Gay clubs in dc area

20 LGBTQ+ Bars to Check Out in Washington, DC

The nation's capital is house to a lively LGBTQ+ nightlife scene with plenty of gay and queer woman bars just waiting for you to join in on the fun.

The diversity of DC’s LGBTQ+ community is growing by the day, resulting in a dynamic, electrifying community with plenty of bars and clubs to elect from when it’s time to brew , dance and engage. Read up on some of our favorite LGBTQ+-friendly spots below.

Let’s contain a … you get it. Accumulate all your girls, gays and theys to kiki all night on U Street. With four rooms of varied vibes, outdoor spaces and DJs that never miss, Kiki lives up to its name. Arrive for the content hour, stay for the weekly events.

At 14th and U, DC’s first booze-free LGBTQ+ bar is lighting up the sober scene with mocktails, music and plenty of main-character energy. Spark kickstarts the day with coffee, pastries and cafe charm, then turns it up at sundown with DJs, drag trivia and zero-proof cocktails that pack a punch.

Next door to Spark Social Home is Crush, a retro-inspired cocktail lounge and entertainment mecca for anyone and everyone. Event highlights include all-d

Lex’s Guide to Gay DC Nightlife | LGBTQ+ Bars

From the trendy neighborhoods of Dupont Circle to the bustling streets of Adams Morgan, DC offers an array of Gay bars, queer clubs, and even a queer-owned brewery. TL;DR, DC is super gay, and you're going to own a great second exploring the lgbtq+ and lesbian bars they have to offer! Whether you're a local or a visitor, here's a guide to some of the best LGBTQ+ bars in Washington, DC.

Download Lex to uncover LGBTQ+ friends in DC!

1. A League of Her Own

Quickly becoming a famous destination on every lesbian bar highway trip, A League of Her Have is a laidback, easy going dyke sports bar serving the queer collective of DC. With fun events and a lively sway floor, you’re sure to have a fun night out when you cease by ALOHO.

A League of Her Own

2317 18th St. NW

Washington DC, 20009

2. As You Are

A favorite among the local queer scene in DC, As You Are is a chill spot that is a cafe/bar/dance boutique in one. As the specify suggests, they motivate you to show up as yourself and have a entertainment night out with some new local LGBTQ+ friends and crushes.

As You Are

500 8th St SE

Washington, DC 20003

3. Nellie's Sports Bar

Nell

Prior to 1960

Leading up to 1960 the LGBT people faced a number of discriminatory acts from federal and local government. Congress passed a law outlawing sodomy in D.C. Under the Lavender Scare the federal government fired queer individuals en masse.

Despite this, there were a number of LGBT spaces across D.C. to provide community and sustain . , one of D.C.'s longest continuously operating queer bars and one of the oldest African-American lgbtq+ bars in the nation, opened in 1957.

These weren't wholly sound places, however. were both raided by the Metropolitan Police Department's Vice Squad.

The '60s

LGBT activism moved more to the public forefront starting in the 1960s. The Mattachine Society of Washington, which assisted federal employees and residents targeted for their sexuality, was formed. The Washington Blade, America’s oldest LGBT newspaper, began in 1969. More clubs, publications, and services catered directly to the LGBT community.

Barracks Row became an crucial part of the LGBT community. was the 'first gay-owned bar to extend same-sex dancing', essentially breaking the owner ban on dancing. also contributed

Nightlife Directory

List of LGBT Clubs & Bars for D.C., Maryland & Virginia

Last update: 08/14/2024 | Sort Names| Neighborhoods

Choose your city or scroll down:

Washington, DC

ADAMS MORGAN AREA

Pitchers DC
Favorite for Both Men & Women, Sports,
more info | photos

CAPITOL HILL AREA

DOWNTOWN AREA

Green Lantern
Favorite for Mostly Men, Leather/levi, Billiards,
more info | twitter | photos