The Hamilton Live
600 14th Street NW
Washington, DC 20005
Deep in the heart of downtown Washington, DC, nestled a only few blocks away from many tourist attractions, monuments, and the National Mall exists The Hamilton - part restaurant, part music venue, and above all exceptional in classy in every capacity.
The music venue, The Hamilton Live is hidden in plain sight. Many pedestrians may walk on by The Hamilton thinking it is only a large restaurant. The restaurant is large, but hidden beneath is a world class complex and music venue. Access to The Hamilton Live can be found at the F St NW entrance, around the corner from the doors to the Hamilton restaurant.
Established in 2011, The Hamilton Live has had music royalty pass through its doors and has played host to many revered and storied afterparties. One annual and now legendary afterparty is the one held after the late winter Tedeschi Trucks Band performance held a few blocks away. One will often find one or more members of the band performing well into the wee hours of the morning at The Hamilton.
In its short history this establishment has showcased legendary artists including Leon Russel, Chubby Checkers, Ginger Baker, and Little Feat, along with many others. In recent years, rock and roll standouts including Greensky Bluegrass and moe. have also performed at this venue. Because of it's stellar reputation, The Hamilton Live continues to attract the highest caliber of artists.
As you walk into this venue, it is worth taking notice of the giant photographs of musical greats from all genres surrounding you. Accompanying the wall art, you will find a wall studded with autographed concert posters from notable concerts throughout the years (Editorial Note: You should make your way to this wall and admire the posters, they are both beautiful works of art and living and expanding history of this venue.)
Performance Calendar: Please make sure to view The Hamilton's Music Event Calendar or DC Music Review's Hamilton Calendar.
Essential Information
Essential Information
Essential Information
Seating
Seating
Seating
Click for a full size image.
Click for a full size image.
The Hamilton provides two seating options, GA standing and GA seated, with full food and beverage table service. The bulk of the 600 person capacity venue exists on the main level of the venue.
Tip: GA seating is on a first come, first serve basis and fills up ahead of performances. For the best GA seats, you will want to get to the performance early.
Bar Seating: There is additional GA seating and GA standing sections located at the main bar. (upper right corner of map, left)
"Bar Room" Seating: If you prefer a smaller venue space experience, you may enjoy the "Bar Room" towards the back of the venue (On the seating map it is marked "Bar Room") Although it is further from the main stage, there are unobstructed views of the band from above the main crowd in the Bar Room.
Regardless of your seat selection, you are never that far from the main stage and there are television monitors throughout to watch the performance. (These monitors are usually located towards the top of the structural columns.)
Note: There is a GA standing area in front of the stage, however during some performances this GA standing area is replaced by an additional seated section. Please check with the performance details on the venue website.
Accessibility
Accessibility
Accessibility
The Hamilton provides an elevator from the main entrance at street level to the music venue downstairs. Upon entering the main venue entrance, ask the staff for elevator service to the venue.
Stage, Lighting, & Sound
Stage, Lighting, and Sound
Stage, Lighting,
and Sound
The Hamilton Live has a large stage. Despite the size of the stage, it is only a few feet above the ground and artists are just a few steps from the audience. There is no barricade between the performers and the audience.
The stage lighting is exquisite and this venue ensure that the light show enhances the performance. In addition to the stage lights, the venue has a projection system and many performers make use of this projection system to illuminate the backdrop behind and add to the performance.
The sound system is very good at this venue and we have noticed no dead or muffled areas within this venue.
Food
Food
Food
The Hamilton Live has a full menu available before and during the performance. Please refer to the following link for a full menu.
Drinks
Drinks
Drinks
There are two bars in the venue, one on the main level, and the other one located up the stairs at the back of the venue. Each bar has television broadcasting the performance. The second floor has two televisions while the main bar has a single television.
Restrooms
Restrooms
Restrooms
Restrooms are located near the main entrance to the venue between the bar and the wall of concert posters. Look for a giant Curt Cobain poster at the entrance to the restrooms.
Vending
Vending
Vending
Artist vending is to the left of the stage along the wall between the stage and the entrance. In addition to vending, artists may be available for a meet and greet and photographs after the performance in this area.
Bonus / Late Night Venue:
The Loft is a significantly smaller venue / bar on the second floor of the complex. Sometimes a space for restaurant overflow, you can also find many bands playing well into the night at The Loft, following their performance at The Hamilton Live. The Loft has also been known to host late night Warner Theater afterparty performances.
Loft Capacity: 80 seated / 175 standing.
Pre & Post Show Options
Pre & Post Show Options
Pre & Post Show Options
Pre-Show
If you arrive at the venue before doors have opened and would like to enjoy a drink or meal before the performance, we recommend The Hamilton's restaurant and bar on the street level. The back bar, which is closer to the venue entrance is normally less crowded than the bar at the 14th Street entrance.
There are also several drinking and dining options ranging from casual to formal sit-down dining within a 1-2 block radius.
Post-Show
If you want to have a post show meal or drink, check out The Loft.
There are other late-night bars and restaurants close by and on the walk back to the Metro.
Getting There
Getting There
Getting There
Entrance:
The Hamilton Live entrance is at approximately 1401 F Street NW and is located approximately 200 feet from the intersection of 14th Street and F Street and between 14th and 15th Street.
Parking
Parking
Parking
Street parking is quite limited around The Hamilton and most of it is metered.
There are several parking options available.
Partnered Parking
The Hamilton has partnered with PMI parking, just a short walk from the venue for shows occurring on the weekends.
PMI Parking
1325 G ST NW (0.1 mile from venue)
$13 validated self-park after 4 pm and on weekends. (Tickets can be validated at counter at The Hamilton's Entrance on 14th & F)
Please make sure to bring your ticket with you for validation.
PMI Lot Phone: 202-785-9191 x:445
Public Parking
There is parking at 1424 F Street NW, right next to The Hamilton. However, this will set you back $27 on weeknights; $20 on weekends.
Spot Hero:
DC Music Review has partnered with SpotHero to provide you discounted parking options. Using this link by SpotHero you can find discounted prepaid parking close to the event.
Public Transportation
Public Transportation
Public Transportation
WMATA Metro Center station is a two block walk from the venue. This metro stop services the Red, Blue, Silver, and Orange lines.
Additional Resources
Additional Resources
Additional
Resources
For more information about The Hamilton, please check their FAQ page.
Disclosure:
DC Music Review was not paid, nor compensated to write this review of The Hamilton or any other entity contained therein. All opinions are based on our first hand experience of this venue.
DC Music Review has an affiliate program with SpotHero. By using this service you help DC Music Review provide content to you.
