Looking to level up your next night out? Enjoy dinner or a drink with a live performance in the background. These eight Northern Virginia restaurants and bars host regular live music — plus other fun events — that will ensure your meal is anything but boring.
Blackwall Hitch
Blackwall Hitch hosts live music every Friday and Saturday night from 9 p.m. to midnight, plus every Sunday during brunch. Check the schedule online to see who’s playing. If you’re a lover of jazz, time your visit to align with a designated jazz brunch. 5 Cameron St., Alexandria
Clare and Don’s Beach Shack
Clare and Don’s is a classic NoVA spot, and the regular live music events practically guarantee a good time. Stop in for beachy cocktails, baskets of fried seafood, burgers, and other bites. Check the events page to plan your visit — you can catch everything from funk bands to acoustic sets depending on the day. 130 N. Washington St., Falls Church
Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern
This Herndon bar — which won our Best Cheesesteak and Best Wings contests — is a go-to spot for live music. Local bands and acoustic artists play on a rotating schedule, and Jimm’s hosts open mic nights every Wednesday for those who want to hop on stage themselves. 687 Spring St., Herndon
JV’s Restaurant
There’s a show every night of the week at this Falls Church mainstay, which has been around since 1947. You can catch Americana, blues, soul, and dance music, plus regular open mic nights. Visit for dinner and a show — the housemade meatloaf is its specialty. 6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church
Kalypso’s Sports Tavern
Head to Lake Anne Plaza for Greek food with water views and live entertainment. On alternating Friday nights, there are “Open Jamz” nights or music from DJ Sanguiche on the indoor stage. The restaurant also sometimes hosts live music in its outdoor seating area. 1617 Washington Plz. N., Reston
Mackenzie’s Tunes & Tonics
This Fairfax City spot has free live music on its calendar every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, plus karaoke on Mondays, open mics on Wednesdays, and some Sunday shows. You can grab craft cocktails, beer, shareable plates, or larger entrees like a chicken and sausage gumbo. 3950 University Dr., Ste. 210, Fairfax
Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub
Want an authentic Irish meal with music to match? Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub regularly hosts traditional Irish bands, plus local musicians in a range of genres, with no cover charge. While you listen, dive into fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash, and other cozy Irish meals. 713 King St., Alexandria
NOVA Live
The NOVA Live campus in Manassas offers an opportunity to grab food and drinks from several different concepts — including 2 Silos Brewing Co., La Gringa tacos, and The Pitt BBQ — all in one place. While you dig in, listen in on live music happening at the Yard. Check the calendar to see when shows are on. 9901 Discovery Blvd., Manassas
Feature image of NOVA Live courtesy Visit Prince William County
