The club was founded in 1993 by former Gray Matter drummer Dante Ferrando, along with a group of investors (including D.C. area native, Nirvana drummer, and future Foo Fighters leader Dave Grohl)[1][2] and quickly established itself as a venue for independent music.

While the Black Cat is most known for its support of indie rock, featured musical acts include metal, punk, and electronic, as well as DJ/dance nights.

The first floor of the club also contained a no-cover bar/lounge called the "Red Room", and the "Food For Thought" café.

The building that the Black Cat now operates in used to be a dance club called The Cage, and before that, Mattos Paints.

[5] The Black Cat is served by the U Street station on the Washington Metro, about three blocks from the stop.