LGBT Guide to Washington, DC
Read up on some of our favorite LGBTQ+-friendly spots below.
Let’s have a … you get it. Check out showtunes on Mondays and a variety of other events including screenings of your favorite movies and select brunch events.
Green Lantern is tough to find, but certainly worth the hunt. However, what the unfamiliar might find most surprising is the lack of pretense and attitude among the bar’s patrons.
Our happy hours are quite popular and nighttime gets even busier with djs playing music videos on the second floor. The dynamic space leans into its name with industrial decor, flashing countdown clocks and immersive lighting. 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.
Here, it’s all in the details. 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.
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.
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Been there, done that? Until about 15 years ago, the most flavor you’d savor in the District came in the form of mumbo sauce. The first floor’s lounge vibe is complete with a central granite bar perfect for peering into patrons on the opposite side.
Some say its cliquey and seedy, others love it.
About Number 9
Number Nine is a two story, indoor-outdoor, lounge and video bar in the heart of Logan Circle. Its exciting events calendar includes themed karaoke nights, open mics, craft nights, drag shows, Latin nights and maker markets. A great, but dimly lit, club for those who love men in leather (or just the smell of them).
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 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.
DJs turn up the volume later in the evening, and weekly events include College Night on Thursdays, and the Curtain Call show tunes night on Saturdays.
Been there, done that? 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.
DC’s version of the popular club offers the usual trappings—pool, pinball and a rock/industrial dance mix. It’s not for the faint of heart: lights go off, clothes check is free, and anything can happen. 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 ...
Phase One now hosts occasional open mic events, jello wrestling and even the odd dance night.