballet, acrobatic pole dancers, and aerialists.

Time Out tip: Each table has a strict two-hour time limit.

The vibe: Loud, packed

This U Street staple is the spot for a fun night of drinking and listening to R&B and hip-hop. Once you descend into this basement-level club, you'll find two bars that serve plenty of top-shelf liquor. The dance floors are illuminated by colorful LED lights. If your dream night out includes body-to-body contact in tight spaces, this is your spot—this club fills in the much-needed space vacated by the long-gone but not forgotten Tropicalia—the dance floor gets especially packed and rowdy. Bottle service is flowing here and the tight tables make it best suited for smaller groups. 

Time Out tip: Because the club allows hookah, it can get seriously smoky inside.  

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The vibe: Young, messy

Perhaps D.C.'s most notorious and polarizing club, Decades is iconic. The site of many messy nights, this Dupont landmark was one of the first in the area to cater to fans of multiple time periods: the club is laid out to evoke time-travel and offers floors dedicated to the 90s, 2000s, and present-day. Get ready for a mix of hip-hop, R&B, and Top 40 hits, surrounded by various bars, cocktails, and hookah options. The spacious venue makes Decades a great spot for huge groups (you'll see hordes of young people here traveling in packs), and as a result, the dance floor has much more airflow than similarly busy clubs. 

Time Out tip: The crowd at Decades leans young, so this isn't the spot if you're looking for an upscale experience or a more mature crowd.