Bar guide

[District of Columbia] [Maryland] [Northern Virginia] [Baltimore]

WASHINGTON, DC

View Washington D.C. Gay Bar Guide in a larger map

9:30 Club

[map]
815 V St., NW
Washington, DC 20001
202-265-0930
930.com

Popular concert venue in north west, hosts Washington’s leg of national gay male D.J. set Blowoff six times a year.

Academy of Washington

[photo galleries of The Academy]
thewashingtonacademy.com

Longtime organizers of drag events in the city; most events held at Ziegfeld’s. See web site for full list of upcoming events.

Annie’s

[map]
1609 17th St., NW
Washington, DC 20009
202-232-0395

In Dupont Circle area; popular longtime restaurant and steakhouse with recently renovated Upstairs Lounge.

Bachelor’s Mill

[map]
1104 8th St., SE
Washington, DC 20003
202-544-1931
TheBachelorsMill.com

Longtime bar popular with African-American men in Capitol Hill area.

Banana Café

[map]
500 8th St., SE
Washington, DC 20003
202-543-5906
bananacafedc.com

Popular Capitol Hill area restaurant and bar (Eastern Market Metro) for both men and women. Features Cuban, Mexican and Puerto Rican cuisine.

Black Fox Lounge

[map]
1723 Connecticut Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20009
202-483-1723
blackfoxlounge.com

Black Fox Lounge is an old world repose located two blocks north of Dupont Circle. Hosts gay/drag cabaret Agent Galactica happy hour show the second and fourth Friday of each month.

Blowoff

[map]
815 V St., NW
Washington, DC 20001
blowoff.us

Created by musicians Bob Mould and Richard Morel, Blowoff is an occasional dance event popular with men. Events are held in clubs around the country; D.C.’s Blowoff parties are held at the 9:30 club in the popular U Street corridor.

B.O.I. Productions

[photo galleries of B.O.I. Productions]
boimarketing.com

Organizes regular women’s events around town. Check web site for updated information.

Bruxxsel

facebook.com/bruxxsel

A monthly dance party that brings to DC sweet sounds from the streets of Brussels (ie. from all over Europe and beyond). Location rotates, check site for details.

Cobalt

[map] [photo galleries of Cobalt]
1639 R St., NW
Washington, DC 20009
202-462-6569
cobaltdc.com

In Dupont Circle area; part of complex of LGBT businesses at this address, including Level One restaurant on street level and 30 Degrees bar. Known for parties like CTRL, and Bearracuda.

Code

codedc.com (link NSFW)

Gear/uniform party hosted at the Green Lantern on the first Saturdays of every month. Code XXX is a gay gear/BDSM event held the third Friday of every month at The Crucible. Dress code strictly enforced for both.

Crew Club

[map]
1321 14th St., NW
Washington, DC 20005
202-319-1333
crewclub.net

Men’s 24-hour gym in Logan Circle area, featuring steam rooms, lounges, private dressing rooms and more.

The Crucible

[map]
16 M St., NE
Washington, DC 20002
the-crucible.com (some links from this site NSFW)

Members only private club in Washington D.C., the Crucible, hosts gay gear/BDSM party Code XXX on the third Friday of every month.

DC Eagle

[map] [photo galleries of DC Eagle]
639 New York Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20001
202-347-6025
dceagle.com

The popular Levi/leather bar’s origins date to the 1960s. Features billiards, regular tournaments and other special events. Located near the convention center, two blocks north of Gallery Place Metro. Known for parties like Otter Xing.

Delta Elite

[map]
3734 10th St. NE
Washington, DC 20017
202-546-5979
thedeltaelite.com

Longtime bar popular with African-American men in Brookland neighborhood; hosts regular ladies night. Check web site for special events.

Dupont Italian Kitchen (DIK Bar)

[map]
1637 17th St., NW
Washington, DC 20009
202-328-0100
dupontitaliankitchen.com

In Dupont Circle area, above Dupont Italian Kitchen.

Duplex Diner

[map] [photo galleries of Duplex Diner]
2004 18th St., NW
Washington, DC 20009
202-265-9599
duplexdiner.com

Popular restaurant and bar in the Adams Morgan area; happy hour specials and many other special events. See web site for updated schedule. Known for parties like Breakfast Club.

FAB Lounge

[map]
1805 Connecticut Ave NW
Washington, DC 20009
202-797-1122

In Dupont Circle area; popular with men but hosts regular women’s events.

Fireplace

[map]
2161 P St., NW
Washington, DC 20037
202-293-1293
fireplacedc.com

In Dupont Circle area; neighborhood bar popular with men.

Fuego Salvaje / Cafe Asia

[map]
1720 I St NW
Washington, DC 20006
facebook.com/Fuego-Salvaje-Cafe-Asia

Latin gay club open every Friday at 10:30 p.m. until 3:00 a.m. $10 at door, 21 and over only.

