Our model was a place where we would like to frequent ourselves. “Enough energy for a party, but also a place where people are able to socialize in an intimate environment,” is what co-owner and original operator Farid (Ali) Nouri felt Washington, DC, needed. After almost two decades of premiere house parties, Farid’s dream has created a legacy unmatched by any other venue in the District.
Nestled between the established neighborhood of Dupont Circle and the power corridors of Connecticut Ave. and K Street, 1212 Eighteenth Street NW, is an unassuming entrance to one of DC’s cultural gems: The Eighteenth Street Lounge (ESL). ESL opened its doors in April 1995 and unknowingly changed the face of DC’s dance culture forever. The Lounge has been independently operated since its inception in 1995 and does not have any affiliations to any other business in DC or beyond. Farid has been at its helm from the beginning, from holding the longest DJ residency, expanding the space, and to guiding the direction of the establishment by curating all music bookings and events since 1995.
Energy. Music. Culture.
ESL now includes five areas: The Main Room, The Gold Room, The Jazz Bar, The Studio Bar and Deck Bar. Please visit our Tour page to view photographs of the aforementioned areas. The Eighteenth Street Lounge, with the direction of Farid Nouri is dedicated to providing Washington DC with the greatest regional and world-class DJ talent as well as live music ranging from traditional Jazz and Funk, to Reggae and a hybrid of Latin sounds. We showcase live bands Tuesday through Saturday.
