Bars & Parties
Before you pop the question, you’ll need a romantic setting
With same-sex marriages expected to begin in the District next month, local couples are already planning their nuptials. But before you can cut the cake, you have to get your significant other to say “yes.” So, where to pop the question? If you’re thinking of doing the deed in an area restaurant, there are plenty of romantic and LGBT-friendly options. A few of our favorites.
Tabard Inn, 1739 N St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036, 202-331-8528. A cozy lounge, a wood-burning fire and wood-paneled walls make this the perfect spot to get down on bended knee.
Inn at Little Washington, Middle and Main streets, Washington, VA 22747, 540-675-3800, theinnatlittlewashington.com. Perhaps the ultimate nearby setting for the proposal, the wedding AND the honeymoon. Nothing less than an “international culinary shrine” headed by chef and proprietor Patrick O’Connell, who happens to be gay.
Komi, 1509 17th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009, 202-332-9200, komirestaurant.com. For a real splurge, impress your mate at Komi, which offers a multi-course menu for $125 per person.
Russia House, 1800 Connecticut Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009, 202-234-9433, russiahouselounge.com. Need some liquid courage? Grab an infused vodka shot at the bar before climbing the spiral staircase and taking a seat amid deep red wallpaper and dark wood paneling. Delicious food, top-notch service and did we mention the vodka?
Veritas, 2031 Florida Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009, 202-265-6270, veritasdc.com. Too nervous to eat a full dinner? No worries, pop the question at Veritas over wine and cheese.
Level One, 1639 R St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009, 202-745-0025. Why not propose to your partner in the neighborhood where it all began — the heart of gay D.C. Level One has great food and service and if your partner says yes, you’re only steps away from multiple gay bars and clubs where you can celebrate.
Cashion’s Eat Place, 1819 Columbia Rd., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009, 202-797-1819, cashionseatplace.com. This Adams Morgan favorite remains one of the most inviting dining rooms in the city.
Annie’s PARAMOUNT STEAK HOUSE, 1609 17th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009, 202-232-0395. The fact that you and your mate have probably had dozens of dates at Annie’s makes this a sentimental choice for a place to propose.
Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant, 555 S. 23rd St., Crystal City, VA 22202. 703-685-0555. OK, not the obvious choice for a quiet and romantic place to propose, but you won’t find a friendlier spot and you’re guaranteed a standing ovation from the rest of the patrons afterward if your partner says yes.
Obelisk, 2029 P St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036, 202-872-1180. The setting here is more intimate private dining room than restaurant. Attentive service, fresh ingredients and a regular price-fix menu make this Dupont-area townhouse dining spot an obvious choice for romance.
Thai Tanic, 1326 14th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005, 202-588-1795. This family-run, gay-friendly institution was among the pioneers of the 14th Street redevelopment. Casual, affordable and LGBT-supportive.
Straits of Malaya, 1836 18th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009, 202-483-1483, straitsofmalaya.com. Another popular neighborhood spot that’s as gay-friendly as they come. If you’re proposing in spring or summer, there’s no better place than the outdoor deck here.
Citronelle, 3000 M St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20007, 202-625-2150, citronelledc.com,is an award-winning restaurant headed by renowned chef and owner Michel Richard Citronelle. Citronelle provides an elegant and romantic atmosphere with attention paid to every detail. The restaurant is known for beautifully presented French cuisine, expertly knowledgeable staff and a wine list that is certain to please any palate. Jackets are required for men so be sure to dress appropriately, as you should anyway when planning a romantic evening to ask for your partner’s hand.
Little Fountain Cafe, 2339 18th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009, 202-462-8100, littlefountaincafe.com, provides an intimate space in the heart of Adams Morgan, which would be ideal for a proposal. Known as one of D.C.’s quietest restaurants, Little Fountain Cafe provides an ideal atmosphere for your dining experience. Serving what is coined as “Modern International Cuisine,” the award-winning Little Fountain Cafe uses “fresh ingredients to their best advantage” as stated in the Zagat Dining Survey. The corner of the dining room is occupied by a small fountain, which provides gentle ambiance so the love of your life can hear every word of your proposal.
