For years, there have been arguments that traditional gay bars are on their way out, with non-gay bars becoming gay hotspots and D.C.’s gayborhood largely transformed. Yet more than ever, the importance of the gay bar cannot be overstated. As President Barack Obama put it, these gathering places are for more than “to be with friends, to dance and to sing, and to live—it is a place of solidarity and empowerment where people have come together to raise awareness, to speak their minds, and to advocate for their civil rights.” Since we last put together this list in 2013, some have come and others have gone—most regrettably, Phase 1, D.C.’s only lesbian bars. But queer nightlife is still going strong, be it at the bars below or the many LGBTQ dance parties we highlighted last year (many of which cater to women).
(Via Facebook)
THE GREEN LANTERN: The Green Lantern touts itself as “proudly serving all of gay DC.” Slightly hidden, you can find the neighborhood bar in an alley just off Thomas Circle. Many liken its friendly atmosphere and personable staff to a real-life “Cheers” experience. Also known for its strong drinks, the decade-old bar’s happy hour gets started at 4 p.m. around the first level’s large granite-topped bar (HH lasts all night long on Mondays through Wednesdays and until 9 p.m. on Thursdays through Sundays). Upstairs, patrons get more of a club-like vibe with a large dance floor, music, lights, and video projections. One of the bar’s signature events, “Shirtless Men Drink Free,” takes place every Thursday. The bar also hosts two weekly karaoke nights (where the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington often makes appearances), dance parties, special events, and more. — Christina Sturdivant
The Green Lantern is located at 1335 Green Court NW.
Photo by Clif Burns.
NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR: Since opening in summer of 2007, Nellie’s has become a crown jewel of D.C.’s gay nightlife scene and as a meeting place for all members of the community. The two-story bar with a large roof deck is known for Wednesday’s “Smart Ass” trivia night, and Drag Brunch on Sundays. While the bar is not typically known for dancing, check out Sunday Fundays an afternoon dance party (3-8 p.m). And, true to its name, it’s an easy place to grab a beer and watch a game. Nellie’s is a hot spot for everyday of the week. — Rohan Mahadevan
Nellie’s Sports Bar is located at 900 U Street NW.
WOOF DEN SPORTS BAR: With the opening Woof Den, D.C. doubled its number of gay sports bars. The new-ish basement bear hangout has won praise for its unpretentious vibe in the midst of Dupont Circle (underneath Salty Dog Tavern). — Rachel Sadon
Woof Den is located at 1723 Connecticut Avenue NW
Photo via Facebook
JR’s BAR & GRILL: Over twenty-five years is a long time for any bar, but that is ancient in gay years. JR’s Bar and Grill has been serving this area for a long time and has always remained a must-go. While the “and Grill” bit of the name is a misnomer as the place doesn’t serve food, JR’s is a great place to listen to music and drink the night away. Monday nights, the bar hosts its legendary show tunes night, perfect for any fan of musical theater. — Rohan Mahadevan
JR’s is located at 1519 17th Street NW.
Photo by Christopher Wiggins.
TOWN DANCEBOUTIQUE: News that the building was sold had us temporarily worried for Town’s future, but club said they aren’t going anywhere. The dance club, in a converted warehouse, is only open on Friday and Saturday nights (aside from a few special events), and it is the spot for weekend fun. Town boasts the area’s best drag show, hosted by Lena Lett and featuring Miss Tatianna (“the Starlet of Town”), who starred in the second season of Ru-Paul’s Drag Race. Set across two floors, the club features a music video party downstairs and a revolving crew of DJ’s upstairs. The club hosts special guests and programming including winners from Drag Race, WTF?-themed parties around holidays, and Bear Happy Hour every Friday. — Rohan Mahadevan
Town is located at 2009 Eighth St NW.
Photo by anokarina.
COBALT: Cobalt has been keeping things fresh since recovering from a fire in 2001. Though it’s actually three venues sharing one building—Level One, the first-floor restaurant; 30degrees, a second-floor bar and lounge; Cobalt, the namesake third-floor dance club—no one will criticize you if you call it all Cobalt. The club is always introducing and hosting new dance parties, including Guys Night Out on Fridays (vodka drinks are free between 11 p.m. and midnight). — Rohan Mahadevan
Cobalt is located at 1639 R Street NW.
