Smithsonian Jazz Café

Description:

• What a treat! The museum that's a must during the day is also a must Friday evenings, 6:30 to 10pm, when the Atrium Café features performances of local jazz pros. Smaller venues, like Blues Alley and HR-57, strictly enforce the "no talking during performance" policy, but the jazz cafe, which holds upward of 300 people, is too big and laid-back for that. It feels like a supper club, complete with couples dancing in front of the stage, only it's a nightclub with no age requirements, so go on and bring the family, if you like -- children 12 and under are admitted free. A cash bar and extensive buffet are available.

• © Frommer's 2012