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Country and western bar brings line dancing (and spare ribs) to Union Market warehouse

By Jeff Clabaugh

Desert 5 Spot, a country and western dance bar that debuted in Los Angeles in 2021 and expanded to New York City last year, has opened its newest venue at a two-story warehouse in D.C.’s Union Market neighborhood.

Desert 5 Spot is named after the desert five-spot flowering plant native to the Southwest U.S. and Mojave Desert.

The D.C. location, at 400 Morse Street, NE, opened Sept. 5, and spans both levels of the warehouse, which was previously home to combination art gallery and restaurant Palette 22.

The Union Market location, operated by Ten Five Hospitality, is all country and western vibe, with a mechanical bull, a vintage Chevy truck that serves as the DJ booth, desert-inspired interior, a rooftop cactus garden terrace, and plenty of retro neon signs.

There is live music nightly, as well as line dancing classes Ten Five Hospitality promises some of the D.C. region’s top musicians.

There are two live music stages, and a menu that includes Nashville Hot Chicken, smoked pork spareribs, brisket sandwiches and cast iron cornbread.

“Desert 5 Spot has always been about great live country music, strong drinks, and zero pretense — just a place where friends can meet and have a good time,” said Dan Daley, managing partner at Ten Five Hospitality. “We’re excited to bring D5 to D.C., a city with a vibrant dining and nightlife scene, and to add something fresh and unique to the mix.”

Cowboy boots aren’t required, but the dress code encourages a country and western look.

“We kindly ask y’all to abide by the country dress code. Cowboys don’t wear athletic shorts, athletic tops, sweatpants or flip-flops. It’s boot country around here,” a dress code on Desert 5 Spot’s website reads.

Desert 5 Spot is open Wednesdays through Sundays. The venue is also available for private parties or events bookings.

Massachusetts court hears arguments in lawsuit alleging Meta designed apps to be addictive to kids

By The Associated Press
BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts' highest court heard oral arguments Friday in the state's lawsuit arguing that Meta designed features on Facebook and Instagram to make them addictive to young users. The lawsuit, filed in 2023 by Attorney General Andrea Campbell, alleges that Meta did this to make a profit and that its actions affected hundreds of thousands of teenagers in Massachusetts who use the social media platforms. “We are making claims based only on the tools that Meta has developed because its own research shows they encourage addiction to the platform in a variety of ways,” said State Solicitor David Kravitz, adding that the state's claim has nothing to do the company's algorithms or failure to moderate content. Meta said Friday that it strongly disagrees with the allegations and is “confident the evidence will show our longstanding commitment to supporting young people.” Its attorney, Mark Mosier, argued in court that the lawsuit “would impose liabilities for performing traditional publishing functions” and that its actions are protected by the First Amendment.
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