9:30 Club

Big crowds for big names.  Monthly line-ups read like Rolling Stones’ table of contents: it bands and bands that make you feel old. Warehouse acoustics cancels conversation but grungy basement bar optimal for red-light rendez-vous. Eponymous show time finishes the fun by midnight—unless you’re raving on the weekend (yes, raves, still).  Sweaty adults spill onto the spooky end of U street to chain smoke and regroup for taxis. Most likely venue to run into a younger co-worker.