Drink
Denizens Brewing. Photo by Brandon Chen.
Embrace Your Community: 22 Local LGBTQ+ Bars to Know
June 1, 2022 @ 12:00pm
A great way to celebrate Pride Month is to put yourself out there and embrace your community. From sudsy breweries to over-the-top homes for drag, here is a list of the queer watering holes that call the DMV home.
Queer-Owned
18th & U Duplex Diner
Over 20 years strong and on the road toward many more, D.C.’s Duplex Diner is the queer answer to late night diner camaraderie. 2004 18th St. NW, DC; duplexdiner.com // @duplexdiner
as you are.
At Jo and Rach’s place, all you need to be welcomed and have a great time is yourself. Swinging the door open for anyone who’s in the LGBTQ+ or actively supporting their queer loved ones, As You Are is the District’s space where you can be the real and authentic you. 500 8th St. SE, DC; asyouaredc.com // @asyouaredc
A League of Her Own/Pitchers
A joint force in promoting a pro-LGBTQ+ D.C., these side-by-side establishments seek to welcome everyone who needs a spot of their own in the District. These spaces provide a sporty, hometown bar feel. When you take a seat at either bar, you are welcomed with open arms. 2319 + 2317 18th St. NW, DC; alohodc.com // @alohodc; pitchersbardc.com // @pitchersdc
Freddie’s Beach Bar
Freddie’s Beach Bar is the DMV’s destination for lively LGBTQ+ nightlife that likes to have a laugh. From taco Tuesdays to karaoke nights to drag queens galore, there is never a dull moment at this queer-owned Arlington hotspot. And like they’ve advertised, everyone is welcome. Yes, that also includes straight people. 555 23rd St. S Arlington, VA; freddiesbeachbar.com/arlington //
@freddiesbeachbar
Licht
After falling in love with the cozy cafés of Southern Germany’s Mannheim, Spencer Hurd recreated that comfy atmosphere with his sophisticated queer lounge, Licht. Filled with stunning art and versed in classic cocktails, Licht is your destination for a night out that feels like a night in. 1520 U St. NW, DC; lichtdc.com // @lichtdc
View this post on Instagram
Brew Crew
Dacha
In Russian, Dacha means “vacation cottage.” In Shaw, it’s the beer garden that gay D.C. has claimed as one of their beloved homes. Stocked with a globe-trekking brews and a bites menu that mimics the classic beer hall, let yourself feel cozy at this vacation site just moments away from your front door. 1600 7th St. NW, DC; dachadc.com/beer-garden-shaw // @dachashaw
Denizens Brewing
You will always have a seat at Denizens Brewing. Owned and operated by a loving family with roots in the LGBTQ+ community, this brewhouse opens the door and rooftop for anyone who wants to be their authentic self and bond with others doing the same. 1115 East-West Hwy. Silver Spring, MD + 4550 Van Buren St. Riverdale Park, MD; denizensbrewingco.com // @denizensbrewing
Red Bear Brewing Co.
This brewery is no pit stop. It’s the destination and next site for your D.C. adventures. A bar rooted in the quest for fun and a philosophy of acceptance and sustainability, Red Bear Brewery is the place for queer people who appreciate a down-to-earth brewhouse vibe. Hosting drag events, trivia nights and a monthly social hour for trans-masc locals, stepping into Red Bear is like stepping into a warm bear hug. 209 M St. NE, DC; redbear.beer // @redbearbrewing
Wunder Garten
A modern American take on the classic German biergarten, Wunder Garten is a queer welcoming space for anyone who considers themselves a connoisseur of the brew. Pick from a wide selection of sudsy trinken while embracing the NoMa atmosphere. Alles gut und alles fun at this safe space for the District’s LGBTQ+. 1101 First St. NE, DC; wundergartendc.com // @wundergartendc
View this post on Instagram
They’re The Greatest Dancer
DC9
While most of the District knows DC9 as a music venue, the queer community’s reason for frequenting this punk-rooted establishment is the out-of-this-world dance scene. Hosting a plethora of queer dance nights like the ’90s-reminiscent Peach Pit or the dark disco ball Sleaze, DC9 is your next spot for music that is unapologetically queer and makes you want to shake your cares away. 1940 9th St. NW, DC; dc9.club // @dc9club
The Dirty Goose
If you’re looking for a DJ to save your nightlife, look no further than the welcoming rooftop of U Street’s Dirty Goose. Consistently featuring appearances from spinmasters like Lexis Lane, Alex Love and Farrah Flosscett, this dance hub is so foot-stomping that even Britney herself would want to get down like no one’s around. 913 U St. NW, DC; thedirtygoosedc.com // @thedirtygoose
Green Lantern