Oya, 777 Ninth St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001, 202-684-8700, oyadc.com,provides an atmosphere that is as unique as the love two people share. The stunning Oya dining area consists of a floor-to-ceiling tower of seashells, an enchanting wall of water and a horizontal fireplace that will set the mood perfectly for your memorable evening. The menu provides a blend of Asian and French cuisine that marry perfectly with the sophisticated environment. Oya certainly provides the perfect backdrop for a memorable occasion.
Restaurant Nora, 2132 Florida Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, 202-462-5143, noras.com, provides an elegant dining experience with its intimate rooms that would be ideal for a proposal. Restaurant Nora was opened by its namesake Nora Pouillon in 1979. Pouillon was named one of the dozen “Power Chefs” in D.C. by the Washington Post and has been the recipient of several awards from the International Association of Culinary Professionals, the Organic Trade Association, New Hope Natural Media, the American Horticultural Society and Campaign for Better Health, to name a few. The menu, which is comprised of organic new-American cuisine, changes daily and is fully reflective of Nora’s style of healthy organic food. The rooms in Restaurant Nora provide the perfect, intimate setting to consider when planning your special event.
The Blue Duck Tavern, located at the Park Hyatt Washington, 24th and M streets, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037, 202-419-6755, blueducktavern.com, features a classically designed space with elegant touches of dark oak handcrafted wood furnishings. Guests of the Blue Duck Tavern are greeted by an open staff pantry and kitchen, a wood-burning oven, and the custom-designed commercial Molteni range, which was crafted in France and is the first of its kind in Washington, D.C. The time-honored dishes of American fare are prepared by executive chef Brian McBride and chef de cuisine Michael Santoro in the wood-burning oven, which is clearly the heart of the Blue Duck Tavern. For those who enjoy a distinctly American flavor, this would be the restaurant of choice for proposing to your loved one.
B. Hall Baker LLC, 611 Pennsylvania Ave., S.E. #286, Washington, D.C. 20003, 202-596-6611. When your partner accepts the proposal, you’ll need to celebrate over dessert and there’s no better engagement or Valentine’s Day treat than whoopie pies from B. Hall Baker.
FLORISTS
D.C. has no shortage of terrific local florists to meet your engagement needs. From simple red roses to accompany your proposal to reception hall centerpieces, the city’s florists are ready to spruce up your big day. Here’s a few of our favorites.
Elegance & Simplicity Inc., wedding planners and floral designers, 800-768-8814, 301-656-5560, [email protected], eleganceandsimplicity.com
Distinctive Floral Designs, 10805 Sycamore Springs Lane,
Great Falls, VA 22066, 703-430-7268,
distinctivefloral.com
Palace Florists, Inc., 1305 19th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036, 202-833-1093, palaceflorists.com
Dupont Flowers, 1900 Q St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009, 202-797-7600
Floral Expressions, 1627 Connecticut Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009, 202-986-1000
Sandy’s Flowers, 1821 18th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009, 202-232-4100
L&S Wholesale Florist, 1305 19th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036, 202-872-8747
Aster Florist, 1700 17th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009, 202-387-0092
A Little Shop of Flowers, 2421 18th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009, 202-387-7255, alittleshopofflowers.net
Amaryllis, 1625 Eckington Place, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20002, 202-529-2230
Company Flowers, 2105 N. Pollard St., Arlington, VA 22207, 703-525-3063
ULTRA Violet, 1218 31st St., Washington, D.C. 20050, 202-333-3002
Allan Woods Flowers & Gifts, 2645 Connecticut Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, 202-332-3334
a&e features
Your guide to D.C.’s queer New Year’s Eve parties
Ring in 2026 with drag, leather, Champagne, and more
With Christmas in the rear view mirror, we can turn our attention to ringing in a much-anticipated New Year with a slew of local LGBTQ parties. Here’s what’s on tap.
Pitchers
This spacious Adams Morgan bar is hosting the “Pitchers’ Perfect New Year’s Eve.” There will be a midnight Champagne toast, the ball drop on the big screens, and no cover, all night long. The bar doesn’t close until 4 a.m., and the kitchen will be open late (though not until close). All five floors will be open for the party, and party favors are promised.
