Bohemian Caverns

2001 11th St. NW
202/299-0801
www.bohemiancaverns.com [1]

HOURS: Mon.-Thurs. 7 p.m.-12 a.m., Fri.-Sat. 9:30 p.m.-2 a.m.,
Sun. 6 p.m.-12 a.m.

The focal point of the four-level Bohemian Caverns is its historic basement, a unique setting of faux stalactites from yesteryear that once hosted jazz greats such as Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway.

Established in 1926 underneath a drug store, Club Caverns, later called Crystal Caverns, was Washington’s top club for jazz, a required stop on the circuit for Miles Davis, Billie Holiday, Shirley Horn, and Charlie Parker.

The club’s fortunes went south in 1968 when the neighborhood collapsed amid civil rights turmoil, but after it was purchased and renovated in the late 1990s, it has again claimed a spot as a top DC jazz and blues venue.

The 17-piece house band takes the stage nearly every Monday; solo acts and small groups, such as Jimmie and Tootie Heath or Sachal Vasandani, perform on weekends.