If you’re a seasoned veteran of the D.C. club scene, chances are you dropped a few tears into your saketini last May when Dupont Circle’s Dragonfly closed its doors for renovations. Well you can finally dry your eyes and lay out your Saturday night best; the chic sushi bar/nightclub hybrid has returned to Connecticut Avenue, albeit under a new name and a fresh, ultramodern aquatic-inspired design.
Enter Current, the latest brainchild from the local nightlife gurus behind Eighteenth Street Lounge and Local 16. The club unveiled its new digs last week, fully conscious of the massive proverbial shoes it was set to fill. At first glance, Current has noticeably taken a few pages out of its predecessor’s book. It retains the general concept of Dragonfly, infusing gourmet sushi, potent cocktails, pulsating music, sleek modern décor and voguing clientele. But other than that, it’s been a veritable overhaul.
Décor: While Dragonfly openly embraced its Far East motif, Current weaves a subtle aquatic theme into its décor. Each of the club’s three bars (two alcohol, one sushi) is decorated with an artistically lit black and white wave pattern, while two water-filled glass windows on the upstairs floor allow VIP clubbers to peer down upon the plebians in the lounge below. A flashy lighting scheme illuminates whitewashed walls, leaving most of the venue in a faint bluish hue. Interestingly enough, the silent projections of kung fu and anime scenes that defined Dragonfly have been replaced with a calming slideshow of sailing imagery.
Drinks: Cocktails run a tad on the expensive side, but generally up to par with similar scenes in the area. Most beers will set you back $7, harder stuff around $10.
Food: Current is a rare blend of essential metropolitan lifestyles -- a hip night club and an upscale sushi restaurant. In addition to a surprisingly affordable list of nigiri and rolls (ranging from $5-9 per roll) the nightly dinner menu features finger-sized international fare, with tasty offerings like salmon ceviche and grilled beef skewers.
Crowd: Young, hip and beautiful; but that’s pretty much assumed when you’re going to an upscale club on Connecticut Avenue. Image-conscious mid-to-late-20-somethings is definitely the target demographic.
Service: The staff, like the clientele, is gorgeous. Most bartenders are thorough and take one drink order at a time, which can result in a slight wait at the bar when the venue reaches full capacity. But with all the eye candy around, you won’t see many patrons complaining.
Sounds: Predominantly poppy-house (think Justin Timberlake meets Bob Sinclair) with the occasional classic rock remix thrown in to keep the crowd guessing. The sound system is top-notch and the lack of a defined dance floor doesn't stop the crowds from getting up and grooving.
Dress Code: Given the décor and the clientele, you’ll want to look your best. Let alone simply feeling comfortable enough to mingle, you’ll have trouble getting through the door in anything less than “fashionable” attire. Translation: leave your tennis shoes, hats and athletic wear in the closet.
The Damage: As is the case with any upscale night club, the final tab will depend entirely on the way you approach the night. The cover can be steep if you come at the wrong time, but if you steer clear of the VIP tables and bottle service, you can manage a solid night for around $50. Give into the temptation of the baller thrills and, well, you better bring plastic.
Insider tips: Show up early (well before midnight) to avoid cover charges and long lines. Unlike most clubs in the neighborhood, the bouncers at Current are surprisingly amiable. Chat them up and see if you can forge a temporary friendship of strict utility.
On certain nights, Current also opens its guest list to online registration. Do your research before heading out. Getting your name on the list probably won’t help you get through the door any quicker, but it will allow you to move freely between floors once you’re inside.
Bottom line: As a nightclub or a sushi bar alone, Current probably isn't blazing any new trails. As a hybrid of the two, however, it’s sure to evolve into one of the most popular nightspots in Dupont Circle.
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