7 Best Entertainment Districts in America

Entertainment Districts are defined by an overwhelming combination of fantastic dining, nightlife, shopping, and live events in one concentrated area, with almost every metropolis in America holding at least one noteworthy enclave covering all these bases.

From dancing until 4 am in Albuquerque to enjoying live street music on Sixth Street in Austin, we have compiled the best of the best when it comes to American Entertainment Districts!

  1. Logan Circle/14th - Washington DC

    Our nation's capital certainly holds one of America's greatest entertainment districts, Logan Circle holding the city's best bars, eateries, and nightlife in general. Check out 'one of the best beer bars in America', ChurchKey, or have a truly impressive meal at the French bistro, Le Diplomate. Another fantastic restaurant choice awaits at Pearl Dive, and more great beer awaits at the Garden District beer garden. Head to the Studio Theater or Black Cat afterward for some live entertainment!

    We would be remiss if we didn't also mention the up and coming Southwest Waterfront District (District Wharf), providing guests and locals alike with unique waterside entertainment, like the Floating Barge, and an excellent emerging culinary scene.

     

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  2. Power & Light District - Kansas City

    Kansas City, Missouri, holds its own when it comes to outstanding entertainment, the Power & Light District providing the best of the best in live events, entertainment landmarks, a variety of local and regional restaurants, and several different entertainment venues and nightlife opportunities.

    Grab a bite to eat at any of the many fun eateries around here, including Yard House, McFadden's, Insomnia Cookies, and Guy Fieri's Dive Taco Joint. After you've filled your belly spend your evening catching a show at the Sprint Center, hearing some live jazz in the Crossroads Arts District, or drinking at KC Live!, PBR Big Sky, or No Other Pub.

     

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  3. Ybor City - Tampa

    Nationally recognized historic landmark by day, exquisite entertainment district by night, Ybor City in Tampa, Florida, is most definitely one of our favorite U.S entertainment districts overall!

    Ybor City is where authentic Cuban flavors, history, and nightlife come together, this 'city within a city' providing guests with a nightlife scene backed by cultural history. Eat at The Columbia Restaurant, the state's oldest restaurant, serving and entertaining guests with its flamenco dancers since 1905. Afterward, grab a pint at Tampa Bay Brewing Company or Cigar City Brewing, or catch some live music at the Crowbar, Ritz Ybor, or the Orpheum.

     

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  4. Logan Square - Chicago

    Chicago's Logan Square is a lively area along Milwaukee Avenue that is considered to be a 'hipster haven', a quirky little entertainment district filled with 'scruffy dive bars and artisanal cocktail lounges'. This is the place in Chicago to enjoy cutting edge dining experiences and late night bar sessions, with several options in both of those categories.

    Head to the East Room for all night dancing, this bar holding a license until 4 am! Or perhaps Slippery Slope, the Logan Arcade, or The Burlington are more your speed. Food-wise, you're going to want to try Mi Tocaya Antojeria or Fat Rice, or maybe keep it more classic at Lula Cafe. The shopping scene is even unique, with stores like Uncharted Books and Steel Petal Press to choose from.

     

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  5. Downtown ABQ- Albuquerque

    As VisitAlbuquerque says, 'Downtown Albuquerque nightlife is almost as hot as the area’s green chile'!

    On Central Avenue in Albuquerque, formerly Route 66, you will find the best night clubs, theaters, and restaurants, plus trendy shops and art galleries around every corner. This district is currently undergoing a multi-million dollar revitalization, though they still host regular festivals, street concerts, and parades throughout it all. Catch a show at the Albuquerque Civic Plaza or KiMo Theater, then grab a bite to eat at Forque Kitchen, Pizza 9, or Slate Street. Some of the best bars are here too, like the Sister Bar, Bar Uno, Mezcal Tequileria, and the Ibiza Lounge.

     

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  6. Freemont Street - Las Vegas

    If we are truly ranking the best of the best in American nightlife and entertainment, there is no possible way we can skip out on the big dog, downtown Las Vegas.

    Both Fremont Street and the Freemont East Entertainment District provide guests with out of this world entertainment options, this kind of being what they are most known for.  Enjoy the nightly Viva Vision Light Shows, multiple live street performers and musicians, and the eclectic array of eateries and bars along the way. Some of our favorites for drinks include Commonwealth, Vanguard Lounge, and Don't Tell Mama. Eats-wise, we really can't get over Flippin Good Burgers and Shakes and Big Ern's BBQ.

     

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  7. Sixth Street - Austin

    Austin Texas is on the rise as one of the most well-known entertainment hubs of the country, especially if you are talking Congress Avenue or Sixth Street. Known for its live music opportunity and fantastic food scene, Sixth Street Entertainment District is a no-brainer to make our list.

    Filled with a 'bustling array of bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues', this area is sometimes referred to as the Bourbon Street of Austin, holding such iconic food and drink stops as the Stephen F, Moonshine Patio, Austin Ale House, Nightcap, and Attabar. Grab some authentic Texas BBQ while here, then catch a show at any of the many local performance venues!

     

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