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. Currently expanding, Kiki will soon be unveiling a range of new bar spaces and cozy beer garden. 

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. It doesn't really have a dance floor.

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.

Gay bar in DC and a popular hangout amongst locals and tourists. Larry's Lounge has a low-key, relaxed vibe. The friendly staff serve generous food portion and tasty cocktails.

Located in Dupont Circle, home to Washington DC's lively gay scene.

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, this is the last remaining gay bar from that scene.

The drinks are pretty cheap, the people are friendly and the music is old school. There are two floors, each with separate bars

A great place to meet some gay locals in a laid-back environment. It can get quite busy. Happy hour is very happy. Only cash is accepted.

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.

Lively gay bar in Washington DC. There's quite a "Cheers" vibe - a lot of regulars drink here 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 dancefloor upstairs, screens playing music videos and a very cheap happy hour.

Shirtless men drink free - 22:00 - 23:00 and men in underwear drink free between 00:00 - 00:30.

Happy hour goes on all night Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Shaw's Tavern isn't a gay venue but it hosts gay events, such as Dinner-n-Drag every Sunday. The food is classic Southern Americana. Think burgers, chips and lots of chocolate cake.

Reservations are required for the drag dinners. The presiding Queen is Miss Kristina Kelly.

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.

This chic gay hangout has a rooftop overlooking Washington DC whilst you can enjoy their craft cocktails and signature martinis. They have regular DJ nights on the weekends, usually Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. This bar is obsessed with Britney Spears.

The Dirty Goose can be rented for private events and birthday parties.

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.