Best Oldies Music Bars in Washington, D.C.

As the decades roll along, we are getting further and further away from what we normally think of “oldies music.” Oldies for most used to mean 50’s and 60’s era music, the stuff your parents and grandparents used to listen to. Now the oldies, for the younger generation, probably includes the 70’s and 80’s as well. Whatever era you think the oldies includes, these are some bars where you can hear it.

Slash Run
201 Upshur St. N.W.
Washington, DC 20011
(202) 838-9929
www.facebook.com

Slash Run is a restaurant and bar, with an interesting mix of 50’s diner and rock club. The menu is equally eclectic, offering everything from burgers and wings, to schnitzel. People love the food, but they also enjoy the atmosphere. The jukebox holds rock, punk, metal, R&B, and more 80s “oldies.’ They also present DJs and bands, who play oldies as well. Stop by this Petworth favorite for a burger, and stay to hear some of your favorite oldies.

Lounge Of Three
1013 U St NW
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 387-3333
www.loungeofthree.net

You’ve likely walked up and down U Street and passed Lounge of Three every time. The small bar and lounge attracts an older crowd who want to hear the old school music they love. There is a noticeably different vibe in the lounge compared to many of the other bars and club in the neighborhood. People come to chill and listen to classic hip hop, soul, and funk mostly. You will certainly hear stuff you don’t hear on the radio all the time. It’s a great place to hang out, have a drink, and reminiscence over old school jams.

Georgetown Piano Bar
3287 M St. N.W.
Washington, DC 20007
(202) 337-1871
www.georgetownpianobar.com

Piano Bars can seem like they are only for older crowds, but there are a number of young kids who love piano bars as well. Georgetown Piano Bar is one of the few piano bars left in the area, but it’s also one of the best bars in the neighborhood. Throughout the week you’ll enjoy two pianists, who have an arsenal of thousands of songs. Of those thousands of songs, you are sure to hear oldies of various genres and styles. You can even go up a sing one or two.

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Showtime Lounge
113 Rhode Island Ave. N.W.
Washington, DC 20001
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As dive bars go, D.C. has some interesting ones; each with their own unique vibe. Showtime Lounge is a pretty standard dive bar with a non-flashy, random decor, your friend opened a bar feel. They have a jukebox for you to play some oldies, but one of the best things about this bar is Granny & The Boys. Octogenarian, Alice “Granny” Donahue fronts the Sunday night house band, that plays funk fusion. If you haven’t already checked out the bar, you’ll definitely want to start out with a Sunday night funk session.

JoJo Restaurant & Bar
1518 U St. N.W.
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 319-9350
www.jojodc.com

U Street has a bunch of bars that most people just pass by without paying attention, or say they should check it out one day but never do. JoJo Restaurant & Bar is likely one of those bars. Tucked below sidewalk level, the bar can be easy to miss. But if you are looking for funk, jazz, Motown, soul, and blues, you’ll want to stop by the next time. And if you are looking for oldies, make sure to go on Friday and Saturday when they specifically have old school nights.

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Folashade Oyegbola is a freelance writer covering all things D.C. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.