D.C. is a fairly open town. There are very few places in the Metro area where members of the LGBT community wouldn't feel welcome, but just in case you want to hang out at a spot specifically geared towards the out and proud, here's a few area bars and clubs happy to be gay!
Out and about!
Let loose at one of these hot spots specifically geared towards the LGBT community
By Courtney Pittman and Jason Adams
Special to MetromixFebruary 27, 2009
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Omega D.C.
2122 P St. N.W. - Washington202-223-4917
With four bars and underwear clad men performing three nights a week, this dance club is pretty much an institution in the community. Omega also showcase drag shows, pool tournaments and karaoke sing-a-longs, so stop in no matter what your fancy!
DC Eagle
639 New York Ave. N.W. - Washington202-347-1021
Because of it classification as a Leather/Levi club and its clandestine location off of New York Avenue, The DC Eagle is often overlooked in the midst of Chinatown’s shadow and spots such as Halo and the Fireplace. However, there is more to this leather bar than meets the eye; with an abundance of exciting events and eclectic bar goers making a turn into this place is not a mistake. With three floors and an extensive bar the DC Eagle’s General Manager describes the Eagle as a place for all. Whether you’re casual and coming to watch Monday Night football or up for an S/M class (with medics on-hand), the DC Eagle has it all. The Eagle host events such as Wednesday night “Dyke Night” and “Underwear Night Happy Hour”, but, you need not sport your tidy whities or leather pants to join in festivities such as pumpkin carving contests, costume contests, organizational fundraisers, and their Sunday cookout and beer blast on the patio. The DC Eagle is conveniently located by the Mt. Vernon Square/Convention Center Metro.
Nellie's Sports Bar
900 U St. N.W. - Washington202-332-6355
Brightly lit and located off of 9th and U Streets, Nellie’s Sports Bar offers, well, a cozy neighborhood sports bar atmosphere. The environment is relaxed and stress-free and there’s no pressure to mingle if you just want to watch the football game. Nellie’s offers reasonably priced heart-attack dishes from Angus burgers to empanadas, but there are also healthy options for those who want them. Prices vary depending on whether you’re by yourself, with “pals” or a “team.” Nellie’s is not only a place to hangout out with a couple of friends and drinks to watch the college or NFL game, but hosts various events such as Tuesday Night Drag Bingo featuring Shi-qee-ta Lee and Wednesday Night “Smart Ass” Trivia. They have two-floors and a heated balcony for those chilly fall evenings and winter nights. Even if you’re looking for a more stylish night out, Nellie’s is an excellent place to “pre-game” before heading to the club “Town” across the street or vice versa.
Duplex Diner
2004 18th St. N.W. - Washington202-265-7828
Visit for dinner with friends or leave a hot, drunken mess at the Duplex Diner. The Diner’s brightly lit sign is spotted easily at the corners of U and 18th Street in Adams Morgan and is welcome to both boys and gals. They’re known as a great place to let off some steam and see familiar smiling faces, with a happy hour that actually lives up to its name, as opposed to people trying to get drunk fast and cheap. Even better, the prices are reasonable; make sure to try their popular Lemon Squeeze drink.
The FAB Lounge
1805 Connecticut Ave. N.W. - Washington202-797-1122
Why is the FAB lounge so fabulous? Maybe because it’s a relatively unassuming spot, the kind of place that actually doesn’t bombard you with a bunch of events and gimmicks when you just want to hang out with friends. Of course, this is not to suggest that the FAB lounge does not have its “nights”. Every Saturday there’s Girls Taking over Night, described by patrons as a “hot lesbian party.” And who can forget Ultralush Thursdays, where one can win a free “all you can drink” pass. With a roped off lounge area great for relaxing and music that ranges from hip-hop to techno, the FAB is said to be “a little bit of everything, a great mix with no intimidation” In other words, all are welcome. (Even the sober.)
The Fireplace
2161 P St. NW - Washington202-293-1293
The crowd at this P Street bar tends tends to be largely on the mellower (read: older) side. But every Thursday, shirtless men get extra drink specials, and on Fridays, Crown Royal is just $5. Just something to keep in mind.
Apex
1415 22nd St. N.W. - Washington202-296-0505
If you prefer your men shirtless and waxed, Apex is where you should have been looking all along. And with college nights on Thursdays, and four bars, this club caters to the univeristy and post-grad crowd alike.
Town Danceboutique
2009 8th St. N.W. - Washington202-234-8696
This up-and-coming gay nightspot in the heart of Northwest D.C. has proved popular with young men looking to get their dance on. They also showcase drag shows, pool tournaments and karaoke sing-a-longs. And, hey, more shirtless guys!!
Lace
2214 Rhode Island Ave. N.E. - Washington202-832-3888
Are shirtless young guys not your style? Well, the ladies love Lace! With everything from a gourmet menu to wine tastings to book signings, the club provides a space for lesbians to come together and dine, socialize and enjoy a high energy dance experience. Come out to Lace, where every night is ladies night!
Remingtons
639 Pennsylvania Ave. S.E. - Washington202-543-3113
D.C.'s premiere gay country-Western club, complete with line dancing.