Galactica Happy Hour Show

pinkhairedone.com

Gay/drag cabaret second and fourth Friday of each month from 6-9 p.m. hosted at Black Fox Lounge.

Gay Bash!

[map]
1811 14th Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20009
202-667-4490
blackcatdc.com/events/gay-bash

A Queer Night of Rock & Pop Gems w/ DJs Joshua and Dean at the Black Cat D.C. $5 Backstage / Doors at 10:00.

Glorious Health Club

[map]
2120 West Virginia Ave., NE
Washington, DC 20002
202-269-0226
ghcdc.com

Health Spa built with Art Gallery providing providing a therapeutic relaxing 24 hour experience for the Adult Male. Open 24hours 7days/week Steam Room Maze $10.00 Day Entry, $20.00 Night time Entry

Green Lantern

[map]
1335 Green Court, NW
Washington, DC 20005
greenlanterndc.com
twitter.com/greenlanterndc

Friendly bar for men hosts regular happy hours and special events, including karaoke and shirtless drink special nights. Check web site for details. McPherson Square Metro. Known for parties like Code.

Hot Sauce

facebook.com/richmorelshotsauce

As a DJ, Morel is one half of BLOWOFF. In addition to Morel’s DJ set this party has included live performances by artists on Morel’s label Outsider Music, and KID recordings.

JR.’s

[map]
1519 17th St., NW
Washington, DC 20036
202-328-0090
jrsbar.com

Longtime friendly Dupont Circle area bar popular with men; videos, regular special events.

Lace

[map]
2214 Rhode Island Ave., NE
Washington, DC 20018
202-832-3888
lacedc.com

Every night is ladies night at Lace; features regular special events for women in Brookland neighborhood. Check web site for details on happy hour specials.

Larry’s Lounge

[map]
1836 18th St., NW
Washington, DC 20009
202-483-1483

Dupont Circle area bar and restaurant popular with both men and women.

MIXTAPE

Different locations
mixtapedc.com
twitter.com/MIXTAPEdc

Alternative dance party for queer men and women featuring electro, alt-pop, indie rock, house, disco and New Wave. Check web site for schedule of events.

MOVA

[map] [photo galleries of MOVA]
2204 14 St., NW
Washington, DC 20009
202-629-3958
movalounge.com

Trendy 14th Street bar and lounge popular with men features regular happy hour and other specials.

Nellie’s Sports Bar

[map] [photo galleries of Nellie’s Sports Bar]
900 U St., NW
Washington, DC 20001
202-332-6355
nelliessportsbar.com

Sports bar featuring poker events, drag bingo, trivia contests and other specials. Popular bar with massive outdoor deck and plenty of TVs for watching sports.

Number 9

[map] [photo galleries of Number 9]
1435 P St., NW
Washington, DC 20005
202-986-0999
numberninedc.com

Number Nine is the ninth (and newest) offering from the partnership that has given Washington, D.C.’s gay community a history of substantial nightlife options for over two decades.

Peach Pit

[map]
1940 9th St., NW
Washington, DC 20001
facebook.com/peachpit
dcnine.com

Hosted at DC9, next door to Nellie’s, DC’s favorite monthly dance party celebrating the decade of Crystal Pepsi, Hypercolor tees, and Doc Martens.

Phase 1

[map] [photo galleries of Phase 1 of Capitol Hill]
525 8th St., SE
Washington, DC 20003
202-544-6831
phase1dc.com
twitter.com/phase1dc

The Phase opened in 1970 and remains a popular lesbian bar and club. Features regular special events, including Jell-O wrestling, 80s theme nights and more. Check web site for details.

Phase 1 of Dupont

[map] [photo galleries of Phase 1 of Dupont]
1415 22nd St. NW
Washington, DC 20037
202-974-6832
phase1dc.com
twitter.com/phase1dc

In Dupont Circle area; popular with women. Check website for details.

Remingtons

[map] [photo galleries of Remingtons]
639 Pennsylvania Ave., SE
Washington, DC 20003
202-543-3113
remingtonswdc.com
twitter.com/remingtonsWDC

Nightclub in Capitol Hill neighborhood with more than 6,000 square feet of space for dancing and billiards. One half block west of Eastern Market Metro.

Rock & Roll Hotel

[map]
1353 H Street N.E
Washington, DC 20002
202-388-7625
rockandrollhoteldc.com

Popular H Street music performance venue and bar. Hosts monthly Bear Nonsesne’s Bear Happy Hour @ RnR.

She.Rex

[map]
@Chief Ike’s Mambo Room
1725 Columbia Rd., NW
Washington, DC 20009
202-332-2211
chiefikes.com

Second Friday of the month at Chief Ike’s Mambo Room is SHE.REX – A Queer Rock n’ Roll Party (upstairs).

