D.C. Queer Bar Guide

(Note: The hours and specials listed here were accurate as of April 2025. Always check Instagram for updated specials. If you are a bar owner interested in submitting a change or correction, please email [email protected].) List in alphabetical order.

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A League of Her Own

Address: 2319 18th Street, NW
Hours: Thurs 5PM–2AM, Fri 5PM–3AM, Sat 3PM–3AM, Sun 2PM–8AM
Clientele & Vibe: Mostly lesbian clientele; often described as Adams Morgan’s queer women neighborhood bar. Connected to Pitchers.
Drink Specials: Varies per night – check Instagram
Nearest Metro: Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan Metro (0.8 miles)
Gender-Inclusive Restrooms: Yes
Music: Pop
Outdoor Space: No
Age Restriction: 21
Instagram: @alohodc

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as you are.

Address: 500 8th Street, S.E.
Hours: Tues–Thurs 12PM–12AM, Fri & Sat 12PM–3AM, Sun 12PM–12AM
Clientele & Vibe: Mixed gender clientele; two-story queer space serves coffee, small bites, and breakfast during the day and transforms into bar and dance lounge at night
Drink Specials: Tues–Fri $2 off all beer, wine, and cocktails; discounted wine on Wed
Nearest Metro: Eastern Market (0.1 miles)
Gender-Inclusive Restrooms: Yes
Music: Pop
Outdoor Space: Yes – outdoor patio
Age Restriction: 21+ after 9PM
Drag shows: Yes
Instagram: @asyouaredc

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Bunker

Address: 2001 14th St NW
Hours: Thurs 10PM–2:30AM, Fri & Sat 10PM–3:30AM, Sun 8PM–1AM
Clientele & Vibe: This post-apocalyptic dance club leans heavily into gay male energy—often shirtless, always sweaty. It’s the place to be when you want to stay out late and dance hard.
Drink Specials: $5 rails, High Noons, & domestics during early hours
Nearest Metro: U Street (0.3 mi)
Gender-Inclusive Restrooms: Yes
Music: Pop, Latin, EDM, Circuit, or House
Outdoor Space: None
Age Restriction: 21+
Drag shows: Yes
Instagram: @bunkerclubdc

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Crush Dance Bar

Address: 2007 14th St NW
Hours: Tues–Wed 5PM–12AM, Thurs 5PM–2AM, Fri 5PM–3AM, Sat 2PM–3AM, Sun 2PM–12AM
Clientele & Vibe: Crush is where queer folks go to dance. This massive two-level space features rotating DJs, themed nights, and a strong weekend happy hour.
Drink Specials: $7–$9 cocktails, ½ off beer/wine (check times)
Nearest Metro: U Street (0.3 mi)
Gender-Inclusive Restrooms: Yes
Music: Pop
Outdoor Space: Second-story patio
Age Restriction: 21+
Drag shows: Yes
Instagram: @crushdancebar

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District Eagle

Address: 1357-B U St NW
Hours: Wed–Thurs 7PM–2AM, Fri 7PM–3AM, Sat 5PM–3AM, Sun 2PM–12AM
Clientele & Vibe: This bar caters to D.C.’s kink scene with a no-holds-barred attitude. Leather, cruising spaces, and themed nights make it one of the city’s “edgiest” queer spaces.
Drink Specials: Varies per day (Check Instagram)
Nearest Metro: U Street (0.3 mi)
Gender-Inclusive Restrooms: Yes
Music: Varies by DJ
Outdoor Space: None
Age Restriction: 21+
Instagram: @districteagle

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Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant

