Dc gay

Think again, my friend.

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Thanks for subscribing! The clientele is mostly (not entirely) African-American, and if your brother is straight, he’s welcome too.

She opened Lace in late 2008, as a restaurant and lounge. Friendly, flirty, and totally diverse.

Green Lantern – Best for Shirtless Thursdays (& More). There are special-event dance nights, too, but the real action is the cruising.

Bar staff move at lightning speed to serve customers in this tight space.

It’s not for the faint of heart: lights go off, clothes check is free, and anything can happen. Dimly lit but welcoming and warm, it’s an ideal spot to spend a winter afternoon; in spring and summer, its outdoor patio gets lively.

Linda McAllister arrived in Washington expecting to find a plethora of lesbian bars, but instead encountered a rather barren nightlife scene.

This two-level bar serves up neighborhood vibes downstairs and wild party nights upstairs. Read up on some of our favorite LGBTQ+-friendly spots below.

Let’s have a … you get it. But, as with any city’s gentrification pattern, wherever gays and lesbians move, gay and lesbian bars are sure to follow.

Been there, done that?

The first floor’s lounge vibe is complete with a central granite bar perfect for peering into patrons on the opposite side.

This 17th Street landmark in DC’s original “gayborhood” serves up classic Italian eats downstairs and karaoke fun upstairs at the lively DIK Bar.

DC Gay Nightlife: Best Bars, Clubs & Events (2025)

Trade – Best Queer Hangout with Strong Pours.

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. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

About Number 9

Number Nine is a two story, indoor-outdoor, lounge and video bar in the heart of Logan Circle.

Event highlights include all-day happy hour Tuesday through Thursday, Wednesday Drag Bingo and Hot Dog Sunday (yes, that means free weenies).

The owners of Number Nine are also responsible for this stylish spot, sporting tall wood-backed booths, offbeat paintings and rooster-print wallpaper. The polished neighborhood gem features plush leather seating, vintage charm, striking accents and “big gay cocktails” that show up and show out.

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.

With four rooms of varied vibes, outdoor spaces and DJs that never miss, Kiki lives up to its name. Trade's "XL Happy Hour" is every day until 8 p.m. 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.

The bar recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, no mean feat in a business where operations come and go with alarming regularity. 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!).

Think again, my friend.

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