Echostage is DC’s largest dedicated concert venue, and it can hold thousands of people in its 30,000-plus-square-foot space. But it certainly isn’t located in the heart of downtown, and a night in its dark, warehouse-ish building off New York Avenue, Northeast, can be difficult to plan. Here’s everything you need to know if you’re heading for the venue.
How to get there
Cabbing it or taking an Uber are probably the best choices; they’ll save you the hassle of finding an affordable parking spot. If you want to take Metro, ride the Red Line to the NoMa-Gallaudet U Station. Echostage offers a free shuttle on the M Street, Northeast, exit, starting at 6:30 PM on Sunday through Thursday, and at 8:30 PM on Friday and Saturday. The last shuttle leaves the venue at 2:30 AM on Friday and Saturday night.
Where to park
Parking is available on the street and in lots surrounding the venue. Nearby spots cost anywhere from $10 to $30; check this parking map on Echostage’s website for details. If you’re planning to park on the street, bring cash. The nearest ATM is located inside the strip club Stadium Club–and it charges a whopping $6 convenience fee.
You can also try Parking Panda. The app lets you reserve and pay for a spot in advance–typically for about $10 on New York Avenue.
Where to eat and drink
Panda Gourmet (2700 New York Ave., NE; 202-534-1620): This Szechuan/Shaanxi restaurant occupies a brightly lit corner of a Days Inn, just a six-minute stroll from Echostage. Don’t go for the ambience or service; go for the flavor bomb that is the mapo tofu, the wontons in chili oil, the mouth-searing dan dan noodles, and the stir-fried cumin lamb with dried peppers. This is our top pick in the area–plus, they’ve got beer.
Zion Kitchen (1805 Montana Ave., NE; 202-636-9097): Just an 11-minute walk from the show, Zion Kitchen serves Nigerian cooking, including a particularly good goat stew. The place is only open until 8 PM, so it’s best for an early dinner.
Flip It Twice (1544 Rhode Island Ave., NE; 202-269-2980): Stop by this no-frills spot for omelets, waffles, sandwiches, and homemade desserts like cakes and pies. It isn’t exactly a showstopper, but it’ll do the job in a crunch.
MGM Roast Beef (1905 Brentwood Rd., NE; 202-248-0389): It’s about a ten minute drive from the venue and closes at 6 PM, but if you’re early to a show, stop by for hand-carved-to-order ham sandwiches.
Askale Cafe (3629 12th St., NE; 202-758-0077): Also located about ten minutes away from Echostage, Askale Cafe offers Ethiopian cuisine in a laid-back setting.
Union Market (1309 5th St., NE; 301-347-3998): You could always stop by Union Market on the way to the show and grab some oysters from Rappahannock Oyster Bar, a sandwich and beer from Red Apron Butchery, or brisket from The BBQ Joint.
Echostage, by the way, stocks a full bar. As far as prices go, a Corona can goes for $6; a Stella Artois costs $7.