Freddie’s Follies Drag Show at Freddie’s (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Address: 555 23rd St S, Arlington, VA 
Hours: Mon-Fri 4PM-2AM, Sat-Sun 11AM-2AM
Clientele & Vibe: Mixed gender clientele; Campy, colorful beach-themed bar known for its karaoke, drag shows, and diner-style food; welcoming to all but especially popular with older gay men and LGBTQ+ locals in Northern Virginia.
Drink Specials: “Crazy Hour” is every day from 4-7PM with varying specials
Nearest Metro: Crystal City (0.4 miles)
Gender-Inclusive Restrooms: Yes
Music: Pop, Karaoke, Show Tunes
Outdoor Space: Yes- Front Patio
Age Restriction: 21+ after 9PM
Instagram: @freddiesbeachbar
Drag shows: Yes; Freddie’s Follies drag show at 9 p.m. on Saturday

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Green Lantern

Address: 1335 Green Court, NW
Hours: Sun-Thurs 4PM-2AM, Fri & Sat 4PM-3AM
Clientele & Vibe: Mostly gay male clientele; downstairs is a more traditional bar while the dance floor upstairs tends to get rowdier as the night goes on.
Drink Specials: $3.50 rail drinks & domestic beers everyday 4PM-8PM; shirtless men drink free Thurs 10-11PM and again later (if in underwear) 12-12:30AM
Nearest Metro: McPherson Square (0.3 mi)
Gender-Inclusive Restrooms: Yes
Music: Pop
Outdoor Space: No
Age Restriction: 21
Instagram: @greenlanternwdc

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JR.’s

Address: 1519 17th Street, NW
Hours: Mon–Thurs 4PM–2AM, Fri 4PM–3AM, Sat 1PM–3AM, Sun 1PM–2AM
Clientele & Vibe: Mostly gay men clientele; one of Washington’s oldest gay bars known for popular happy hour, classic drag shows, and Showtune Mondays
Drink Specials: Weekdays 4–8PM $5 rail and $8 vodka Red Bulls; All day Sun $4 Skyy, $4 draft Truly, $7 vodka Red Bulls
Nearest Metro: Dupont Circle (0.4 mi)
Gender-Inclusive Restrooms: Yes
Music: Pop, Musicals
Outdoor Space: Yes – patio
Age Restriction: 21
Drag shows: Yes
Instagram: @jrs_bar_dc

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Kiki

Address: 915 U Street, NW
Hours: Wed 5:30PM–12AM, Thurs 5:30PM–1AM, Fri 5:30PM–3AM, Sat 2PM–3AM, Sun 2PM–12AM
Clientele & Vibe: Mixed gender clientele; multiple bars, dance floors, and hangout spaces.
Drink Specials: Varies per night – check Instagram
Nearest Metro: U Street/African-American Civil War Memorial (0.1 miles)
Gender-Inclusive Restrooms: Yes
Music: Pop, Rap
Outdoor Space: Yes (Back covered patio and upper deck)
Age Restriction: 21
Drag shows: Yes
Instagram: @dcwannahaveakiki

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Larry’s Lounge

Address: 1836 18th Street, NW
Hours: Mon–Thurs 4PM–2AM, Fri 3PM–3AM, Sat 2PM–3AM, Sun 2PM–2AM
Clientele & Vibe: Mostly gay male clientele; known for its “gay Cheers” vibe that includes eclectic patrons, heavy pours, and a pet-friendly patio
Drink Specials: Every day from open–7PM: $3 rail drinks, domestic beer and house wine, $5 draft pints
Nearest Metro: Dupont Circle (0.5 miles)
Music: Pop
Outdoor Space: Yes
Age Restriction: 21
Instagram: N/A

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Licht Cafe

Address: 1520 U Street, NW (top floor)
Hours: Mon–Thurs 4PM–11PM, Fri 4PM–1AM, Sat 11AM–1AM, Sun 11AM–11PM
Clientele & Vibe: Mostly gay male clientele; cute cocktail bar with limited but comfortable seating overlooking U Street. Drink Specials: NA
Nearest Metro: U Street (0.5 miles)
Gender-Inclusive Restrooms: Yes
Music: Chill music
Outdoor Space: No
Age Restriction: 21
Instagram: @lichtdc