Town Danceboutique

[map] [photo galleries of Town Danceboutique]
2009 8th St., NW
Washington, DC 20001
202-234-TOWN
towndc.com

Dance club and bar popular with men and women, features regular drag performances. U Street Metro. Known for parties like D.C. Bear Crue’s weekly Bear Happy Hour.

Ultra bar

[map] [photo galleries of Ultra bar]
911 F St., NW
Washington, DC 20004
ultrabardc.com
twitter.com/UltraBar

Large dance club with gay-friendly events and vibe located downtown near Metro Center.

UNIVERSAL

[map]
@Tropicalia
2001 14th St., NW
Washington, DC 20009
202-629-4535

A monthly “polysexual” (read LGBT and LGBT-friendly) party featuring DJ Kostas of Lizard Lounge fame behind the decks. No cover, 21+.

Where the Girls Go

wherethegirlsgo.com
Queer women’s event in D.C. area. Check website for latest info.

Ziegfeld’s/Secrets

[map] [photo galleries of Ziegfeld's/Secrets]
1824 Half St., SW
Washington, DC 20024
202-863-0670
secretsdc.com

Featuring all-nude male dancers Wednesdays-Sundays, drag performances, large dance floor and many regular special events, contests and more. Large parking lot available; located in Buzzard’s Point warehouse district.

BALTIMORE

1722

[map]
1722 N. Charles St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
410-547-8423
club1722.com

Multi-level after-hours dance club attracts a mixed crowd but remains gay-friendly.

Drinkery

[map]
205 W. Read St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
410-225-3100
plus.google.com/100406000257265127958

Another of Baltimore’s friendly neighborhood bars in Mount Vernon featuring billiards, jukebox and welcoming service.

Gallery

[map]
1735 Maryland Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21201
410-539-6965

Longtime bar and restaurant popular with African-American clientele.

Grand Central

[map]
1001 N. Charles St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
410-752-7133
centralstationpub.com

Large entertainment complex featuring friendly pub, lesbian bar Sappho’s upstairs and a dance club on the first floor.

Hippo

[map] [photo galleries of Hippo]
1 W. Eager St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
410-547-0069
clubhippo.com

Large club popular with men and women featuring billiards, top DJs/dancing, karaoke, videos and more. Opened in 1972, Hippo’s motto is “where everyone is welcome.”

Jay’s on Read

[map]
225 W. Read St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
410-225-0188

Piano bar attracts a mostly male crowd, though welcoming to women and straight patrons.

Leon’s/Tyson Place

[map]
870 Park Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21201
410-539-4993
leonsbaltimore.tripod.com

In business for more than 50 years, Leon’s is the oldest gay bar in Baltimore and among the oldest in the country. Friendly bar with jukebox gets especially busy on Sunday nights. Tyson Place is a restaurant bar located behind Leon’s with a separate entrance.

Quest

[map]
3607 Fleet St.
Baltimore, MD 21224
410-563-2617
questbarbaltimore.com

Neighborhood bar in Highlandtown area is popular with men and women and offers billiards.

Sapphos

[map]
1001 N. Charles St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
410-752-7133
centralstationpub.com

Part of the Grand Central complex, Sappho’s attracts a lesbian crowd and offers comfy couches, outdoor patio and more in its second floor location.

ZiascoZ

[map]
1313 E. Pratt St.
Baltimore, MD 21231
410-276-5790
ziascoz.com

A lesbian-owned bar in Baltimore.

ARLINGTON, VA

Freddie’s Beach Bar

[map] [photo galleries of Freddie’s Beach Bar]
555 23rd St. South
Arlington, VA 22202
703-685-0555
freddiesbeachbar.com

Freddie Lutz’s Virginia establishment includes a restaurant and friendly bar, regular specials and is popular with men and women. Crystal City Metro.

LAUREL, MD

PW’s

[map]
9855 N. Washington Blvd.
Laurel, MD 20723
301-498-8202
pwssportsbar.com

Restaurant and bar is popular with gay and lesbian sports fans and is known for its superb burgers.

BOONSBORO, MD

The Lodge

[map]
21614 National Pike
Boonsboro, MD 21713
301-591-4434
thelodgemd.com
facebook.com/thelodgemd

Favorite for both men and women, billiards, dancing, drag, bear/leather, karaoke. Local and guest D.J.s play the latest Top 40, House, Trance and Electro dance beats.

HAGERSTOWN, MD

Spin

[map]
43 S. Potomac St.
Hagerstown, MD 21740
301-302-7202
spinhagerstown.com

A party playground of food, entertainment, and nightlife on two levels in the heart of the City’s Arts and Entertainment District.