This is such a DC 'fun fact'--I wrote a very long paper in high school about the Lincoln assassination and conspiracy and I remember going to karaoke with some friends at Wok & Roll and waiting outside for an Uber and seeing the plaque and shouting "OH MY GOD!!!! THIS IS THE SURRATT HOUSE????" Lmao.

I'm so glad you had a wonderful time. There is so much to do here that if you can come back, you will enjoy it even more the second time around.

Like other commenters have said, it depends on what you deem to be 'better'--if your friend wants clubs that don't charge a cover or require you to be VIP, then sure. But if you want tons of variety, clubs open late, more diversity in terms of types of people...NYC or LA will always win. Sounds like your friend just likes a more low-key scene.