Named after Napoleon’s wife, ‘Josephine’ opened in February 2008 and offers an exclusive grandeur fit for an emperor. Those on the guest list can mingle and drink with some of Washington’s prettiest people in the elegant 5,500 square foot upscale lounge.

Stunning on Saturday and come midnight, the ‘other side’ of the velvet rope is so crowded that one might think the glamorous lounge is giving away free Grey Goose cocktails inside. Co-owner David Karim says the crush at the door is because of 22 private tables, reserved for parties that agree to spend a minimum amount for guaranteed priority admission and bottled service. “Approximately 80 people (maximum) without reservations are allowed inside on an average Saturday” but the demographics change, as there are about five people outside waiting per one guest inside.

The Josephine experience feels like an event, with modern design spurned in favor of ornate furnishings and gold walls - into a thrilling, voyeuristic celebration of success and excess. Those without a table stand in circles of prestige, power, and pairs around the seated who lounge comfortably on the Christopher Guy-designed furniture.

Once the fortunate few are waved in by the well-developed/well-dressed ‘Hosts’ in their athletic-fit black suits, the proud guests then find a cavernous underground space that has a retro-chic French touch. The sides of the room are lined with elegant overstuffed couches and settees covered with bright fabrics, with sturdy coffee tables strong enough to support drinking glasses and large champagne vases full of ice.

Large flamboyant chandeliers cascade over the bar, the walls feature flocked wallpaper, and the pattern-covered columns resemble a contemporary Versailles. Down a short flight of stairs is a sunken area with the main dance floor and more comfortable couches, with raised platforms for dancers in sexy dress and stylish costumes. A sunken level outlined with banquettes features a dance floor that is enhanced by premier sound and intelligent lighting equipment. With its calculated racy edge, Josephine identifies as not only one of the most exclusive clubs in the Nation’s Capital, but also a leader in the nightlife and entertainment industry... which makes the luxury venue ‘no easy walk in the park’ for just anyone to buy their way in.

National celebrities and international VIPs dance on couches and tables, or anywhere else they can find space. Through a guarded door is the Gold Room, with wallpaper depicting gigantic gold bracelets and necklaces with couches and bar following the same color scheme. There’s a separate sound system and DJ, so that Gold Room guests can rock to hip-hop while
the main room grooves to tribal house music. The acoustics at Josephine are among the best in the city, with crisp highs and deep bass no matter where you stand.

The cost of admission and cocktails is priceless, depending on your attitude toward fashion, society, and consumption in a capitalist society. But whether you love-to-hate it or hate-to-love it, Josephine is for those with something to celebrate.