Gay area washington dc
Twenty LGBTQ+ Bars Worth Exploring in Washington, DC
The nation's capital city is host to a bustling LGBTQ+ entertainment scene, boasting a plethora of gay and lesbian bars eagerly waiting for you to participate in the merriment.
The diversity inherent within DC's LGBTQ+ community is expanding daily, consequently fostering a vibrant, exciting community with a plethora of bars and clubs to opt from when it's time for drinking, dancing, and revelry. Peruse some of our favorite LGBTQ+-inclusive establishments listed below.
Let's get this party started, you know the deal. Rally all your girlfriends, gays, and theys to kiki all night on U Street. Offering four rooms with diverse atmospheres, outdoor areas, and DJs who consistently deliver, Kiki certainly lives up to its reputation. Come in for happy hour; stay for the weekly events.
Located at 14th and U, DC's first alcohol-free LGBTQ+ bar is invigorating the sober scene with mocktails, music, and plenty of main character vibes. Spark commences the day with coffee, pastries, and cafe charm, and later revs things up at sundown with DJs, drag trivia, and non-alcoholic cocktails that have a kick.
Adjacent to Spark Social House is Crush, a retro-themed cocktail lounge and entertainment hub for anyone and everyone. Event highlights include an all-day happy hour from Tuesday through Thursday, Wednesday Drag Bingo, and Hot Dog Sunday (yes, that implies complimentary weenies).
The proprietors of Number Nine are also behind this stylish spot, which showcases tall, wood-backed booths, quirky paintings, and rooster-print wallpaper. Trade's "XL Happy Hour" occurs every day until 8 p.m. Those aren't all the secrets of Trade, but you'll have to visit in order to discover the remainder.
A two-story lounge and nightclub off U Street proudly functions as DC's singular Black-owned LGBTQ+ bar, designed to satisfy the community's need for an all-embracing venue. The entire establishment pays homage to Black and queer culture, encompassing a mural at the entrance, as well as a staircase gallery of iconic figures such as James Baldwin, Audre Lorde, and the one and only, Beyoncé.
Situated directly in the heart of Adams Morgan's vibrant 18th Street is Pitchers, a gay sports bar, and A League of Her Own, the adjoining bar tailored for lesbian and queer women. Conceptualized by DC LGBTQ+ nightlife veteran Dave Perruzza, this 10,000-square-foot space offers substantial room for games, plus two patios. A sports-centric menu of bar favorites comprises stadium dogs, chicken tenders, and burgers.
The community space and lively hotspot off U Street adds the energy, whether your preference leans towards shaken, stirred, or sassy. By day, indulge in relaxed happy hours within the airy atrium, and by night, look forward to drag shows, karaoke, and RuPaul's Drag Race viewing parties.
Along Dupont Circle's 17th Street, JR's stands as a fixture, as the bar has been serving customers for three decades. Despite the 'Grill' in its name, the popular happy hour location only serves a few light bites, making it a casual retreat with outstanding drink specials and daily events. Check out showtunes on Mondays and a diverse range of other events, including film screenings of your preferred movies and selected brunch happenings.
Green Lantern is a bit of a treasure to find, yet absolutely warrants the search. Tucked away into an otherwise unremarkable alleyway off of Thomas Circle close to Downtown, the bar occupies a converted two-story carriage house. The first level's lounge ambiance is perfected with a central granite bar ideal for observing patrons on the opposing side. Groove to your heart's content on Green Lantern's multi-level dance floor (with disco lights!) and engage in conversation with its bare-chested bartenders, and do not miss the "Shirtless Men Drink Free" event on Thursdays between 10 and 11 p.m.
A casual cafe transforms into a lively lounge and dance floor at As You Are. The delightful Eastern Market establishment welcomes LGBTQIA+ patrons, as well as allies in a vibrant, celebratory space for queer expression and connection. Its exciting calendar of events incorporates themed karaoke nights, open mics, craft nights, drag performances, Latin nights, and maker markets. Service-industry stars Jo McDaniel and Rach 'Coach' Pike sought to establish a safe and supportive haven for guests. Consequently, AYA scrutinizes all bags during peak hours and necessitates enthusiastic consent within its premises.
Envision your artsy friend's apartment ... provided they served craft cocktails, crafted espresso like professionals, and hung a gallery of queer art on every wall. Introducing: Licht, which means 'light'. This intimate and sophisticated space situated on U Street provides upscale snacks and buzzing conversations.
Follow the rhythm down P Street to this iconic dive bar. The Fireplace is recognized for its notably varied clientele, a robust drink selection, and the warm namesake located beside the bar. Head upstairs for black lights and DJs, and those strong beverages will certainly get you dancing throughout the night.
Located in Logan Circle, the Little Gay Pub affirms that size doesn't dictate the experience. Here, it all resides in the fine details. This polished neighborhood gem showcases plush leather seating, vintage charm, striking accents, and 'big gay cocktails' that truly stand out.
This groundbreaking gay sports bar, one of the first to emerge outside Dupont Circle, organizes all sorts of events, such as trivia and drag bingo. Named for the owners' great-grandmother, the bar has numerous televisions in the relaxed downstairs area, and an upstairs patio dance floor that's vibrant until closing.
Number Nine comes to bustling Logan Circle thanks to co-founder Ed Bailey, who assisted in the growth of DC's gay nightlife during his DJ days. Adorned with mirrors, leather banquettes, and dark wood paneling, the lounge is perfect for nighttime socializing. The music video bar situated upstairs is also a must-see, and you can enjoy two-for-one drinks from 7 to 8 p.m.
Larry's Lounge acts as a gay neighborhood pub, offering consistently affordable drinks, solid happy hour deals, delicious pub fare (think: sweet potato tots), and one of the city's friendliest patios (dogs are welcome!). The downstairs area resembles a suburban living room, welcoming and cozy, which serves as a perfect introduction to the bar's home-like atmosphere.
Downstairs at the corner of 14th and U is Bunker, DC's sole LGBTQ+ nightclub. This energetic space emphasizes its name, incorporating industrial decor, flashing countdown clocks, and immersive lighting. Night owls come alive here with electric music, dance parties, and themed nights.
Passing a Peruvian chicken eatery and behind a vintage vending machine, you'll find a place where curiosity is celebrated, and leather is a guarantee. Uncompromising and bold, District Eagle celebrates self-expression, moody lighting, and unexpected connections.
If a dinner and drag show is what you desire, Dupont Italian Kitchen has you covered. This 17th Street landmark located in DC's original 'gayborhood' serves classic Italian dishes downstairs, with karaoke fun upstairs at the lively DIK Bar.