Bohemian Caverns, Washington D.C.

Name: Bohemian Caverns
Address: 2001 11th Street Northwest, Washington D.C., United States
Telephone: +1 202-299-0800

#25 among attractions in Washington D.C.

Dancing, Nightlife

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Facts and practical information

Bohemian Caverns, once a pulsing heart of jazz in the nation's capital, is a historic jazz club that was located in Washington D.C., United States. Nestled in the U Street corridor, the club was an emblem of the rich cultural tapestry and the vibrant African American community that thrived in the area for decades. Founded in 1926, originally as Club Caverns and later renamed Crystal Caverns before finally becoming known as Bohemian Caverns, it was a subterranean venue that witnessed the evolution of jazz through the ages.

The club was an incubator for musical innovation and was considered a hallowed ground by jazz aficionados. Bohemian Caverns played host to a litany of jazz legends such as Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Thelonious Monk. These giants of jazz graced its stage, making it a pivotal location in the development of the genre. The venue's intimate setting, with its low ceilings and arched walls, created an unparalleled atmosphere that captivated both musicians and audiences alike.

Despite its cultural significance, Bohemian Caverns faced various challenges over the years, including temporary closures. It managed to survive through changes in ownership and shifts in the musical landscape, symbolizing the resilience of jazz itself. The club was more than just a music venue; it was a place where the spirit of jazz lived, where history was made, and where the community came together to celebrate a quintessentially American art form.

However, after nearly a century of iconic performances and unforgettable nights, Bohemian Caverns closed its doors in March 2016. The closure marked the end of an era for D.C.'s music scene, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate with those who experienced its magic. Though the physical space no longer hosts the sound of live jazz, the memories and influence of Bohemian Caverns endure, echoing through the city's ongoing musical narrative.

Coordinates: 38°55'2"N, 77°1'37"W

Address

2001 11th Street NorthwestNorthwest Washington (U-Street)Washington D.C. United States

Contact

+1 202-299-0800

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Day trips

Bohemian Caverns – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Black Cat, U Street Music Hall, 9:30 Club, African American Civil War Memorial.

~1640 ftSW
Dancing, Nightlife
Black Cat, Washington D.C.
8 min walk • In the heart of the nation's capital, Black Cat stands as a cultural hub for music lovers and night owls in Washington D.C. Opened in 1993, this iconic nightclub has been a steadfast venue for live music, hosting a diverse array of performances that span across genres...
~240 ftW
Dancing, Nightlife
U Street Music Hall, Washington D.C.
2 min walk • Nestled in the heart of the nation's capital, U Street Music Hall stands as a beacon for live music and nightlife enthusiasts in Washington D.C. Established in 2010, this subterranean music venue has quickly become a hallowed ground for both emerging and established...
~950 ftE
Dancing, Nightlife
9:30 Club, Washington D.C.
5 min walk • The 9:30 Club is a nightclub and concert venue in Washington, D.C. In 2018, the 9:30 Club was named one of the 10 best live music venues in America by Rolling Stone, and in 2019 the club was named "Venue of the Decade" by VenuesNow.
~340 ftSE
Memorial, History museum, Museum
African American Civil War Memorial, Washington D.C.
2 min walk • The African American Civil War Memorial Museum, in the U Street district of Washington, D.C. recognizes the contributions of the 209,145 members of the United States Colored Troops.
0.4 miE
Church
Florida Avenue Baptist Church, Washington D.C.
10 min walk • Florida Avenue Baptist Church is located at 623 Florida Avenue N.W. Washington, DC 20001 in the neighborhood of LeDroit Park near Howard University, and adjacent to the historic Howard Theatre. The Reverend Dr. Earl D. Trent, Jr. currently serves as the church's Senior Pastor.
~620 ftW
Theater, Concerts and shows
Lincoln Theatre, Washington D.C.
3 min walk • Lincoln Theatre is a theater in Washington, D.C. located at 1215 U Street, next to Ben's Chili Bowl. The theater, located on "Washington's Black Broadway", served the city's African American community when segregation kept them out of other venues.
~1760 ftE
Theater, Concerts and shows
Howard Theatre, Washington D.C.
9 min walk • The Howard Theatre is a historic theater, located at 620 T Street, Northwest, Washington, D.C. Opened in 1910, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
~1750 ftNE
Universities and schools
Howard University, Washington D.C.
9 min walk • Howard University is an American private federally chartered historically black research university in Washington, D.C. It is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity" and accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
0.4 miS
Park
Shaw, Washington D.C.
10 min walk • The Shaw Neighborhood Library or Watha T. Daniel Library is a building of award-winning design and one of the recently renovated libraries in the District of Columbia Public Library's system.
~1990 ftNW
Colonial revival architecture
Clifton Terrace, Washington D.C.
10 min walk • Clifton Terrace are historic structures located in the Columbia Heights neighborhood in the Northwest Quadrant of Washington, D.C. Frank Russell White and Albert Moreland Schneider designed the three building apartment complex in the Colonial Revival style. They were inspired by the garden city movement.
0.5 miS
Park, Vernacular architecture, Historical place
Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site, Washington D.C.
12 min walk • Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site at 1538 9th Street NW, in the Shaw neighborhood of Washington, D.C. preserves the home of Carter G. Woodson. Woodson, the founder of Black History Month, was an African-American historian, author, and journalist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Bohemian Caverns?

Nearby attractions include African American Civil War Memorial, Washington D.C. (2 min walk), Evans-Tibbs House, Washington D.C. (2 min walk), True Reformer Building, Washington D.C. (3 min walk), First African New Church, Washington D.C. (3 min walk).

How to get to Bohemian Caverns by public transport?

The nearest stations to Bohemian Caverns:

Metro

U Street • Lines: Gr, Yl (2 min walk)
Shaw–Howard University • Lines: Gr, Yl (10 min walk)

Bus

MTA Bus Stop • Lines: 305, 315 (36 min walk)