Location: 1336 U St.
Readers’ Pick: Madhatter
With a rooftop that has an unblocked view of the D.C. skyline, Hawthorne is the place to be for a fun-filled night of dancing and drinking with each section of the multifloor establishment catering to a different vibe.
The club found at the intersection of 14th and U streets holds five bars spanning four floors and a rooftop, and a live DJ on the third floor brings the people to the dance floor with an upbeat, mosh-pit reminiscent setlist that ranges from reguetón to pop. A retractable glass ceiling covers the fourth floor and opens during hot afternoons so patrons can enjoy the fresh air, a welcome break from other D.C. clubs where dark rooms and enclosed ceilings drown out the beauty of the city.
When I arrived at the club the night of my 21st birthday, the TVs on the fourth-floor sports bar were displaying Formula 1 races, while speakers blared old Daddy Yankee songs. On the third floor, the night had an electric energy with sweaty bodies dancing alongside each other to the beat of the music, but without the jam-packed nature of most D.C. clubs. The fourth floor had a more relaxed vibe, as the music dipped in volume to leave space for chatter between friends, strangers and lovers to fill the air.
Sitting around a table, our group enjoyed tropical-themed drinks with ingredients like pineapple, orange and grapefruit making the cold Saturday night feel like a relaxing day on the beach. I hit the dance floor with my friends while strangers around me sang along to Lizzo and laughed with one another as I soaked up the feeling of finally turning 21.
Just beyond 50 people stood on each floor, not so many that it felt claustrophobic but not too few to feel vacant, allowing enough space for friends to gossip over recent events while others sing and dance alongside the DJ.
The staff is friendly and welcoming to all guests, ensuring they have a good time by quickly serving drinks and even offering free drinks for those celebrating their birthday.
On my birthday tour of popular D.C. clubs like Madhatter, Mayflower and Salazar, I felt most comfortable at Hawthorne. Surrounded by the young crowd, I was able to enjoy my night without being constantly approached by men drawn in by my 21st birthday crown and sash.
Hawthorne is the ideal bar to unwind at after a long week when you are looking for a place to spend time with your over-21 friends while enjoying boozy and fruity drinks. Each floor of the interior leaves enough space for you to bust a move and celebrate with your friends without being pushed every which way by overwhelming crowds.
The next time you want to have a fun night with friends but don’t want to be overstimulated by the large crowds seen in Sax or the overbearing harassment faced in clubs, take a spin at Hawthorne to enjoy a low-key night out with friends.
