Worst experience entering and they said I can't get in because I looked not "sober" is what the bouncers said. I bought my ticket to see one of my favorite DJs and got in like 20 minutes late to his set because the bouncer said to come back when you are sober. And I barely drank. Such disrespect even though the bartender was super nice for +1 but the place deserve no stars Edit: I found out the bouncer name when I over heard people it's Jasmine. I hope everybody else has a good time because if you have some trying to get lit this is NOT THE PLACE. My friend after me told me the bouncer said "Are you going to be an asshole to or show me your ID". I just told her I wasn't in a polite way. Unbelievable!!! read more

My first time getting to Soundcheck was a Friday to see Aly&Fila who I've wanted to see for a while now. Tix were only $20 and that's a great value for a worldwide DJ. I believe there was a bigger event at Echostage so Soundcheck was a lot less crowded than I anticipated. The sound could have been better....when I'm in the middle of the dancefloor I should not be able to hear way too many people talking. The sound just seemed lopsided, they need more speakers toward the back. I had no issues with door staff or any bouncers at all but then again I'm not 18 and trying to show up on substances I shouldn't be on. Soundcheck seems like a decent option for seeing some good talent. Looking forward to visiting again. read more

I came here on a Friday night and the venue itself was great. I thought I had lost my ID and keys here, so I contacted them the next morning through Yelp message and the general manager, Matt, responded in less than 15 minutes, offering to search for it when they reopened the following night. Excellent customer service! read more

If I could give this place 0 stars I would. Worst drinks ever. Terribly rude and mean staff - especially the female bouncer. Basically only underaged kids. Not sanitary at all - bathrooms are never clean and are a cesspool of germs. I will never, ever return. The worst experience of my entire life. read more

I went to the Glow stage at Soundcheck for the Two Friends concert and found the venue to be mediocre at best. It was a significantly younger crowd (most under 21), the space was pretty cramped, and the sound system wasn't very loud, even by normal non-concert standards. The VIP area seemed spacious and reasonable, though I don't know what price they charge for VIP tables. Service at the bar was decent and price was reasonable. read more

Soundcheck - Lights, fog, and sound - Music Venues Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

What a horrible place! A total mess. Drinks were bad. Everyone had to wait 1.5 hours for our coats when we left, and they aggressively blamed and attacked their customers! Worst bar I've been in DC. They need to learn how to run a business. read more

This is one of my favorite venues to see my favorite artists! It's up close and personal. I know a lot of people scoff at the $20 cover but to have the ability to be that close no matter where you stand it totally worth it. The VIP tables are always a good deal. I actually prefer the ones in the back for the room to dance and it's closer to the restrooms. The service is much better than most clubs I go to. I also like the coat check being out front near the entrance with space to wait and not block the exit. If you're on the fence don't be - just do it! read more

So, this club has went under so many name changes. I'm not sure if this is the same club under a different name or management. But I'm super disappointed. Drinks are the standard in DC, but super weak. That wasn't my major frustration however. Two of the bartenders were on their phones and when I asked for a drink at the bar, they looked at each other. Ummmm, it's my second drink of the night. I wasn't rude or drunk. One comes up, and says she didn't know I was talking to her. Ummm, y'all were both on your phone standing NEXT to each other. Ok. So said bartender pours me a shot. It's short. I ask her about it, she says that she poured and ounce and a half. Well I used to be a bartender, and it's def not an ounce and a half. I pay with my card. She FAILED to tell me gratuity is included. And the bartender I went to for the first drink and paid CASH and tipped, didn't tell me gratuity is included. So aside from a short shot, shitty bartenders and shitty prices, know that you're AUTOMATICALLY tipping for shitty service. Thanks Soundcheck, I'm def not coming back. read more

If I could give this place a zero, I would. The dj was the worst ever. He didn't know what music to play & also would not take requests. The staff was disrespectful and violated the guests multiple times. read more

I went here with a friend. Don't usually enjoy EDM music, as I'm more of a classical music guy. But this space is very clean and new for a club. There are no sticky tables or chairs, and you don't feel disgusting when leaving. That in my book is a success, especially for a late night. The sound system was excellent and beautiful lighting. Great for interesting photos. All along the walls, they have some kind of padding to capture some of the extra noise. The bar is a bit expensive if you're drinking. I would pre-game elsewhere before coming here. When Soundcheck brings a guest DJ into town, some of the shows can be very late in the night. The show I attended started at 10pm on at work/school night. I would plan ahead and make sure to either take off the next day or nap beforehand. I wish they would have earlier shows. The back room is available for rent for private parties, but on the small side. read more

