The Dunes

I guess I can’t visit this again. It’s been closed.

Most concert venues make me feel at least a little bit uncomfortable, so I liked going to The Dunes and being able to pretend I was just at a friends-​only gig in some guy’s loft. Also, the guy manning the sound system was reading Ulysses S. Grant’s memoirs, which I thought was pretty neat.

Perfect place to hold a small private party or event in Columbia Heights.
Honestly, its really just a large room with a bar and seating. I came here for a private birthday party and had a blast! The owner is also a really laid back guy, working the bar the night I went too. Of course, your experience depends on who you go with and who is DJ’ing or playing there that night.
I’ve also read that people hold small art shows here too. I haven’t been able to attend one but after going it would be a good place to hold a small art gallery too.

Attention displaced New Yorkers. If you’re looking to reconnect with the Brooklyn scene, this is the place. Walk in and you’re surrounded by the coolest people in DC… before they became cool. Also, the people who own it take care of their customers. I was there for a party on Saturday hosted by a friend of a friend, and while my coat was «moved» across the bar (self service coat check fail) I gave them my contact info and they were nice enough to text me and let me know that it turned up – I went back the next day to pick it up. Thumbs up all around.

Awesome, excellently-​maintained gallery space and venue. I spent a couple of years working in installation/​gallery work so I am always interested in looking at what works and doesn’t work for spaces, and the Dunes is a gem.
I have also DJed at the space a number of times, and the folks working here are just excellent. Not to mention, the sound equipment is top-​of-​the-​line and well taken care of (I couldn’t imagine asking to borrow/​actually receiving a turntable cartridge anywhere else!).
From the bartenders to management, everyone is super professional and really (refreshingly) cares about providing a space for interesting, engaging and accessible multimedia experiences. It’s hard to find an established space in D.C. with that kind of creative spirit.
Apart from that, the location is great, the space is beautiful and event planning here has always run very smoothly!

I love The Dunes! I have been he for several events and have had a great time at each. I think the space is really underrated. The location is perfect for people in Columbia Heights. For those driving from MD or VA (or NE ;)) it is usually easy to find parking in the general area. I think this space is perfect for a small and intimate sized party. The more people in the space, the better. It gives it more energy when everyone isn’t just sitting at the bar. Throw in a great DJ and it is a blast.

This place is very cool and host great events for the fashion and art movement that is going through DC. Highly recommend this place. And the great artist they represent.

I came here to view the Flux Flow exhibition on a Tuesday night. On the corner of a residential neighborhood located near 16^th Street. A DIAMOND of a place.
This artist Mark Eisendrath’s closing night was being held. His work is definitely for those who are into custom made furniture, nature, and modern design. His signature, making wood look like metal. AMAZING!
You walk upstairs and wonder if you are in the right place. You go into a one room gallery with white walls, hard wood floors, huge glass windows, leather seating in the middle. Simple and clean. Tonight The Dunes was giving a talk about how furniture companies are threatening the lively hood of artists who make furniture and how most people don’t know what they are even buying these days or where the original inspirations came from. The big names we value right now as quality furniture in the art world are actually commercial knock offs! WOWERS, what an education?!
The people were authentic, friendly, open, and just filled with self-​exploration (nothing to prove)! The VIBE is just right! The Dunes is on THAT NEXT and I love it!
They invite guest mixologists from all over the city to stir stuff up, so you can peruse the gallery over a cocktail or beer. In the corner you have a DJ that is spinning all types of vintage tunes of Steely Dan and other unique selections. They told me to come back! I’m keeping my WORD!
Three virtues come to mind when I think of The Dunes:
Open
Authentic
Expression