Looking to spice up your night? There’s nothing like live Latin music to put a little sizzle in your step. Whether it’s salsa, merengue or bachata, the beats of Latin music make for a great dance outing, and DC is no stranger to this concept. Head on over to one of these “muy caliente” venues to hear the best live Latin music in the area. 

The Salsa Room
2619 Columbia Park
Arlington, VA  22204
(703) 685-0790
thesalsaroom.net

Hours: Doors open at 7:30; concert times vary

Formerly known as Cecilia’s, many legendary Latin artists have performed at the Salsa Room, including Marc Anthony, Victor Manuelle, Oscar D’Leon and many more. This hotspot also provides beginner and intermediate salsa and bachata dance lessons Wednesday through Friday nights. Head over to the club before the show and enjoy fresh and authentic Latin foods such as ceviche, carne asada, enchiladas and tacos. Become a VIP club member and receive discounts and other special privileges.

Habana Village
1834 Columbia Road NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 462-6310
www.habanavillage.com

Hours: Wed to Sat – 6:30 p.m. to 3 a.m.

If you’re looking for a more intimate space to listen to Latin music, check out Habana Village in Adams Morgan. Fridays and Saturdays feature live music from Ritmo y Saboro, a five-piece tropical band, on the first floor. The second and third floors feature D.C.’s best DJs spinning hot Latin tunes, including salsa, merengue, bachata, timba and more plus today’s latest pop hits. The club also offers beginner, intermediate and advanced salsa lessons Wednesday through Saturday nights. Private and group lessons are also available. Enjoy a full-service restaurant and bar and don’t forget to try the delicious mojitos.

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Bravo! Bravo! Nightclub
1001 Connecticut Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 223-5330
www.bravobravodc.com

Hours: Mon to Fri – 11 a.m. to 4 a.m., Sat – 9 p.m. to 4 a.m.

For those who like to party all night long, head on over to Bravo! Bravo! Nightclub where the party doesn’t stop until four in the morning, way past the usual closing time of most D.C. nightclubs. Enjoy happy hour specials, a full-service restaurant and live Latin musical guests and DJs. Get on the guest list on Friday or Saturday night and pay no cover charge. Bravo! Bravo! also hosts special parties and events, including New Year’s Eve, Christmas and Valentine’s Day parties. Dress to impress before heading out for the night.

Rumba Cafe
2443 18th St. NW
Washington, DC  20009
(202) 588-5501
www.rumbacafe.com

Hours: Mon to Thurs – 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., Fri – 5 p.m. to 3 a.m., Sat – 11 a.m. to 3 a.m., Sun – 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Listen to live tango, Latin jazz, Cuban salsa, Colombian music and much more Wednesday through Saturday nights at the Rumba Cafe. Set in an artistic and vibrant setting, Rumba Cafe offers a full-service restaurant and bar. The interior decor consists of photographs and paintings of “the Latin American experience.” Happy hour food and drink specials are available Monday through Friday from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Related: The Best Dance Clubs in DC

Madam’s Organ
2461 18th St. NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 667-5370
www.madamsorgan.com

Hours: Mon to Thurs, Sun – 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., Fri and Sat – 5 p.m. to 3 a.m.

At Madam’s Organ, guests enjoy delicious soul food, weekly food and drink specials and live music every night of the week. Thursday nights feature Patrick Alban and Noche Latina, a Latin acoustic rock band that also specializes in Brazilian sambas, salsa, blues, tango, Cuban music and more. Thursday nights also feature ladies night specials, karaoke and a magician. Come early and build your social network, plus help raise funds for local non-profit organizations. Madam’s Organ also features a rooftop deck, pool tables and a full-service restaurant and bar.

Susan Diranian is a freelance writer living in Ashburn, VA. She is covering Travel & Outdoors. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.