IOTA Club & Café in Clarendon, Virginia

IOTA Club & Café is a neighborhood music venue in Clarendon, Virginia, two blocks down from the Metro. Iota has two full bars with food service that isn't bad. Smokers also have a patio to fume on. Don't let the doorman that looks like Dracula throw you; IOTA is a hole in the wall that feels cozy and inviting once inside.

I just saw Igor and the Red Elvises and had an amazing time. The stage is small and low to the ground so if you're in the front you're looking nearly eye to eye with the band. The place also doesn't suffer from the sound problems of other small venues and the music is just right. I hate clubs and bars where the music is so loud you can't order a drink without screaming. I do hate the giant wall in the center of the club that makes the place seem twice as small as it really is. It is always best to be on the right side of the wall near the entrance because near the bar you can get squished against it or the bar.

Need to know information

Location - 2832 Wilson Blvd, Arlington

Closest Metro - Clarendon (Orange line)

Doors Open - Varies by show

Last Call - 1:30 a.m., club closes at 2 a.m.

Bar - Two full bars, one on each side of the club. The smaller bar by the entrance has faster service and makes better drinks.

Cover Charge - Varies by show, but always in CASH

Parking - Street parking in the neighborhood behind Walgreens on North Franklin

Currency - Cash at the door and cash and card at the bars

Closest ATM - Walgreens directly across the street

Best Place to Smoke - Back patio just for smokers

Restrooms - Male (One at a time), Female (Several stalls), and Handicapped (One at a time)

Food - Sunday through Thursday 5-11 p.m., Friday and Saturday 5 p.m.-midnight. Typical bar food burgers and fries.

Other - No coat check, but there are hangers by the entrance. I would suggest leaving your coat in the car if you drove because these hangers fill up fast and have no security. There are a few seats by the bars, but its standing room only everywhere else. Arrive early to ensure your show isn't sold out.

I would recommend anyone to visit this venue. Also if you don't like the band you can walk in either direction and hit another bar. If you're looking for a good night out and want to listen to some great music I would recommend IOTA to anyone.