Basin Street Lounge

Imagine a place where Victorian elegance meets the relaxed rhythm of New Orleans. This is exactly what "Basin Street Lounge" is, a cozy music salon located in the historic center of the city of Alexandria. Located on the second floor of the famous "219 Restaurant", this establishment offers guests an intimate atmosphere, ideally suited for connoisseurs of live music and good drinks.

It is not just a bar, but a real portal to the world of jazz and blues in the USA. The interior with velvet sofas, dimmed lights, and antique brick creates a feeling of coziness and an air of mystery.

"Basin Street Lounge" is famous for its wine list and cigar selection, making it a popular spot to end the evening. This is a location for those not looking for a noisy disco, but a soulful evening in the company of talented musicians and exquisite cocktails.

If you would like to book a table or check the performance schedule, please use the following contact details. The establishment is part of the 219 Restaurant complex, so inquiries are handled through the restaurant's general channels.

The main reason people come to "Basin Street Lounge" is, undoubtedly, the music. Seven days a week, live jazz and blues fill the air. You can take a seat closer to the stage to watch the virtuoso performances of the musicians, or choose a cozy corner in the back of the room for a more private conversation accompanied by saxophone or piano.

The gastronomic part of the visit also deserves attention. Guests are offered a menu with Creole and Cajun motifs, characteristic of Louisiana. Be sure to try the signature appetizers and desserts. The bar menu will delight lovers of classic cocktails and whiskey; the bartenders here know a thing or two about creating the right drinks for a jazz evening.

For tobacco aficionados, there is a special option here — the opportunity to enjoy a quality cigar. The lounge atmosphere lends itself to leisurely smoking combined with aged bourbon or cognac, adding notes of aristocracy and relaxation to the evening.

Getting to "Basin Street Lounge" is quite simple, as the establishment is located in the very heart of Old Town. If you are already walking around the historic center, look for the lively King Street — the district's main tourist thoroughfare. The lounge is located just a few blocks from the Potomac River waterfront.

For those using public transport, it is most convenient to take the metro to the King St-Old Town station (Blue or Yellow lines). From the station, you can walk (about 20-25 minutes) or take the free King Street Trolley, which runs along the street and makes stops near major attractions.

If you prefer a taxi or ridesharing services, the trip from downtown Washington will take about 15–20 minutes assuming light traffic. You should ask the driver to drop you off at "219 Restaurant," as entry to the lounge is through this building.

The establishment's name is a direct reference to the famous Basin Street in New Orleans, which is considered one of the cradles of jazz. The lounge's creators strove to bring a piece of Southern hospitality and Louisiana's musical culture to the banks of the Potomac River, creating a corner where jazz and blues sound just as authentic as they do in the South.

The building itself, where the club is located, has a rich history. Built in the Victorian style, it is part of the historic architectural ensemble of King Street. The walls of this house have seen the turn of centuries, and today they create the perfect acoustic and visual backdrop for musical evenings, preserving the spirit of old America.

Interestingly, "Basin Street Lounge" is often called the city's "hidden gem." Despite its central location, the entrance is unassuming, which gives the place a certain air of exclusivity and recalls the days of speakeasy bars, where the best parties took place behind closed doors.

To fully relax at "Basin Street Lounge," it is recommended to set aside 2 to 3 hours. This time will be enough to leisurely enjoy dinner or appetizers, try a few signature cocktails, and listen to a couple of sets of live music.

If you are an avid jazz fan, you might want to stay for the whole evening, as the establishment's atmosphere lends itself to prolonged relaxation and socializing. On weekends, when the program is particularly packed, time flies by unnoticed.

The operating hours of "Basin Street Lounge" may vary depending on the season and planned events, but the establishment is usually open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday. Monday is typically a day off. Musical programs most often begin in the evening, creating ideal conditions for dinner or a digestif.

Since the schedule of specific jazz band performances changes weekly, it is highly recommended to check the current lineup and opening hours on the official website of "219 Restaurant," of which the lounge is a part, before visiting.

A visit to the lounge can be perfectly combined with a walk through the historic center. The surroundings are rich in architectural monuments, atmospheric alleyways, and cultural sites that will allow you to dive deeper into the region's past before a musical evening.