If you’re a queer person who refuses to spend your nights out sitting at the bar, then get yourself to Green Lantern and take part in some of their wicked dance nights. From underwear-clad Dirtee Disco to the throwback-obsessed Rewind: Request Line, you’ll be shaking your rump more than you’ll be sipping your drink. They even have a Get Bent yoga night if that’s how you like to get your body moving. 1335 Green Ct. NW, DC; greenlanterndc.com // @greenlanternwdc
Kiki
Featuring underwear contests, harness nights and showcases by some of D.C.’s most talented DJs, you’ll find your thrill at this U Street queer haven. Dance the night away. 915 U St. NW, DC; dcwannahaveakiki.com // @dcwannahaveakiki
Uproar Lounge & Restaurant
For men who are large, in-charge and have a couple of dance moves under their belts, Uproar Lounge is the bear bar that will satisfy all your wants and needs. From frequent spinnings by D.C.’s premiere bear DJs to dance socials for those with fantastic fantasies, Uproar is by no means a whisper. 639 Florida Ave. NW, DC; uproarlounge.com // @uproarloungedc
View this post on Instagram
Cocktails + More
Annie’s Paramount Steakhouse
Brunch, lunch, dinner. Whenever you choose to indulge in bread and circuses, make sure circus is at Annie’s Paramount Steakhouse. A D.C. staple founded by a loving Greek family, Annie’s has a drink list filled with countless classics and Annie’s originals on their way to being classics. From Logan Lemonades to the stellar Annie Darling, there is no shortage in drinks with legacies to last. 1609 17th St. NW, DC; anniesparamountdc.com // @anniesparamountdc
Jane Jane
Get cozy with a gin-soaked felon. Try your hand at some spiced-up short shorts. 14th Street’s Jane Jane is your next destination for cocktails worth their weight in gold. From carefully-crafted recipes to quality spirits and mixers, this LGBTQ+ take on the classic salon is your space for drinks that will undoubtedly make you a connoisseur of only the finest libations. 1705 14th St. NW, DC; janejanedc.com // @janejanedc
Number Nine
Making their name as a proper addition to the world of video bars, Number Nine makes their bar worth a second and third visit with their menu of phenomenal drinks. From spicy jalapeño margaritas to a friendly little lass called the violette lady, Number Nine isn’t just a palace to get a drink. 1435 P St NW, DC; numberninedc.com // @numberninedc
View this post on Instagram
What A Drag
JR’s Bar
Whether you want a drag race watch party, an ode to pop icon divas or a chance to explore the vast expanse of gender, JR’s is your place for drag-stravaganza. This love letter to the LGBTQ+ community welcomes anyone with the drive to masquerade or a profound love for pageantry. 1519 17th St. NW, DC; jrsbar-dc.com // @jrs_bar_dc
Shaw’s Tavern
Dinner and a show takes a new meaning at Shaw’s Tavern. Featuring a weekly Sunday dinner hosted by Kristina Kelly, watch as a rotating cast of skilled entertainers show you what D.C. drag is made of. And if you’re more of a good eats fan than a drag fan, then by all means take advantage of Shaw menu classics like their fluffy hush puppies and Colonel Shaw’s chicken sandwich. 520 Florida Ave. NW, DC; shawstavern.com // @shawstavern
Trade
At Trade, drag is not just a performance, it’s a community. Proudly showcasing drag artists who range from feminine, masculine to non-gender-conforming, Trade is your space for drag nights that are over-the-top, filled with talent and ready to affirm and support anyone in the LGBTQ+ family. Featuring local talents like Rico Pico and Vagenesis, there is never a dull moment at this space for gender non-conformity and all things beyond. 1410 14th St. NW, DC; tradebardc.com // @tradebardc
View this post on Instagram
Where Everyone Knows Your Name
DIK Bar
It’s Dupont Circle’s favorite Italian restaurant. But for those in the District who pride themselves on being LGBTQ+, Dupont Italian Kitchen becomes DIK Bar, a second home and cozy getaway for the District’s queer community. Featuring great meals, stellar drinks and even better company, DIK Bar is the place for meeting up with friends and catching up with one another. A Dupont fixture since 1986, Dupont Italian Kitchen helps to put the community in LGBTQ+ community. 1637 17th St. NW, DC; dupontitaliankitchen.com // @dupontitaliankitchen
Larry’s Lounge
Dog-friendly and ready to serve amazing drinks, Larry’s Lounge is generous and welcoming. Whether you’re new to the DMV or new to the LGBTQ+ community, Larry’s is a great place to make bonds and meet locals who accept you for you. Community is the backbone of this 18th Street gem. 1840 18th St. NW, DC; fb.com/larrysloungedc
Enjoy this piece? Consider becoming a member for access to our premium digital content. Support local journalism and start your membership today.