Soundcheck - Music Venues Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

If negative stars were possible this place would deserve one negative star. The worse "club" I've ever been to in my existence. This venue could not lack any more class. There was pushing and shoving (even at tables), catty females, rude men, and the workers just took advantage of intoxicated individuals (serving them when they were clearly blacked out) I did not want my photos taken because I simply did NOT want to promote this club but I had to repeat myself through out the entire night to promoters and photographers. There one one specific guy working last night that was extremely disrespectful and made crude jokes about the girl. He was snapping picture of females dancing, falling, and just drunk as hell without their permission. I will never be caught dead in this place again. As for different nights being held by different groups I simply do not understand why Soundcheck would hire/work with people like this. read more

This place has the best sound for a small underground venue in the United States right in the heart of D.C.. Soundcheck is the very young prodigy of Echostage. Like Echostage the venue has multiple different companies who host and work the event for different days out of the week. Make sure to check the website www.soundcheckdc.com Most of the shows you will need a ticket, depending on who is hosting the event. Check the website and don't end up like the wet blanket Angela below who yelp reviewed the venue who simply provides the space for the promotion company to host their party/event. She unfortunately was not ready for a DTnation hosted party night where everyone knows the turn up is real. Check the website read more

I think Soundcheck is my favorite venue in DC for electronic music! The line to get in is always super fast and efficient, no security pat down or bag search. It's a pretty small and very intimate venue, similar in size to Flash but they bring some pretty great underground / up and coming / not mainstream DJs (Branchez, Mija etc.) and are able to bring some pretty big (albeit a bit past their prime) names (like Gareth Emery and Thomas Gold) as well by having their events on random weekdays for crowd control. As a result, the crowd never feels claustrophobic and there's always room to move & (more importantly) ~dance~, even in the very front. You can get right in front of the DJ easily! There's also often a get in free before 11 sort of deal that you can take advantage of through promoters, which is amazing, but it means you have to sit through an hour+ of the opener, because the main act doesn't come on until around 12:30. I prefer Soundcheck over Flash because Soundcheck actually has lights and a screen behind the DJ booth, whereas Flash is super dark. OH yeah, and of course, the sound system is incredible. I do wish they would have events on weekends because I'm getting too old to party on Wednesdays and Thursdays... But then prices would definitely go way up and it would definitely be more crowded - just wouldn't be Soundcheck anymore. You win some you lose some. read more

NEVER GOING TO THIS GOD FORSAKEN ESTABLISHMENT EVER AGAIN !!!!!! let me walk you through the shit show of the night that i had... after waiting in line for coat check for 20 minutes, we were told that coat check was at capacity. it was a sold out show and we were packed like sardines so wearing our coats in that shitty tiny ass club was bad enough as it was. in the middle of the show, i felt nauseous so i made my way to the bathroom but the line was so long because there are like 3 stalls so i just threw up in the trash can outside the bathroom instead. security came up to me and my boyfriend and told us we had to leave. i asked him why and he said it was because i 'exerted bodily fluids'. WTF !!!!!!! i was having a full on coherent conversation with the man he could tell that i was not intoxicated but he proceeded to kick us out. we came with friends so we waited for the show to end so that we could leave together. after waiting for 45 minutes in 7 degree weather (this is not an exaggeration, we are in the middle of winter storm elliot) we asked to go inside to order an uber home. (mind u i couldn't feel my fingers i am pretty sure i got frostbite that night) we were told that we couldn't go inside but our friends could. WTF !!!!!!! although i was wearing a winter coat, i was wearing shorts and a crop top. making us wait outside was INHUMANE !!!!!!! security was not helpful and could not care less about our safety. SAVE YOUR MONEY AND GO TO ECHOSTAGE - if this happened to you at echostage they will take care of you instead of kicking you out in the middle of a literal winter storm!!!!! read more

I tagged along with some friends to Soundcheck to see Paul Oakenfold. He was pretty good as a DJ, I just couldn't stand the venue! Soundcheck was like Ultrabar only with especially high drink prices and even the ticket price was a bit high, I thought. It was $25 for the ticket but my friend luckily had an extra so I got in for free! I did buy her a drink in return. Two drinks were $30, the price of the ticket! All I got was a vodka tonic and rum & coke. So ridiculous. I did like Oakenfold as a DJ and I had heard great things about him so I was curious to check him out. But so many teenagers there as it was an 18+ event and the place was packed! It was easy to get up front though. But no real easy exits made me feel a bit claustrophobic and along with the high prices and packed room, just not so much my scene anymore I suppose. I wonder if the venues have gotten worse since my days of dance clubs in my 20s or if I've just gotten older. I suppose it's a combination of the two! read more

