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The nation's capital is home to a lively LGBTQ+ nightlife scene with plenty of gay and lesbian bars just waiting for you to join in on the fun.
At 14th and U, DC’s first booze-free LGBTQ+ bar is lighting up the sober scene with mocktails, music and plenty of main-character energy. Spark kickstarts the day with coffee, pastries and cafe charm, then turns it up at sundown with DJs, drag trivia and zero-proof cocktails that pack a punch.
The owners of Number Nine are also responsible for this stylish spot, sporting tall wood-backed booths, offbeat paintings and rooster-print wallpaper. Trade's "XL Happy Hour" is every day until 8 p.m. Those aren’t all the tricks of the Trade, but you’ll have to visit to encounter the rest.
A two-level lounge and nightclub off U Street proudly serves as DC’s only Black-owned LGBTQ+ bar, created to quench the community’s thirst for an inclusive space. The whole venue pays homage to Black and queer culture, from a mural at the entrance to a staircase gallery of icons like James Baldwin, Audre Lorde and the queen herself, Beyoncé.
Situated right in the heart of Adams Morgan’s bustling 18th Street is Pitchers, a gay sports bar, and A League of Her Own, the adjacent bar for lesbian and queer women. The brainchild of DC LGBTQ+ nightlife veteran Dave Perruzza, the 10,000-square-foot space features plenty of room for games as well as two patios. A sports-themed menu of bar favorites includes stadium dogs, chicken tenders and burgers.
The community space and lively hot spot off U Street brings the energy, whether you prefer shaken, stirred or sassy. By day, enjoy chill happy hours in the airy atrium, and by night, expect drag shows, karaoke and RuPaul’s Drag Race watch parties.
Along Dupont Circle's 17th Street, JR’s is a mainstay, as the bar has been serving patrons for three decades. Despite the “Grill” in the title, the popular happy hour spot only serves a few small bites, making it a casual retreat with impressive drink specials and daily events. Check out showtunes on Mondays and a variety of other events including screenings of your favorite movies and select brunch events.
The Shaw neighborhood bar is Sunday Funday central, especially when the popular rooftop can be enjoyed to the fullest. Hit the top floor for music and dancing with a side of jumbo wings.
Green Lantern is tough to find, but certainly worth the hunt. Tucked into an otherwise unassuming alleyway off of Thomas Circle near Downtown, the bar is located in a converted two-story carriage house. The first floor’s lounge vibe is complete with a central granite bar perfect for peering into patrons on the opposite side. Groove to your heart’s content on Green Lantern’s multi-level dance floor (with disco lights!) and chat with its bare-chested bartenders, and don’t miss the “Shirtless Men Drink Free” event on Thursdays from 10 to 11 p.m.
A casual cafe converts into a lively lounge and dance floor at As You Are. The charming Eastern Market establishment welcomes LGBTQIA+ patrons and allies in a vibrant, celebratory space for queer expression and connection. Its exciting events calendar includes themed karaoke nights, open mics, craft nights, drag shows, Latin nights and maker markets. Service-industry stars Jo McDaniel and Rach “Coach” Pike wanted to create a haven where guests can feel safe and supported, so AYA checks all bags at peak hours and requires enthusiastic consent in the space.
Imagine your artsy friend’s apartment ... if they served craft cocktails, pulled espresso like a pro and hung a gallery of queer art on every wall. Enter: Licht, meaning “light”. The intimate and sophisticated space on U Street offers upscale snacks and buzzing conversations.
Follow the beat down P Street to this iconic dive bar. The Fireplace is known for its notably diverse crowd, robust drink selection and warm namesake beside the bar. Head upstairs for black lights and DJs, and those strong drinks should have you dancing all night.
Located in Logan Circle, the Little Gay Pub proves that size doesn’t matter. Here, it’s all in the details. The polished neighborhood gem features plush leather seating, vintage charm, striking accents and “big gay cocktails” that never miss.
This pioneering gay sports bar, one of the first to open outside of Dupont Circle, hosts all sorts of events, like trivia and drag bingo. Named for the owners' great-grandmother, the bar boasts dozens of TVs in the relaxed downstairs, and an upstairs patio dance floor that goes strong until close.
Number Nine comes to the bustling Logan Circle courtesy of co-founder Ed Bailey, who helped DC’s gay nightlife scene to grow during his days as a DJ. Decked out in mirrors, leather banquettes and dark wood paneling, the lounge is perfect for nighttime socialization. The music video bar upstairs is also a must-see and enjoy two-for-one drinks from 7-8 p.m.
Larry’s Lounge is a gay neighborhood pub, with always-affordable drinks, solid happy hour specials, mouth-watering pub fare (see: sweet potato tots) and one of the city’s friendliest patios (you can bring your dog, too!). The downstairs area resembles a suburban living room, cozy and welcoming upon entrance, the perfect intro to the bar’s home-like atmosphere.
Through a Peruvian chicken joint and behind a vintage vending machine is a place where curiosity is encouraged and leather is guaranteed. Bold and unapologetic, District Eagle celebrates self-expression, moody lighting and unexpected connections.
If dinner and a drag show is your thing, Dupont Italian Kitchen has you covered. This 17th Street landmark in DC’s original “gayborhood” serves up classic Italian eats downstairs and karaoke fun upstairs at the lively DIK Bar.
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