Mr. Henry's
Mr. Henry's is a long-running Capitol Hill pub on Pennsylvania Avenue SE just a block from Eastern Market. It has been a neighborhood gathering place for decades and has a deep musical history with Roberta Flack among the artists who once performed in its upstairs room. Today the restaurant serves classic pub fare downstairs and presents live music upstairs several nights a week.
Capitol Hill Jazz Jam
Every Wednesday from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM the upstairs room hosts the Capitol Hill Jazz Jam. Saxophonist Herb Scott founded the session in February 2015 and it has run weekly ever since. A rotating house band plays the first part of the night and then the stand opens to musicians who want to sit in. Instrumentalists and vocalists are both welcome and the jam has also featured tap dancers and poets over the years.
Cuttin' Contest
The jam also runs a periodic Cuttin' Contest where players from each instrument group compete for a cash prize and bragging rights in front of a panel of judges.
More Music at Mr. Henry's
Beyond Wednesday nights the venue books jazz and soul and Latin acts on other evenings with Friday and Saturday showcases featuring local bands and singers. The jam has also partnered with the DC Jazz Festival for special opening night sessions.
Good to Know
A per-person cover is added to your tab along with a food and beverage minimum. Recent 2026 listings show a $15 cover and a $12 minimum. Check mrhenrysdc.com for the current schedule before heading out.
