photo by Michael Mundy
From an email:
“I’m thrilled to be sharing the news that today, September 5th, Ten Five Hospitality is unveiling their newest Desert 5 Spot in Washington D.C.’s very own Union Market. This cult classic country western bar and music venue – with celebrated locations in NY + LA known for their high-energy live music, retro design and craft cocktails – hangs its hat on D.C. ‘s rapidly evolving hospitality scene with an immersive, high-concept experience for patrons.”
The official word and deets from Desert 5 Spot (400 Morse Street, NE):
“After celebrated openings in Los Angeles and New York, Desert 5 Spot–a popular country western bar and live music venue–is heading east once again, this time to the heart of the nation’s capital. Opening this fall in Union Market, Desert 5 Spot DC is the latest venture from Ten Five Hospitality, a firm responsible for creating some of the most dynamic nightlife experiences in the country.
Ten Five Hospitality, the team behind acclaimed restaurant and hotel concepts in New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Miami, is bringing its signature blend of storytelling, community and hospitality to D.C. with this newest outpost.
Desert 5 Spot DC was a natural next step for Ten Five Hospitality after successful launches in LA and NY–two cultural hubs known for setting trends in nightlife and dining. With its thriving hospitality scene, increasingly diverse population, and growing demand for immersive, high-concept venues, Washington D.C. represents an exciting evolution for the brand. “Desert 5 Spot has always been about great live country music, strong drinks, and zero pretense — just a place where friends can meet and have a good time,” said Dan Daley, managing partner at Ten Five Hospitality. “We’re excited to bring D5 to D.C., a city with a vibrant dining and nightlife scene, and to add something fresh and unique to the mix.”
Known for its retro desert-inspired interiors, craft cocktails named after country music royalty, and high-energy live entertainment, Desert 5 Spot has built a loyal following from coast to coast. The two-story D.C. location will deliver the same signature charm while introducing an expanded bar menu featuring a wider range of bites to pair with the music, drinks, and lively atmosphere.
Highlights of the D.C. location include:
A two-story venue featuring two live music stages, rooftop terrace cactus garden, signature neon signage, a vintage Chevy truck turned DJ booth, mechanical bull, and more.
A standout cocktail program with signature drinks like the Ring of Fire (mezcal, Ancho Reyes, prickly pear, lime) the Jolene (tequila, strawberry, watermelon, lime) and the Dropkick Me, Jesus (Ilegal Mezcal, green Chartreuse, chile, lime) plus frozen cocktails and large format options.
Elevated American comfort food including Nashville Hot Chicken, Cherry Wood-Smoked Pork Spare Ribs with sweet & spicy BBQ sauce, Garlic and Black Pepper-Crusted Brisket Sandwich, Cast Iron Cornbread and more.
Desert 5 Spot DC will make its official debut on Friday, September 5 and the venue will be available for private event bookings from autumn 2025. Weekly programming at Desert 5 Spot DC brings the brand’s cult-following experiences from Los Angeles and New York to Washington, alongside live music every night of the week. Starting September 10, guests can expect live band Cowboy Karaoke upstairs every Wednesday, Bluegrass Brunch featuring some of the region’s top musicians, and line dancing–curated by the Buck Wild team from NYC–takes place every Sunday.”