Western Goes East: Desert 5 Spot Opens in Union Market
After celebrated openings in Los Angeles and New York, Desert 5 Spot has officially planted its boots in DC. This week, the country western bar and live music venue made its East Coast debut at Union Market, bringing with it a dose of neon-lit nostalgia, rowdy live music, and the kind of no-pretense good time that has already earned the brand cult-favorite status nationwide.
Created by Ten Five Hospitality, the latest two-story DC outpost embraces the venue’s signature retro desert-inspired interiors while expanding on the experience.
Guests will find a rooftop terrace cactus garden, vintage neon signage, two live music stages, and even a Chevy truck converted into a DJ booth — not to mention a mechanical bull that promises to be a crowd favorite.
True to form, the drinks menu leans playful and bold, with craft cocktails nodding to country music legends. Highlights include the Ring of Fire (mezcal, Ancho Reyes, prickly pear, lime), the Jolene (tequila, strawberry, watermelon, lime), and the cheekily named Dropkick Me, Jesus (Ilegal Mezcal, green Chartreuse, chile, lime). Frozen cocktails and large-format options round out the offering, perfect for sharing.
The kitchen puts an elevated spin on American comfort food, with dishes like Nashville Hot Chicken, Cherry Wood-Smoked Pork Spare Ribs, Black Pepper-Crusted Brisket Sandwiches, and skillet cornbread designed to pair seamlessly with the music and cocktails.
Desert 5 Spot DC also launches with a robust programming lineup to keep the energy high well beyond opening weekend. Starting September 10th, Cowboy Karaoke takes over the upstairs stage every Wednesday; Bluegrass Brunch brings regional talent to the spotlight; and NYC’s Buck Wild team curates weekly line dancing every Sunday. Live music will play every night of the week, solidifying the venue as a new go-to destination for those wandering into the wild of DC nightlife.
With boots and cowboy hats already filling the room on opening night, one thing is clear: Western is officially in in the nation’s capital.