(Photo via Facebook)
FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR & RESTAURANT: Never mind the beach theme, the Barbies on the wall, or the pink flamingo that threw up inside, this Arlington bar is a charmer that has been serving patrons for 13 years. A short walk from the Crystal City Metro and with a laid-back vibe, friendly staff, and reasonably priced drinks, Freddie’s is fun any night of the week. Freddie’s hosts karaoke every night of the week, as well as the always amusing Drag Bingo.— Rohan Mahadevan
Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant is located at 555 23rd Street South, Arlington.
Photo By Adam Fagen
LARRY’S LOUNGE: This friendly gay bar has a non-pretentious vibe with cheap drinks. Larry’s remains one of the quietest of all the bars on the list, making it a perfect date spot. The outdoor patio is also offers excellent people-watching, and the whole place is dog friendly. — Rohan Mahadevan
Larry’s Lounge is located at 1840 18th Street NW.
GUERRILLA QUEER BAR: On the first Friday of every month, The Welcoming Committee brings the gay to the (typically straight-focused) bar. The national organization, which has a large local membership, takes over a different venue and brings the party. As they put it: “It’s not a protest—it’s just good, glittery fun.” — Rachel Sadon
The series is going on a temporary hiatus, but check their Facebook page for updates.
(Via Facebook)
ZIEGFELDS’S/SECRETS: There may be just a few years left to enjoy Ziegfeld’s/Secrets at its current location, which offers two levels with very different experiences. The downstairs club, Ziegfeld’s, features DJs and dancing, and is home to the The Ladies of Illusion, starring D.C. personality Destiny B Child’s. Upstairs at Secrets, every Wednesday through Sunday, nude men dance on podiums (if you are feeling up for a little exhibition, Secrets hosts amateur night on Wednesdays and audition night on Thursdays). As the secret, such that it ever was, got out, Secrets has become an increasingly popular spot for bachelorette parties. — Rohan Mahadevan
Ziegfeld’s/Secrets is located at 1824 Half Street SW.
(Photo by Josh)
THE FIREPLACE: “An orthodox rabbi and his congregants walk into a gay bar” isn’t the beginning of a joke (well it probably it is), but a recent story of a diverse group mourning tragedy together. Upon arriving, they found a low-key bar with a welcoming feel that tends to attract a regular crowd. And yes, there is a real fireplace. — Rachel Sadon
The Fireplace is located at 2161 P St NW
Photo from Number Nine’s Facebook.
NUMBER 9: Number 9’s space has gone through many incarnations. First was the super-tacky Halo then even kitschier MOVA. When Ed Bailey and John Guggenmos (formerly of beloved clubs Nation and Tracks, now of Town) opened Number 9 in 2011 they had a lot to prove. By stripping away the neon lights and dated décor, the duo transformed the bar into a speakeasy with dark floors and a solid wood bar. Keeping the buy-one, get-one happy hour of their predecessors, Number 9 is the perfect spot for an after work drink. While the clientele is more suits then shorts, everyone is more than welcome. With the renovation of the second floor, cheekily named 9 ½, the bar has grown with the times and proves it isn’t going anywhere.— Rohan Mahadevan
Number 9 is located at 1435 P Street NW.
(Photo via Facebook)
DC EAGLE: The next time you happen to be riding across the Benning Road bridge that ends at Minnesota Avenue NE, look to your right to see a shirtless, muscular gentleman with wings. The figure’s painting adorns a white three-story warehouse, home to one of the country’s oldest gay leather bars, DC Eagle. The historic institution came out of dinners that took place in the ‘60s—a group of guys hosted meals for motorcyclists and leathermen at a bar on 9th Street NW. After decades of operating in downtown D.C., the owners moved to its new location, east of the Anacostia River, last year. One of the club’s annual events is its “Mr. DC Eagle Contest,” which awards the man who best represents “the traditions and mystique of the bar.” The more than 16,000-square-foot venue has ample indoor and outdoor space for dancing, dining, playing pool, and watching live performances. — Christina Sturdivant
DC Eagle is located at 3701 Benning Road NE.
Other options include: Trade, the Bachelor’s Mill, Dupont Italian Kitchen, and the newly opened Uproar. And as the City Paper chronicled earlier this year, several non-specifically-gay bars have developed a following in the community: Dacha, 1905 Bistro & Bar, and Mr. Henry’s, among them. For more female-focused parties, see our list of LGBTQ nightlife events.