Soundcheck - Music Venues Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Miami in DC. I am a HUGE fan of EDM music, so needless to say why I was there opening weekend. After having low expectations, I was quite pleased. This "Miami Electronica" vibe is palapable with the impeccable sound system that is not only great acoustics but excellent soundproof design. Will sure be memorable for future shows and experiences in the District, especially compared to it's predecessor - Echo Stage. You have left me with a great first impression. read more

I went to see Alan Walker here awhile back and I think this is a fairly clean place compared to the other smaller concert venues in DC. I think it's owned by the same people that own Echostage which in my opinion is really grimy and in a sketchy area. The only downside to Soundcheck is that it's pretty small inside. I was able to get to the front of the concert though so I had a great time! read more

This is an isloated review on Soundcheck's Sunday Afterglow. So, after a few years having passed by since my last detailed nightclub review, I have decided that I was going to get back into the groove. Between then and now, I have been involved with nightclub consulting from mostly eastern European venues as well as dj coaching for new producers turning djs. My consulting is in terms of overall night development rather than the financial aspects. So in this review, I will separate it into two parts: General, vs Critical. This way, those that are not so deep into the clubbing world can get an overall picture whilst allowing a bit more dept for the others that are involved within the industry. I will also have a follow up video review on youtube. So shall we begin? General- 7/10 Stars Authenticity (overall underground culture and cultivation efforts)- 4/10 Loyalty Factor: 5/10 Soundcheck is built like a recording studio soundproofing, 1 large bar, and a sound system that does the job. In addition, there is a tight little VIP area but it isn't so exclusive as to maintain a perfect VIP/main floor relationship. Keep in mind that there is no dress code and it is 18+ so you can develop your own perception. So as far as generalities go for the DC area, Soundcheck does the job. There is a slight resemblance to that of the lower floor of the late Lima Lounge, which has recently closed. But other than that, if you are in the area or a looking for an uber underground alternate than that of U-Street or Flash on Sunday or just another top40 vibe during the week and on fri/sat, then Soundcheck is an option. Afterglow creates an Event Driven Culture by bringing in guest djs weekly without having a resident dj to set the texture and identity of Afterglow. While clubbers will return to see their favorite isolated acts, Soundcheck doesn't create a loyal clubber culture in that given the option on any given sunday night, people may attend another venue such as Public Bar or Eighteen Street Lounge to see their favorite talent. That being said, If you have been to a club venue glow event within the past few years, apart from Echostage, you have been to soundcheck. Again, bear in mind that because of the no dress code and 18+ policies, there is an inter-cultural exchange in that there is no clear-cut distinction between glow's core college night, EDM, top40, and after glow audiences. Not for now at least. Personally as a seasoned clubber, dj, and consultant, other than an isolated act on Sunday, there is nothing memorable about the venue that I wouldn't be able to get anywhere else. The only connection that I authentically felt was with local superstar bartender: Ioana E Simu. She is absolutely one of the best DC bartenders. But for the general audience, it's certainly a change of pace from ultrabar or if you are heading to work late on Monday in wanting to catch an isolated act. But, this is strictly my opinion so check it out for yourself. Be sure to look out for my in-depth industry review which will be posted soon. Johnny Fontana Veteran Dj (Booth Rider) DJ Coach Nightclub Consultant Dj/Producer as Rockey Bellini read more

This place does it for me!! By far the best sound system I've come across In the d.c. industry. Great job! Another thing I really liked about this place, is the soundproofing...music is loud but you are still able to converse if need be without having to yell..major plus! Their line up for Glow Thursdays is phenomenal with Audien this thursday..definitely I must see! Decor is amazing with plenty of room to dance. Bartenders are hot and friendly. Staff is very welcoming and professional. Lights show is on point! The owners thought of everything for this venue. This place definitely reminds me of "the good 'ol days" of how clubbing used to be. Will definitely be visiting this venue when ever I'm in town again! Highly recommend it read more

Hmm.. should I keep Thursday night my little secret? Came here on a Thursday night to see Manufactured Superstars and it was so much more than I expected. Clean venue/floor, great sound system, and non-douchey crowd (maybe I lucked out on this one). Was there all the way through closing, and it never got packed enough to bump shoulders with anyone. The lights weren't anything special, but I never cared too much for crazy lighting. Also, to the security guard who gave me a handwarmer as we were leaving, thank you! read more

