Up until about 1997 I used to go to DC regularly for work. At night I would bring my harps (harmonicas) to the New Vegas Lounge and my boss would borrow a guitar and we’d jam until 3 in the morning. It was run by a cool guy called Dr. Blues who could only sing one verse of one song (Rock Me Baby) but he could sing it all night long. It was a dive, but great fun. There was no regular band, but musicians would wander in all night and play for a while and then leave.

I thought about the old place recently, and when I checked, they have a website. They cleaned up the place – no fat hookers in the back. They classed up the menu and I think they may have hired a waitress. I understand there is a hefty cover charge now and the service sucks even worse, but the music is good.

I miss the New Vegas Lounge.