Mr. Henry's
Capitol Hill's Historic Jazz Institution
The Venue
Mr. Henry's is not just another bar—it's a living piece of Washington, D.C. history. Operating continuously in the same location since 1966, this Capitol Hill landmark has been a cornerstone of the city's jazz scene and LGBTQ heritage for nearly six decades. The venue's most famous claim to fame: hiring local schoolteacher Roberta Flack to perform on the second floor three nights a week back in 1968, launching her legendary career.
The venue occupies two distinct levels. Downstairs features Victorian-inspired artwork, a friendly neighborhood pub atmosphere, and classic American fare. Upstairs, the historic performance space—with wood-panel walls constructed from materials salvaged from the former Grace Dodge Hotel near Union Station—hosts live jazz four nights a week.
What They Offer Patrons
Food: Classic American pub fare with house specialties including Henry's chili, Henry's wings, turkey burgers, pesto burgers, bacon cheeseburgers, salmon filet, grilled chicken breast, and lump crab cakes. Appetizers range from nachos with jack and cheddar cheese to hummus with fresh pita and spicy crab dip. Desserts include monster chocolate cake and croissant bread pudding.
Beverages: Full bar with classic cocktails, wine selection, and draft beers.
Atmosphere: The downstairs maintains a casual, welcoming neighborhood bar vibe where regulars and visitors mingle comfortably. The upstairs performance space balances intimacy with professionalism—not a stadium, but a genuine listening room where jazz gets the respect it deserves.
Hours: Monday-Friday 11AM-1:30AM, Saturday-Sunday 10:30AM-1:30AM. Kitchen serves until 10PM (until midnight Friday-Saturday).
Music: Live jazz Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights upstairs. Each night features different artists, from established local favorites to touring professionals.
What They Offer Musicians
Professional Platform: The Capitol Hill Jazz Jam (CHJJ) has operated every Wednesday from 8-11 PM since February 2015. Founded by saxophonist Herb Scott and Aaron Myers, the jam has hosted instrumentalists, vocalists, tap dancers, poets, and many pillars of the local arts community.
Rotating House Band: Over 50 jazz musicians have had opportunities to perform as part of the rotating house band, providing consistent performing opportunities and fair compensation. The house band plays the first hour, then opens the session to musicians who want to sit in.
Equipment: Professional backline provided for the jam session, ensuring quality sound reinforcement for all participants.
Cover & Minimums: The Wednesday jazz jam has a $10 cover per person (added to tab) and $12 food and beverage minimum, ensuring musicians perform for an audience that's invested in listening.
Historic Significance: For serious jazz musicians, playing at Mr. Henry's connects you to a legacy that includes Roberta Flack, Burt Bacharach, Ramsey Lewis, and countless others who've graced this historic stage.
Community Support: The Capitol Hill Jazz Foundation, formed in 2017 by the jam's organizers, demonstrates the venue's commitment to supporting jazz beyond just weekly programming.
Location & Access
Located just one block from Eastern Market Metro station (Blue/Orange/Silver lines), Mr. Henry's is easily accessible by public transit. The Capitol Hill location puts you in one of D.C.'s most vibrant neighborhoods, surrounded by restaurants, shops, and the historic row houses that define the area's character.
The Mr. Henry's Experience
What distinguishes Mr. Henry's from newer venues is authenticity. This isn't a corporate attempt to recreate jazz club ambiance—it's a place that's been hosting jazz continuously for over 50 years, weathering every trend and challenge while remaining true to its mission. The walls have absorbed decades of music, conversation, and community. When you perform or listen here, you're participating in living history.
The venue takes its music seriously. While some bars treat live music as background noise for drink sales, Mr. Henry's cultivates audiences who come specifically for the jazz. The Wednesday night jam attracts players and listeners who understand the tradition, respect the craft, and create the kind of attentive atmosphere where meaningful musical communication can happen.
For musicians, Mr. Henry's offers what every player seeks: a room that sounds good, equipment that works, an audience that listens, and connection to a musical lineage that matters. Whether you're sitting in at the Wednesday jam or catching one of the weekend performances, you're part of Washington's jazz story—a story that began in 1968 with a young Roberta Flack and continues every week in this historic room on Capitol Hill.