I came here on Friday night, the club was pretty busy but not packed, which was great, everyone had room to dance. The entry was $25 per person and mixed drinks around $15 per drink. I really liked the music, the crowd was pretty cool, bartenders were hot young girls in sexy outfits. What I didn't really like is that they don't sell any wine. I really hope that management reconsiders their drink list and adds wine or at least champagne by glass. read more

I am highly disappointed with the security in the club. I went on Saturday night to celebrate a friends birthday. She was dancing on one of the platforms, and instead of asking her to get down the security guard grabbed her and yanked her down. She asked the security guard to kindly take his hands off of her, and he refused so then I and her boyfriend were trying to get her. The next thing i know we were surrounded by security. One security guard had his hands around her throat as they were trying to escort her out, while her boyfriend was punched in the face as he peacefully walked out. I asked to speak to the manager of security and was told that none of that happened, and when i asked him was he there he said he has it on camera. So i asked him to look at the camera and he refused. Later, i realized that during all of the chaos i had lost my wallet. I returned to the club and asked one security guard had anyone turned in my wallet. I was told that it was against the policy to check if my wallet was turned in, and i would have to wait until the end of the night. Then another security guard was nice enough to check, and informed me that my wallet was at the bar. I have no problem with security doing their jobs, but the sheer force that was used for dancing on a platform? Then to be told by security that i am lying? i will never return to this club, and i will make sure that none of my friends go either. read more

Terrible speakers inside the venue. I coudn't hear the music at all it sounded like everything was under water. My ears are still ringing too. The staff was really bitter for no reason too, treated the customers like shit. Couldn't hear when the artists were taking and I was in the front row. Bathrooms were DISGUSTING as well. I will never go to soundcheck again. read more

Was in town for one day, decided to go here based on the artist they had booked. We purchased expensive tickets and when we showed up the artist had cancelled with no warning, we were the first people there and the drinks were outrageously priced. If your coming from the west this probably isn't your place. Vibes were bad, the reviews made it seem like the place to be, but that was not the case. I guess we know why the artist cancelled. read more

The music the night we went was really good and the club's set up and location is nice too but to be fair, at least in my experience, thats about it. My friends and I had a bad experience there recently and I'm pretty upset about it. First when we got there no one was dancing except a couple people- for a DJ set that had been going on for an hour at that point I was confused. The club was pretty full for a Wednesday but I still didn't expect everyone there to be so dead. My friends and I tried to dance and have a good time despite this but unfortunately some drunk guys spilled their drinks all over us and then stepped on my friends sprained ankle. I understand that that has nothing to do with the club, but they ended up kicking my friend who was just dancing out instead of the older drunk guys when they got confused. Honestly whatever if they hadn't grabbed my friend by the waist and dragged her off the dance floor and gave us no real reason. Of course my friend ended up having a panic attack because you just don't grab women like that?? I just feel like that's common sense. It was an extremely emotional and traumatizing experience for my friend and when I went to talk to the bouncer he said he wasn't responsible for whatever happened to her 'down there' (i.e. the club) even though he was one of the guards trying to drag her out. I bet this place is nice if your 21+ and looking to watch people stare awkwardly at some DJ but they honestly have no problem kicking you out if your not. Once you've spent your money on your tickets and it's obvious you're not gonna buy anything from their bar (we were 19-20 year old girls trying to celebrate a bday) they might as well since they figure they won't make any more money off you. We ended up sitting with a bunch of people who got kicked out outside too, they all had no clue why but we were all under 21, but for an 18+ club I honestly didn't expect that, especially as some of their target audience? This place is a complete waste of money and I wish I went somewhere else. The atmosphere of this club is honestly closer to a high school party but with older people. If you're looking for a club to go to and you're 18-20 or just want to have actual fun you're better off going to a different one in the area. read more

Lame spot, dont believe me? Spend some money and find out for yourself. 0 class, full price, if you are in the Georgetown area there are plenty more places to choose from, do yourselves a favor. read more

We reserved Soundcheck for a private event and had a stellar experience. They were super flexible with all our random event needs and day of they were great with our guests. read more

Soundcheck is a modern, small venue that host quite a variety of very good electronic DJ's. I'm am a big fan of smaller, more intimate venues and Soundcheck takes care of that. Think of a more modern U Street music hall with table service. The sound system is solid with out being deafening, you can feel the music though. You can usually get up close to the DJ which is dope especially if you are a big fan. I've also been on the Hip Hop night which as of July 25th is Saturdays. Soundcheck as a Hip Hop club was only okay from my experience. The DJ switched tempos quite a bit and the song selection seemed pretty random. It was alright for me, I wouldn't suggest the Hip Hop night to friends but if someone really wanted to go I'd give it another shot. The promo company for the Hip Hop night posts free tickets on EventBrite and may advertise open bar but the night I stopped in although the tickets said open bar the bartender said "Nah". It was cool though, I bought a beer and kept it moving. Overall I'd absolutely recommend checking out Sound Check on nights that feature a electronic dj especially if you've got a favorite coming to town. I can't get enough of good EDM, small venues and bumpin sound systems. read more