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Little Gay Pub

Address: 1100 P Street, NW
Hours: Mon 5–11PM, Tues & Wed 5PM–12AM, Thurs 5PM–1AM, Fri 4PM–3AM, Sat 1PM–3AM, Sun 1PM–12AM
Clientele & Vibe: Mixed gender clientele but leans gay male; stylish cocktail bar serving small bites with one of the most recognized bathrooms for selfies Drink Specials: N/A
Nearest Metro: Shaw-Howard University (0.4 miles), Mt. Vernon Sq–7th St Convention Center (0.5 miles)
Gender-Inclusive Restrooms: Yes
Music: Pop/movies playing
Outdoor Space: Yes – wraparound patio with some covered tables
Age Restriction: 21
Instagram:@thelittlegaypub

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Nellie’s

Address: 900 U Street, NW
Hours:  Tue 5PM–1AM, Wed 5PM–12AM, Thurs 5PM–2AM, Fri 5PM–3AM, Sat 11AM–3AM, Sun 11AM–2AM
Clientele & Vibe: Mixed gender clientele; two-story bar known for lively drag brunches and late-night food menu.
Drink Specials: “Beat the Clock” HH weekdays with $15 buckets of beer, and drinks for $3 from 5–6PM, $4 from 6–7PM, $5 from 7–8PM; Additional drink specials daily
Nearest Metro: U Street/African-American Civil War Memorial (0.1 miles)
Gender-Inclusive Restrooms: Yes
Music: Pop, Rap
Outdoor Space: Yes (Upstairs Patios)
Age Restriction: 21  Drag shows: Yes Instagram: @nelliessportsbar

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Pitchers

Address: 2317 18th Street, NW
Hours:  Wed 6PM–12AM, Thurs 6PM–2AM, Fri 6PM–3AM, Sat 4PM–3AM, Sun 2PM–8PM
Clientele & Vibe: Mixed gender clientele; gay sports bar with four floors, restaurant, video games, and multiple TVs. Skews younger crowd.
Drink Specials: Varies per night – check Instagram
Nearest Metro: Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan Metro (0.8 miles)
Gender-Inclusive Restrooms: Yes
Music: Pop
Outdoor Space: Yes (top floor)
Age Restriction: 21  Drag shows: Yes
Instagram: @pitchersdc

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Red Bear Brewing Co.

Address: 209 M Street, NE
Hours: Mon–Thurs 11:30AM–11PM, Fri 11:30AM–1AM, Sat 11AM–1AM, Sun 11AM–10PM
Clientele & Vibe: Mixed gender clientele; brewery serving locally made beers, cocktails, and elevated bar food.
Nearest Metro: NoMa (300 ft)
Gender-Inclusive Restrooms: Yes
Music: Pop
Outdoor Space: Yes – front patio
Age Restriction: 21+ Fri & Sat after 8PM and during all events  Drag shows: Yes Instagram: @redbearbrewing

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Shakers

Address: 2014 9th Street, NW
Hours:  Mon–Thurs 5PM–11PM, Fri 5PM–2AM, Sat 2PM–2AM, Sun 2PM–12AM
Clientele & Vibe: Mostly gay male clientele; known for vibrant drag shows and being a neighborhood “community space.”
Drink Specials: Specialty HH Tues–Fri 5PM–7PM, Thurs $3 rail drinks all day
Nearest Metro: U Street/African-American Civil War Memorial (0.2 miles)
Gender-Inclusive Restrooms: Yes
Music: Varies by DJ (Pop)
Outdoor Space: Yes (covered outdoor patio)
Age Restriction: 21 Drag shows: Yes
Instagram: @shakersdc

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Sinners and Saints

Address: 2309 18th Street, NW
Hours:  Thurs 8PM–2AM, Fri & Sat 9PM–3AM, Sun 3PM–12AM
Clientele & Vibe: Mixed gender clientele; small queer bar for “the girls, gays, & theys.” Known for its tagline “where heaven and hell collide.”
Drink Specials: Varies per night – check Instagram
Nearest Metro: Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan Metro (0.8 miles)
Gender-Inclusive Restrooms: Yes
Music: Varies by DJ
Outdoor Space: Yes
Age Restriction: 21  Drag shows: Yes Instagram: @sinnersandsaintsdc

