The best in Washington, DC things to do, entertainment, nightlife, culture, arts, fashion and more.

Getting into Josephine’s Party: Ultrachic Club Graces K Street Nightlife

Share | Print

By Peter Bryce

We take a peek at the exclusive and luxurious new club on K Street.

The gold room at Josephine, the latest addition to the growing club scene on K Street. Photographs courtesy of Josephine Lounge.

We’ve got to admit the place is stunning. Modern design is spurned in favor of ornate furnishings and gold walls. Spend a Saturday night here and it’s certain to feel like an event—a thrilling, slightly voyeuristic celebration of excess. Reserve a spot at one of the tables ($300 minimum for a party of six—forgive our gaucheness, but we had to tell you the exact price—and you get a bottle of vodka, some mixers, and one of the best people-watching spots in the area. Those without a table stand in circles and pairs around the seated, who lounge comfortably on the Christopher Guy-designed furniture.

For a group with something to celebrate (or if you just want to be seen) Josephine is a million-dollar nightcap. Sadly—or is that fortunately?—the whole experience washes away in the morning, when comfortable jeans and torn T-shirts are once again acceptable.

Comments

I’ve been to similar establishments across the globe. I took Wanda there when we lived in Georgetown. She found it too exuberant for her simple Polish tastes. Personally I found it declasse. Have seen better spots in Mandinka...but enough of that.

Posted by: Alfred Broadmoor | Apr 28, 2008 12:22:44 AM

Inside the club is beautiful but its claim to being exclusive is an absolute joke. My friends and I had 3 tables reserved and ordered lots of alcohol. However, they packed the club way over the maxium capacity. You couldn’t move let alone dance. They let everyone in and it was no longer worth it to have a table because there were crowds of people all around it to the point where you couldn’t move or breathe,. We were having such a miserable time we went to Play where we could enjoy our table without having to worry about everyone and their mother crowding around.

Posted by: DC Socialite | Apr 09, 2008 08:11:13 PM

It’s just like the other places. Awkward looking table seeking men accompanied by coked up gold-digging gals.

Posted by: Lora Li | Apr 06, 2008 07:42:24 PM

If it’s not your thing, go across the street, there are plenty of spots to chose from. We should celebrate the variety of places we have available to us. I’ve also been to clubs everywhere from Miami, NYC, LA and Europe and I must admit, DC does not fall short, believe me. The crowd, well that’s a whole other story, but Josephine definitely offers some of the best we can see in DC...you will find a well dressed crowd that actually takes pride in their club going experience, and you will also find comfort in the table experience. It’s not just about "drinking" it’s also about your own private area where you won’t be bothered. Overall, I think it’s a very nice, chic place......and although it might be easier for some to get in, for those who stick around and wait, it will be worth it if you have the right attitude......don’t hate....congratulate!

Posted by: Not your cup of tea? | Mar 18, 2008 12:25:00 PM

bump all the booshie clubs. ozios’s is the truth. they let you smoke, you drink good, and the crowd is down to earth. yes its a little tight, but you will have a good time. i drove past this club and the line was off the hook. WHY???? it was cold as balls and those people were waiting for what...was p.diddy serving dranks. was kim kardashian inside or something...

Posted by: jay d | Mar 11, 2008 12:30:38 PM

Well, isn’t "RUSERIOUS" special? Tell us more about your world travels, O Special One.

Posted by: Pfft | Mar 03, 2008 06:19:03 AM

I recently went to Josephine on a Thursday night with a group of friends. We reserved a table with bottle service and had a good time. The $500 minimum got 8 of is in the door with no wait or cover (and there was a pretty big line when we arrived). Considering we split the check, we basically each spent about $80 (with tax and tip), I thought it was reasonable. We probably would have spent close to the same had we all just hung around the bar all night.

Posted by: Nada | Mar 02, 2008 07:37:43 AM

Some people need to get a life. I read these blog comments and amazed at how many people seem to be so miserable and judgemental. If you don’t like a place, don’t go back, it’s really that simple. What is a good place to one person may not be to another..which is why there is a variety of places to choose from. It’s a good thing that we have more choices now in DC. The people who say, "the night clubs are trying to be like New York, LA or Miami" need to get over themselves. I have partied in those cities as well as some of the best clubs in Paris, London and the South of France and some nights you have an amazing experience and the next night you may not..if you are a happy person that is comfortable with yourself and with a good group of friends, you should be able to enjoy yourself anywhere you go.

Posted by: RUSERIOUS | Feb 29, 2008 07:36:50 AM

We went to Josephine’s two weeks ago on a Friday and the scene does not come close to the review above. There was a line, but it was no problem getting in, and we didn’t pay a cover. The crowd was 100% the international set, but largely an unattractive slice of that group who made up for what they lacked with hair gel and cologne. The bartenders (female) serve drinks in s&m style lingerie that actually makes it embarassing to pay them for a drink. No one was on the dance floor, and most tables were empty, so people were just standing around in a large crowd near the bar. $300 for a table to watch this group shout to each other over the music in a circle? No thanks.

Posted by: Not impressed at all | Feb 28, 2008 08:45:43 AM

What’s with all the "ultrachic" clubs in DC imposing silly dress codes? I can understand being selective about people who walk in wearing jerseys, baseball caps and/or workout type clothing. But most of the t-shirts you see worn in clubs cost more than a nights worth of drinks. And "sneakers" is a broad term now with virtually every designer on the planet creating casually-chic tennis shoes to go with those fancy D&G t’s and Armani jeans.

What I ask is, why would I go to a club in DC that turns me away for wearing the same clothes that would be celebrated in true club towns like Miami, LA and Vegas?

Answer: I wouldn’t, which is why Travelocity is my new best friend.

Posted by: DCNatfan | Feb 28, 2008 08:37:19 AM

Post a comment

Feel free to leave a comment or ask a question. Because of the prevalence of spam, comments are moderated and will not appear immediately on the site. By posting here, you affirm that you are 13 years of age or older.