Best Gay Bars in Washington, DC
Globally known as the center of U.S. politics, Washington, DC has more character and diversity than most queer folks may think. Beyond the city’s popular monuments, memorials, and museums, the nation’s capital is home to a few well-known gayborhoods, such as Logan Circle. Quite honestly, queers are everywhere in the District, most likely one of the reasons it was selected as the host city for World Pride 2025.
From a dive bar that has regular jockstrap nights to a hip hangout that attracts the nonbinary reveler searching for the quintessential drag show, DC’s nightlife has a little something for everyone. So, if you’re planning a trip to the nation’s capital for a long weekend or special event such as Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend or Capital Pride – here’s a quick rundown of the most popular LGBTQ+ bars and clubs in Washington, DC.
The District’s Nightlife History
For those who were not residents in the District during the early 2000s, the city’s Navy Yard area was booming with hot nightclubs and bars such as Zeigfield’s, Wet, Edge, and Nation. Unfortunately, the revitalization of the area, including erecting a new soccer stadium (Audi Field) and baseball stadium (Nationals Park), closed a major chapter in the District’s queer history. It forced some bars to close their doors permanently, and it became an unfortunate trend for other bars around the city, too, like the Bachelor’s Mill (Capitol Hill), The DC Eagle (Mount Vernon Square area), Chaos (Dupont Circle), Omega (Dupont Circle), Apex (Dupont Circle), and Cobalt (Dupont Circle).
Dupont Circle
With any city, gentrification and a shift in the city’s demographics dynamically transformed gayborhoods like the once popular Dupont Circle, whereas other parts of the city started to flourish, embracing new LGBTQ+ spaces. However, Dupont Circle is still home to a few watering holes that have remarkably kept their door open to queer patrons for more than two decades.
If you stay in the Dupont Circle area, then you’re within walking distance of local LGBTQ+ institutions, such as The Fireplace (Black gay bar known for its heavy pours), JR’s Bar (neighborhood sports bar), and Dik Bar(hosts Monday night Drag shows and Latin Nights). Queer bar hoppers can grab a late-night/early-morning bite to eat at Annie’s, which just celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2023. And just four blocks from Annie’s, the pet-friendly Larry’s Lounge features an outdoor patio that’s perfect for watching the foot traffic along busy 18th Street.
Adams Morgan
Further north on 18th Street in the Adams Morgan neighborhood, queer tourists will find the two-floor sports bar, Pitchers, which has two outdoor areas as well as an indoor space designated for gaymers. For queer womxn, you can walk to the back of the first floor of Pitchers to find an entrance to A League of Her Own, one of two lesbian bars in DC. The other one is As You Are, located in the DC’s Eastern Market neighborhood.
Logan Circle
Most LGBTQ+ bars in DC are located in Northwest DC, including the Logan Circle area. In fact, it is one of the areas where gay bars started to pop up, especially after more moderate to high-end restaurants opened along 14th Street. In addition to cool restaurant choices, tourists will find Number 9, a hip video bar that has changed its name (and owners) a couple of times since it originally opened in 2004 as Halo.
If you enjoy a nonbinary crowd, drag performances, and a welcoming atmosphere, you should consider walking around the corner to Trade. The bathroom’s vintage porn wallpaper is worth a peek. And you have to love a place that has daily happy hours from opening to 8 pm! Cheers Queers!
Logan Circle’s newest bar, The Little Gay Pub is not only popular because two of its owners have worked at the two aforementioned bars above, but folx flock to this spot because of its menu of delicious seasonal cocktails, spacious outdoor patio, and yep, the eclectic bathroom mirror is getting much love on the Gram – just ask Project Runway winner turn celebrity designer Christian Siriano. Voted the Best LGBTQ+ Bar in DC by Washington Blade readers in 2023, Little Gay Pub has seen its share of political celebs like Nancy Pelosi, a former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.
And finally, the Green Lantern, one of the few remaining fun dive bars, is located in an alleyway at 1335 Green Court. Known for its heavy pours, this bar has a variety of special events and nights, including Latin Karaoke, Shirtless Men Drink Free, Underwear Parties, Glow/Crazy Nights, The Bear Cave, and more!
U Street Corridor
North of Logan Circle, the U Street Corridor neighborhood is now home to several new bars, adding to existing queer spaces such as Nellie’s Sports Bar. It’s not surprising that this area attracts a crowd of lively college students on weekend nights, especially with Howard University located nearby. It’s also a prime spot for the new Black-owned Thurst Lounge located at 2204 14th Street. The new bar provides a Black and Queer safe space that the District has always needed. It’s just around the corner from Bunker, a new nightclub on U Street where LGBTQ+ Washingtonians and out-of-towners can dance until the early morning hour of 3 am.
Across from Nellie’s (corner of U Street and 9th Street), Queer bar hoppers will find Shakers which features a bar and stage for Drag artists to perform in the front and another bar in the backroom with communal seating, hanging plants, and doors to an outdoor patio. In the middle of the same block as Shakers, vacationers can check out Dirty Goose and Kiki, which recently added a cool outdoor area and raised deck.
Last but definitely not least, if you’re looking for the local Bear bar, then head to Uproar Lounge & Restaurant. The rooftop deck on the third floor of the bar is the perfect outdoor space for its regular Beer Bust on Sunday.
In no particular order, my favorite bars are The Little Gay Pub, Trade, Uproar, Green Lantern, Number 9, Pitchers, and even though I haven’t been yet, I will most definitely support Thurst Lounge.
