Vitaminwater Uncapped Live

Did I happen to come to the Vitaminwater Uncapped Live space on an off day? I visited for the vintage pop up shop one weekend and was pretty disappointed. While the space is awesome (I definitely dig the art) and the free Vitaminwater can’t be beat, it wasn’t worth the hype.
I got word that there was gathering of vintage retailers in the area who had a some pieces to sell in the VUL space. I’m generally stoked on vintage anything so was hoping to get access to alot of vintage stuff under one roof. Well, needless to say, it was just barely a step up from thrifting at a Goodwill. Not hating on thrifting (I love me some thrifting) but some of the retailers definitely need a reality check. Garment prices varied between retailers but a majority of the prices did not warrant wearing these digs off the shelf– some dresses ranged in the $ 30 range and upwards but would need some major tailoring in the process. The men’s vintage stuff was barely in attendance but of the few things that they had were at a great price for around $ 10 – 30 for high end brand names.
I’ll definitely have to come back to the space when there’s an individual art showing or a band or dj– seems like the appropriate venue for that type of thing. The pop up shop idea was great in theory but wasn’t all that successful in execution.

I had the pleasure and opportunity to perform stand up comedy here. The place is AMAZING! I will definitely miss it when it is gone. After performing, and stuffing every empty compartment I had on me with free Vitamin Water I made my way upstairs to see some of the coolest art ever. It made me wish I was a whole hell of a lot funnier so that I could afford to bring some of it home with me.
My favorite was on the top floor. If it hasn’t sold, it was a picture of a Star Wars AT-​AT looking down at a Star Wars Walker. DOPENESS

I stopped in because it’s a couple blocks from my apartment, and they were offering a Living Social instant deal for $ 1 drinks. How can I pass up a $ 1 drink on my way home from the metro? After walking in, I was immediately won over by ping pong, pinball, and a whole bunch of random art exhibits. Upon wandering around a bit, I even found a small ball pit! All sorts of random stuff to occupy my ADD self! After amusing ourselves with games and art and ball pits, my husband I wandered down to the bar to grab our $ 1 drink and check out the band for hria bit. I was thrilled to see that they had Bulleit Rye has one of their drink options. Got a shot on the rocks, and it war a really generous pour. For $ 1. And whatever band was playing was pretty good. Not my typical scene, but Bulleit on the rocks + pinball + art + ping pong + ball pit + live music equals a very happy Allyson.

This place was amazing and unlike any other place I have been to in DC, way too hipster =P
One part of its amazing-​ness, is the FREE unlimited Vitaminwater everywhere. They have bins and fridges stocked full of it! Bring your bags ladies :)
I went during the art whino G-​40 summit so the whole place was set up as an exhibit for new modern art created by artists all over the word. The place had a really chill, urban, warehouse feel atmosphere.
There are five/​four levels.
There is the dungeon, I think its where they hold dances/​raves. 18+ woot.
There is the first floor that has a lounge, w/​nice lighting and a ping pong table. The other part of the first floor is another decently sized dance area.
The three (might be two, I don’t remember) other levels, when I went had the art exhibit going on. There were many different rooms.
I think the graffiti in the stairwells is amazing. The graffiti on the walls is not just décor – its art. When you look closely there are different quotes, like I saw one from Henry IV, on the walls. Makes a great place for an urban-​y/​street photo shoot.
I think in the future they will hold many different events and exhibits in this space. I won’t hesitate to go back b/​c it’s such a funky cool place.
Definitely check out the place with friends when you have the chance! Check the website for events.

3.25 stars. Let’s not get carried away. This space is scenester chic and basically a haven for those who associate with the BYT crowd. While that isn’t necessarily awful, it lacks an authenticity and spirit that I associate with truly independent businesses and reeks of trying too hard. That said, the artwork is pretty cool, the crowd is rather young (though painfully predictable — as I explained to one friend, this is the crowd of people who did moderately well at decent universities, haven’t really accomplished anything of real substance in their own careers, and have an odd insecurity complex about not being real artists), and there is enough space to move around if you don’t like the DJs. I think I have outgrown this scene? In any event, if you are between the ages of 23 – 27 and live in either U Street or Columbia Heights by choice, you will probably think you are super cool for going here.

I agree with Brian B.; this place is WAY too cool for DC. I will be so sad to see it go in just a few short weeks. If I didn’t LOVE what the DJ was playing at the time, I would just run to another room to dance to something awesome there. Excellent for my ADD! The DJs were awesome, loved the free Vitamin Water, and the art work is definitely cool to check out! If anyone’s looking for me in the next few weeks, I’d check there first!

Um, wow.
In many ways, this space is actually too cool for DC. For starters, they give away free Vitaminwater. Yup, just give it away. They have tie-​ins with some of the coolest DC start-​ups, including Living Social and BYT. They have a number of cool and, for the most part, free and hassle-​free events, and the décor is to die for.
It’s hard not to get excited about the space. Open for less than a week and you have a killer BYT opening party that half the town went to, and you have Friendly Fires do a free DJ set after a local show. The sound system in both the main rooms is top-​notch, and the lighting and ambience is very pro. Hell, the stuff on the walls alone makes Vitaminwater a destination, let alone the talent they pull.
I wondered in on an emerging band who supported their hobby by covering songs and bringing bringing in singers from the crowd.
Again, this place may be too cool for us, and it breaks my heart that it may leave us soon.