Washington DC Gay Bars

A  lively LGBTQ+ bar in the Shaw district of Washington, D.C., Kiki hosts live drag shows, weekly events, and exclusive deals. Best to check their socials for a rundown on their weekly events and deals.

Currently expanding, Kiki will soon be unveiling a range of new bar spaces and cozy beer garden. For now, you can enjoy their patio and dance floor!

JR's is a popular gay bar on Church Street in Washington DC. There's a large bar downstairs and a seating area in the loft upstairs if you don't feel like mingling at the bar.

Many of the patrons are hot - just sayin'. It's often busy, and the music varies from contemporary tracks to diva classics. There are also video screens on the walls. There are often show tune sing-alongs. If you're a wannabe Babs get up and make some noise.

Larry’s Lounge is a gay neighbourhood bar in Dupont Circle with a distinctly local feel. Grab a seat at the bar and you’ll quickly find yourself chatting with regulars and making new friends. The menu covers generous pub grub and cocktails, including a famously strong rum punch.

They have indoor seating plus a dog-friendly outdoor patio. Happy hour (from open til 7 PM) is a popular time to drop by.

Lively and colourful gay bar and restaurant in Arlington, Virginia. It's roughly a 15-minute drive from Washington DC. Although Arlington can feel like a DC suburb, it's technically a county within Virginia.

The decor is satisfyingly over the top. Decorative objects include barbies and feather boas. This place is very popular so advanced booking is recommended.

There are regular karaoke nights and themed events.

DIK (Dupont Italian Kitchen) gay bar & restaurant serves fresh Italian food and hosts karaoke nights in the heart of Washington DC's Dupont Circle area.

Friendly bar staff. DIK is frequented by an older crowd, but everyone is welcome. Open 7 days a week. Other gay venues are nearby.

The Fireplace is a lively gay dive bar in Washington DC. Located in Washington's old gaybourhood, DuPont Circle, this is the last remaining gay bar from that scene.

Spread across two floors, it has a separate bar on each level, with the downstairs space drawing regulars around its cosy bar and, yes, an actual fireplace. A good selection of beers, wines, spirits and signature cocktails.

Upstairs, DJ Big O takes over on Saturdays, while Wednesdays bring karaoke. Happy hour runs Monday to Friday from 4pm to 8pm, with additional late-night deals on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Friendly, casual bar in Washington D.C. for sport-loving LGBT friends. Nellie's serves a good selection of drinks, food and light meals.

Weekly themed nights include Drag Brunch on the weekend, with karaoke, happy hour, game nights and dance parties.

Self-proclaimed "DC's favorite neighborhood gay bar." There's quite a "Cheers" vibe at Green Lantern, with plenty of regulars and everyone seems to know everyone.

Best to get an Uber as it's located down an alleyway (matron!). They host shirtless nights and underwear night, too. There's a dance floor upstairs, screens playing music videos, and a very cheap happy hour.

Shaw's Tavern isn't a gay venue, but it hosts gay events, such as Mama's Sunday Supper & Drag. The food is classic Southern Americana: big burgers, lotsa chips, and even a giant sundae.

Reservations are required for the drag dinners. 

A League Of Her Own is a lively, easygoing lesbian sports bar with a dance floor and regular themed nights and special events. DJs every weekend. This bar is part of Pitchers DC.

Trade is an unpretentious gay bar serving typical drinks that turn gigantic during their daily happy hour. Regular drag shows, DJ nights and special events - check their social media for upcoming events.

Pitchers DC is a lively, sports-themed gay bar featuring pub grub, themed event nights & a patio area. There are plenty of TV screens showing live sports for sports fans, darts, and video games. They host occasional drag shows as well as other special events and themed nights.

Stretched across three levels, Uproar Lounge & Restaurant is a lively gay bar offering small plates and drinks in a relaxed atmosphere. The rooftop deck is especially cool. They are hosting regular themed nights and special events - dungeons & daddies, beer bust, and more. Check their social media for upcoming events.

This gay-owned microbrewery is located in the Noma district of Washington DC, near the Union Market.

Red Bear Brewing Co serves craft beer, local ciders, spirits and pub grub in a hip industrial interior. It is a safe space for all that values community, diversity and sustainability.

Open seven days a week. They host regular drag bingo and trivia nights.