Terrible venue. Didn't let me in because I was "drunk and underage" even though I wasn't drunk and I was 18 years old. Tried to talk reasonably with the staff and they continued to shut me off and wouldn't have a word with me. Wouldn't let me in and wouldn't refund me. Terrible venue don't attend concerts here. Managers an asshole too that rides on a high horse. Fuck soundcheck! read more

Soundcheck is a perfect place to go!!! I lost my keys and phone there and I thought they can never be found! I was planning to buy a new phone. But the staff responsed me very responsibly and returned me my phone and keys on Monday when they are closed! Besides, the space is wonderful! Not too big to be lost but big enough to sketch! I love soundcheck!!! read more

Good environment. Nice decor. But maybe we were there the wrong night. It looked like a 18+ nightclub. No dress code required. Such a disappointment. Girls wearing dresses and tennis shoes. And guys were wearing shorts . read more

Bouncers extremely rude. Trashy scenery. Smells like BO. Can't walk anywhere without a staff member trying to pat you down. Awful experience, don't recommend it. read more

Many staff members are exceptionally rude and abrasive, the club music volume still isn't quite tuned to a particularly comfortable level and the club is filled with obviously intoxicated and/or high 18 year olds. read more

I was lured to this place on the way to another by the music and the size of the line but unfortunately it's not a place I would be excited to frequent. The music overall was a bit outdated, it was top 40 hip hop but from a summer or two ago and the place itself looked like a dressed up basement. I was hoping for something a bit more upscale especially considering my partner and I had to pay a cover. The drinks were at the price point of an more upscale venue and the crowd looked fairly dressy though there were people on all ends of the spectrum. One thing that really put a damper on the evening were the efforts put in to staving off homeless people while waiting online to get in. I think the bouncers could have done a better job of keeping them off the premise. I recently moved here from NYC so I am well aware that I might have to adjust my expectations but even having done so I still found myself disappointed. read more

I was dragged here on a random Saturday for an acquaintances​ birthday. ​I will say that it was a good time. I was feeling really warm and had not gone out in quite a while. There are plenty of young men and young women. I found parking on the street which I always do in DC. If you like loud music and want to vibe, this place is for you. It did not get packed until about 1 AM. The drinks are fairly priced and the DJ was really good. The music was primarily hip hop. Personally, if it was not for free entry I would not have come​. read more

This place is EXTRA SHADY!!!! Went Sunday night thinking it was legit. But before I even left the club to go home my boyfriend and I all both got separate calls from Bank of America saying there was some suspicious activity happening on our debit cards. Turns out the extra shady bartenders were trying to close my $27 and $32 tabs out for $92 dollars and my bank would not let them (same case for my boyfriend). We both made the mistake of not taking the customer copy of the receipt with us, so the bartenders decided to leave themselves $50+ tips. WTF? Take your receipt copy peoples otherwise there's no tellin how much you'll leave out of there spending. Oh, and the sound system SUCKS. read more

Might be fun on a weekend, but teens only on a Wednesday. Happened to walk in this joint, paid $10 cover and they wouldn't refund us when we walked out 5 mins later. Cool if your leaving the local Antifa rally. read more

Came for the Miike Snow show on 3/8/16. Came in at doors open at 10p. Left at 12:30a and they still weren't on. Totally wasted $30. Very disappointed. Will never go back. read more

Matt the GM of Soundcheck reached out and has been very helpful in addressing my concerns.

Came here to see Matador (M-nus) and left completely disappointed. The show started at 12am and after a bit more than an hour the guy was so frustrated with the sound issues and people picking fights in the crowd that he decided to leave. The place tries to be underground but really it's just a bunch of fake posse, the sound was TERRIBLE, I've never seen something like that anywhere and even for an artist this big. For some reason cold air was being pushed into the crowd from the vents so if you happened to be on the wrong spot in the dance floor you'd get ice cold air right onto your head. At some point there were fights on the floor and security did absolutely nothing to pull the violent guys out of the establishment. They just watched as if they were friends trying to talk to each other. If you want to experience good sound and crowd go to Flash DC or even U Street Music Hall. Don't waste your money on this place. read more