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Spark Social House

Address: 2009 14th St NW
Hours:  Mon–Wed 8AM–10PM, Thurs 8AM–12AM, Fri & Sat 8AM–4AM, Sun 8AM–11PM Clientele & Vibe: Mixed gender clientele; the city’s first alcohol-free LGBTQ+ venue, Spark is a cozy, low-key spot to sip a mocktail, work remotely, or attend sober nightlife events. Coffee shop by day, queer gathering space by night.
Nearest Metro: U Street (0.3 mi)
Gender-Inclusive Restrooms: Yes
Music: Pop
Outdoor Space: Yes (Back Patio)
Age Restriction: 18+ after 8PM  Drag shows: Yes Instagram:  @sparksocialdc

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The Fireplace

Address: 2161 P Street, N.W.
Hours: Sun–Thurs 1PM–1:30AM, Fri & Sat 1PM–2:30AM
Clientele & Vibe: Washington’s oldest gay bar lovingly referred to as “a cozy dive bar” by patrons; cash only
Drink Specials: Mon–Fri 4PM–8PM $10 call brands, $5 domestic beers, $6 imported beers; Tues & Thurs 9PM–12AM $10 Absolut vodka; Wed & Sun 8PM–1:30AM $8 Smirnoff
Nearest Metro: Dupont Circle (0.3 miles)
Music: Pop
Outdoor Space: No
Age Restriction: 21
Instagram: @the_fireplace.dc

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Thurst Lounge

Address: 2204 14th Street, NW
Hours: Tues–Thurs 5PM–12AM, Fri 5PM–2AM, Sat 2PM–2AM, Sun 2PM–12AM
Clientele & Vibe: Created to “quench the thirst of DC’s Black and Brown LGBTQ+ community” with bar bites and hookah.
Drink Specials: HH specials Wed–Fri 5–7PM, Sat & Sun 2–4PM, 2 for 1 drinks on Sun
Nearest Metro: U Street (0.5 miles)
Music: Rap, R&B, Afrobeats
Outdoor Space: No
Age Restriction: 21
Instagram: @thurstlounge

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Trade

Address: 1410 14th St NW
Hours: Sun–Thurs 5PM–1:45AM, Fri–Sat 2PM–2:45AM
Clientele & Vibe: This queer dive bar with a dance floor is a go-to for a fun night out. Expect XL drinks, dim lighting, and a nearly always-packed dancefloor. The $5 beers and wines before 9PM make it a great early stop before heading elsewhere—or staying all night.
Drink Specials: XL Drinks and $5 Beer & Wine until 9PM
Nearest Metro: Dupont Circle, U Street, Shaw-Howard U, Mt. Vernon Sq (0.8 mi)
Gender-Inclusive Restrooms: Yes Music: Varies on DJ but mostly Pop, Indie, or Emo
Outdoor Space: Large back patio Age Restriction: 21+ Drag: Yes Instagram: @tradebardc

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Uproar Lounge & Restaurant

Address: 639 Florida Avenue, NW
Hours: Thurs 8PM–1AM, Fri 5PM–3AM, Sat 5PM–3AM, Sun 3PM–12AM
Clientele & Vibe: Mostly gay male clientele; Washington’s bear bar complete with three dance floors and a restaurant known for its “Beer Bust Sundays”
Drink Specials: Varies per night – check Instagram
Nearest Metro: U Street/African-American Civil War Memorial (0.3 miles)
Gender-Inclusive Restrooms: Yes Music: House, Dance, Pop
Outdoor Space: Yes – open rooftop Age Restriction: 21+ Drag shows: Yes Instagram: @uproarloungedc