2009 has marked the emergence of Washington Avenue as the new center of Houston’s nightlife. The three-mile corridor, which was all but desolate just a few seasons ago, is now a thriving hotspot for the city’s trendy young professionals. Thanks to the openings of a variety of upscale restaurants, bars and nightclubs, Washington Avenue has quickly joined the ranks of Midtown, Montrose and Rice Village as the place to be on Friday and Saturday nights.

Washington Avenue, also known simply as Washington, provides meeting planners with a great opportunity to showcase to their corporate groups the leisure side of Houston. Professionals are rarely on business mode all the time, so by arranging an evening of enjoyable entertainment, planners will ensure that their attendees are well-rested for the remainder of their scheduled conference, convention or trade show. If planners are preparing a social outing or an appreciation event for a group of employees, then Washington’s flashy venues are set to provide the perfect backdrops for lasting memories.

The benjy’s franchise has opened their second location on Washington, providing the same New American menu that has made its Rice Village location a favorite among Houston foodies. The restaurant bills itself as a uniquely Houston dining experience, which is certainly true in large part to the local produce that’s used in the kitchen combined with the international flavors that make up the diverse city. Of course, no credible Houston restaurant would be complete without a large helping of Texas hospitality, which provides a comfortable atmosphere in an upscale environment.

benjy’s happy hour is everyday from 4p.m.-7 p.m. A notable menu of five dollar appetizers includes crispy calamari, warm pistachio crusted goat cheese cakes, salmon sashimi, pan-seared pork dumplings and margherita pizza. Guests can also choose from daily selections of red, white and sparkling wine for five dollars a glass or can opt for one of the restaurant’s famous mixed drinks for the same price, including Myers Platinum mojitos, strawberry-tinis, blood orange margaritas and citrus blossoms.

For a distinctly international flavor, Catalan Food & Wine offers the best in Spanish-oriented cuisine. Restaurateurs Charles Cook and Grant Cooper are no strangers to culinary creations of the Iberian Peninsula, as their Ibiza Food & Wine Bar has tantalized Midtown diners for the last few years.

The Catalan dining facility is a breathtaking combination of old world grandeur and sleek contemporary style. Even more impressive is the restaurant’s carefully crafted menu inspired by the cuisine of the Catalonia region of Spain. It’s one of the few places in Houston where food enthusiasts can find seared duck breast, seafood stew, lamb chop Fabada, seared Berkshire pork chops and masala spiced grouper. Spanish dining is known for its small plate options and Catalan doesn’t disappoint in this arena. Guests can savor crispy crabmeat croquettes, spicy garlic gulf shrimp, oxtail lettuce wraps, foie gras au Torchon and roasted lamb stuffed piquilllo peppers. A comprehensive wine list that is unrivaled by any other in the city puts the final touches to a perfect meal.

Meeting planners should note that Catalan also specializes in private dining, making it a perfect location for exclusive group gatherings. The Basque Room can accommodate 50 guests and provides an ambience that can only be described as elegant, refined and quintessentially Spanish. Ceilings framed in Brazilian cherry wood, beautiful lighting and a wall-length wine display create an exquisite backdrop for both corporate and social events.

Soma Sushi is another restaurant on Washington that features private dining space for a more private, intimate experience. The second floor, which overlooks the rest of the restaurant, can be reserved for gatherings of all kinds. Patrons can choose to have their party dine from the restaurant’s regular menu or arrange for a gourmet buffet or a 12-course sampler menu.

Soma Sushi fills the corridor’s need of a fine dining Asian restaurant. Soma not only specializes in sushi and Japanese cooking, but also offers a diverse menu representing several Asian cuisines. However, the main draw is the affordably priced sushi selections. Sushi has become a favorite starter meal to a night of lively entertainment, so oftentimes patrons of Soma will see the same crowd throughout Washington’s bars and nightclubs later in the night. It’s a great place for sushi lovers to stock up on their favorite pieces of nigiri, sashimi and specialty rolls, as well as popular fillers such as edamame, miso soup and crab cakes.

