Join Joy Kingsley-Ibeh for a night downtown with her girls.
DC is known as a serious career town where the question of "what do you do?" precedes learning someone’s name. But Joy Kingsley-Ibeh knows that Washingtonians love to play as hard as they work, fostering a vibrant local nightlife scene with style and joie de vivre to spare.
As the owner of Style by Kingsley and Kingsley Model + Talent Management – one of the few Black-owned modeling agencies in the country — Kingsley-Ibeh has built an impressive career in the fashion industry spanning decades and continents. Her client list includes celebrities, professional athletes, and major brands, with her models appearing in prestigious international fashion publications. Before becoming an entrepreneur, she traveled the world as a professional model herself, gaining a global perspective that now informs her business approach.
What fascinates Kingsley-Ibeh about the nation’s capital is what’s beneath the Type A reputation. In spite of the power suits and state dinner pomp and circumstance, Joy’s version of DC wakes up after dark and runs on good-for-the-soul nights out with your chosen family.
Downtown DC is where Kingsley-Ibeh and her friends congregate to enjoy the capital's blend of historic charm and cosmopolitan energy, gathering at upscale dining establishments, trendy bars, and chic speakeasy lounges. In a place known for documenting history, she's proud to be writing her own chapter of the American dream, one stylish page at a time.
Golden Hour
Kick off a night out with dinner at L'Ardente, an Italian spot that balances laid-back vibes with luxurious flair. Their traditional-yet-modern menu features a signature 40-layer lasagna that tastes just as decadent as it sounds. The atmosphere combines old-school glamour with contemporary touches: exposed wood beams, crystal chandeliers, and an open kitchen where culinary magic unfolds before your eyes.
For after-dinner drinks, continue the Italian theme at Grazie Mille, a perfect hybrid of warm trattoria and sleek lounge. The bar area buzzes with the right amount of upbeat energy while remaining conversation-friendly, making it ideal for planning your evening.
Peak Evening
For a late-night bite, swing by Doi Moi. Upstairs, they serve up Southeast Asian specialties in a sleek, modern setting. Downstairs (open on Friday and Saturday nights) offers first-come, first-served seating until 2 a.m. — no reservations needed. The shareable plates are perfect for a group, with flavors that wake up your taste buds even at midnight.
After Hours
End your evening in Shaw at the legendary Eighteenth Street Lounge (ESL), where you can make some authentic DC nightlife magic. With smooth beats, a sophisticated crowd, and that classic lounge atmosphere, ESL has been the "epicenter for live music, dancing, and community since 1995.” After a two-year pandemic hiatus, it reopened in a new location but maintained its soul.
ESL prides itself on showcasing "the greatest regional and world-class DJ talent, as well as live music ranging from traditional jazz and funk, to reggae and a hybrid of Latin sounds." As the energy winds down, raise your glass and toast to a successful night out.
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