Live music demands a great deal from your mind and body. The last thing you want is to pass out from low blood sugar and have that sweaty security guard drag your poor body from your perfect front row spot, and away from the sweet tunes emanating from the speakers.
The D.C.-concerting-novice may not know where to seek out the best sources of quick and cheap pre-show energy or post-show replenishment. Here’s a short guide to enhance your concert-going gastatory experience.
The Kennedy Center offers a wide selection of free and discount concerts and is conveniently located within walking distance of the Hilltop and a plethora of take out places en route. One can depend on a satiating dinner-to-go from Moby Dick’s House of Kabob (off of M street on 31st) for less than ten bucks.
Simplicity is also available in the form of Subway or Chipotle on M Street. The Kennedy Center also has a restaurant, bar, and café on the terrace level for patron enjoyment.
While the Kennedy Center hosts some impressive performances, sitting quietly through an hour of Mahler may not require the same energy reserves as last fall’s intense four-hour White Williams/Dan Deacon/Girl Talk shebang at the Black Cat. Luckily, both the Black Cat and the 9:30 Club—the two busiest indie/alternative/rock venues in the city—are located in the nightlife-oriented U Street neighborhood. A local landmark that once catered to the likes of Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald, Ben’s Chili Bowl is located on U Street, mere blocks from the Black Cat. Open till 2am weekdays and 4am on weekends, Ben’s is an indispensable font of sustenance.
Also on U Street, Chef Danley’s Crème Café and Lounge serves up gourmet hotdogs, burgers, and sandwiches for $9 or an intense bowl of chicken noodle soup for $5.
If you’re looking to sate your sweet tooth anytime before midnight, Cake Love is your best bet. Featuring a full cupcake bar and a grilled peanut butter and banana sandwich, this U Street gem is an effective ally for low blood sugar prevention. Also near the 9:30 Club are an array of small locally owned restaurants, including the moderately-priced Ethiopian spot Etete.
As for the Rock and Roll Hotel, which consistently hosts some of the best experimental groups on tour, but is not situated in a friendly late night local,. our recommendation is to grab a snack from Vittles to enjoy on the twenty-minute bus ride.
So go forth and conquer and happy concerting.