The cocktail hour menu features crown royal-, bacardi- and cuervo gold-based drinks served to the customer’s order for only six dollars. The martini selections start at the same price and include an assortment of delightful flavors such as ginger-lemon, pomegranate, guava, mango and lychee. Sake, beer and wine options are available for prices under five dollars while the cocktail hour food menu features great sushi and appetizer selections for less than ten dollars.

It should be noted that in the coming months, Soma Sushi will begin its planned catering operations, which will allow planners to have exceptional Japanese, Chinese or Vietnamese cuisine delivered to the event venue of their choice.

James Beard Award nominee Monica Pope has brought casual dining and barbeque to Washington with Beavers, a much acclaimed restaurant concept that celebrates the Texas nuances of live-fire slow cooking. Beavers is the antithesis of Washington fine dining in spirit and décor, with an emphasis on great tasting comfort food and good company. With an appetizer menu entitled “Dam Good Place to Start,” guests know they’re in for a fun time from the very beginning.

All Beavers’ barbeque is smoked using oak and maple for a truly original taste that can’t be found anywhere else. Whether it’s ribs, brisket or sausage links, Beavers has all of its barbeque bases covered.

Beavers has also gained a reputation for featuring a drink menu that is as fun as it is sophisticated. Patrons can enjoy a full bar complete with all of the expected beers, including brews specifically designed to complement the spicy zest of the food menu. Cocktails made with fine spirits, savory wines and Beavers’ signature “Beer-tails” are all part of the restaurant’s enjoyable and memorable experience.

One of the most popular bars on Washington is Ei8ht, a club known for enforcing a strict dress code of trendy apparel. The difficulty of getting through the doors is countered by the exhilarating experience guests can expect once inside. The club’s most impressive space is the roof top bar that features impressive views of the Houston skyline and the surrounding Washington establishments. With a full bar, two lounge areas and plenty of tables and chairs, it’s a great spot to enjoy a few drinks with a group of friends and colleagues.

Ei8ht also features a pleasant side bar right next to the main club and dance floor. The side bar menu includes an exciting list of wines that can be ordered by the glass or by the bottle, as well as tangy fresh fruit martinis and savory classic cocktails. It’s a nice nook for professionals to enjoy a few hours of respite after a long work day.

The Drake is the perfect example of how Washington’s unused historic buildings have been transformed into relevant venues for today’s chic crowds. The former warehouse is now a two-story, 7,000 square-foot club space unlike any other in Houston. The interior design is inspired by Victorian decorative arts and gothic romance literature for a high-end atmosphere that’s as interesting as the DJ’s playlist.

The Drake features four private rooms that can accommodate groups of up to 400 guests. Each room is furnished with posh lounge furniture and tables, creating the perfect atmosphere to enjoy bottle service and exclusive club amenities. Three bars located throughout the facility provide a variety of sultry beverages, including hand-mixed cocktails and specialty cocktails.

Blue Label Lounge is another of Washington’s upscale nightclubs. The interior décor is reminiscent of what can be found in the LA club scene: minimalist black seating, neon emblazoned walls and backlit bars that literally glow in the dark. Taking a cue from its name, the color design is kept to a blue palette, which provides a peaceful, relaxing ambience despite the large crowds that often gather here on the weekend. Blue Label Lounge is best suited for groups who are ready to hit the dance floor, as the music mix often includes techno, top 40 hits and salsa.

For a more down-to-earth experience, Pearl Bar offers an exciting atmosphere, diverse crowd and great music without the strict dress code enforcement of other Washington establishments. Pearl Bar is the place for adults who don’t mind a college fraternity/sorority environment. The outdoor patio deck is known for its beer game set-ups, with no extra fee required to play. The patio is one of the more spacious venues on Washington and ensures patrons plenty of seating even when the indoor component is completely full.

The recreational possibilities of Washington Avenue don’t end with these eight venues. Due to the sudden interest in the area and the construction of several high-rise residential projects, Washington is continuing to attract the city’s established restaurateurs and prospective club owners. Visiting meeting professionals won’t want to miss the opportunity to play in Houston’s trendiest new entertainment district, which has even been profiled in The New York Times’ travel section. Planners will want to make reservations for tables and VIP service, as establishments on Washington can become crowded on the weekends. An exclusive party on Washington is the perfect reward for business professionals in need of an evening of relaxation and good times.