Trade
D.C.’s hottest bar/club combo is leaning into the Shark motif with its NYE party, “Feeding Frenzy.” The party is a “glitterati-infused Naughty-cal New Year’s Even in the Shark Tank, where the boats are churning and the sharks are circling.” Trade also boasts no cover charge, with doors opening at 5 p.m. and the aforementioned Shark Tank opening at 9 p.m.. Four DJs will be spread across the two spaces; midnight hostess is played by Vagenesis and the two sea sirens sensuously calling are Anathema and Justin Williams.
Number Nine
While Trade will have two DJs as part of one party, Number Nine will host two separate parties, one on each floor. The first floor is classic Number Nine, a more casual-style event with the countdown on TVs and a Champagne midnight toast. There will be no cover and doors open at 5 p.m. Upstairs will be hosted by Capital Sapphics for its second annual NYE gathering. Tickets (about $50) include a midnight Champagne toast, curated drink menu, sapphic DJ set by Rijak, and tarot readings by Yooji.
Crush
Crush will kick off NYE with a free drag bingo at 8 p.m. for the early birds. Post-bingo, there will be a cover for the rest of the evening, featuring two DJs. The cover ($20 limited pre-sale that includes line skip until 11 p.m.; $25 at the door after 9 p.m.) includes one free N/A or Crush, a Champagne toast, and party favors (“the legal kind”). More details on Eventbrite.
Bunker
This subterranean lair is hosting a NYE party entitled “Frosted & Fur: Aspen After Dark New Year’s Eve Celebration.” Arriety from Rupaul Season 15 is set to host, with International DJ Alex Lo. Doors open at 9 p.m. and close at 3 p.m.; there is a midnight Champagne toast. Cover is $25, plus an optional $99 all-you-can-drink package.
District Eagle
This leather-focused bar is hosting “Bulge” for its NYE party. Each District Eagle floor will have its own music and vibe. Doors run from 7 p.m.-3 a.m. and cover is $15. There will be a Champagne toast at midnight, as well as drink specials during the event.
Kiki, Shakiki
Kiki and its new sister bar program Shakiki (in the old Shakers space) will have the same type of party on New Year’s Eve. Both bars open their doors at 5 p.m. and stay open until closing time. Both will offer a Champagne toast at midnight. At Kiki, DJ Vodkatrina will play; at Shakiki, it’ll be DJ Alex Love. Kiki keeps the party going on New Year’s Day, opening at 2 p.m., to celebrate Kiki’s fourth anniversary. There will be a drag show at 6 p.m. and an early 2000s dance party 4-8 p.m.
Spark
This bar and its new menu of alcoholic and twin N/A drinks will host a NYE party with music by DJ Emerald Fox. Given this menu, there will be a complimentary toast at midnight, guests can choose either sparkling wine with or without alcohol. No cover, but Spark is also offering optional wristbands at the door for $35 open bar 11 p.m.-1 a.m. (mid-shelf liquor & all NA drinks).
Bars & Parties
Mixtape Sapphics hosts holiday party on Dec. 13
‘Sugar & Spice’ night planned for Saturday
Mixtape Sapphics will host “Sapphic Sugar & Spice: A Naughty-Nice Mixtape Holiday Party” on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. at Amsterdam Lounge.
This is a festive, grown holiday party for queer women and sapphics 35 and older at Revolt’s Christmas pop-up. There will be music, joy, and an optional White Elephant.
This is Mixtape Sapphics’ first-ever holiday party — a cozy, flirty, intentionally grounded night created just for queer women and sapphics 35+ who want real connection, festive joy, and a warm place to land at the end of the year.
Tickets start at $13.26 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Bars & Parties
Impulse Group DC to host fundraiser
Giving Tuesday and Happy Hour held at Thurst Lounge
Impulse Group DC, a local advocacy organization, will host “Giving Tuesday and Happy Hour” on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. at Thurst Lounge.
This event is a special happy hour fundraiser filled with good vibes, great food, and community connection. DJ Obie will be on deck keeping the energy high while you enjoy tacos, cocktails, and the kind of atmosphere only Thurst can deliver.
A portion of every signature cocktail sold goes directly toward supporting Impulse Group D.C.’s work in sexual health, mental health, harm reduction, and social justice for the D.C. community.
Admission is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
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