I was very skeptical when I first arrived at the 9:30 club in Washignton, DC. It's obvious why. It's located in a very obscure location in the middle of DC - and if you don't know, that isn't exactly the safest location.

The area is run down, with a decent amount of traffic. I arrived by metro, and it was a small walk. It was easy to find, and when I finally got there, the place was very unimpressive. Bare brick walls, faded blue paint...it was uninviting to say the least.

So, I guess you could say my expectations for the inside of this place was below par...but boy, was I wrong. The inside of this venue is amazing. The architecture is roomy, there is always air conditioning pumping, and it has some cool decor. It is a two level venue with a decent sized stage. Seating is in the form of steps on the top level, while the lower level provides nothing to sit on. All standing. At the very top of the club is a bar where drinks can be ordered. The sides of the venue are decorated to look like buildings and town houses, so it gives you the feeling that the band you are watching is performing in your community.

The staff is usually very friendly - the only downside is the huge blue stamps they give you...but around here, it's a bit of a trademark. If you see faded blue stamps on the backside of a hand, it definitely means they've been to 9:30.

Highly recommended. My favorite venue yet.

• 9:30
• dc
• music
• club
• washington
• metro
• subway
• affordable
• friendly