SAX

High rankings are due to the Moulin Rouge ambiance at this sumptuous restaurant and night-time lounge. Step inside the first floor’s open space—featuring a 60-foot high ceiling—and take in the ornate chandeliers, golden accents and Versailles-inspired tabletops scattered about. While the mix of house and top ‘40s music is sure to entertain, the standout here is the live entertainment from the 20-foot, enclosed stage over the first floor bar. Performances include everything from modern ballet to acrobatic pole dancing, and aerialists sometimes even descend above the lounge’s dance floor. Just dress fashionably and go—and don’t let anyone tell you DC is boring.