A safe haven when going out is important, especially when it comes to nightlife. These are the most interesting, inclusive, LGBTQ+ and straight-friendly bars, nightclubs, and cafes in D.C. that you can enjoy all year long!
1. Licht
In the heart of Washington is Licht, a laidback LGBTQ+ cafe and bar called Licht that brings a warm, European vibe to the city. It’s been featured in websites like Eater and now, SecretDC, for its casual ambiance and delicious cocktail menu of well-known favorites like gimlets, martinis, and mojitos. According to EaterDC, the owner, Spencer Hurd, modeled Licht after his favorite gay bar in Germany. We’ll prost to that!
Where: 1520 U ST NW, Top Floor
2. The Little Gay Pub
Looking for a more moody spot? Then visit The Little Gay Pub, opposite of Licht’s bright and airy feel, this cozy tavern offers a full bar, fun decor with gay icons like Marilyn Monroe, and a food menu! They regularly offer drink specials and their outdoor patio is dog friendly!
Where: 1100 P Street NW Washington, DC 20005
3. Crush
A gay vinyl bar in DC? Yes, please! Crush is really big on inclusivity and if you don’t believe us, look at this beautiful statement from their website: “Here, laughter resonates in harmony with the beat of acceptance, where every performance, every gathering, is a testament to the beauty of unity.” We couldn’t have said it any better. Crush offers a stunning cocktail menu–with a robust happy hour nearly every day–and fun events, like their upcoming Memorial Day party and weekly karaoke nights!
Where: 14TH & U ST NW
4. Bunker
Bunker is DC’s only Gay Nightclub that promises a range of music and an inclusive environment. Their music selection ranges from international, world-renowned DJs and up-and-comers. Plus, they partner with local organizations like World Pride and Latinx History Project. Their upcoming shows range from charity shows with Kerry Colby and Cake Pop, La Loca for a Latin music takeover, and of course the big World Pride night on June 4th.
Where: 2001 14th St NW
5. Kiki
Kiki is interesting in that it offers a mix of cozy outdoor patio evenings as well as an intricate interior with “levels” that offer different sections for people to dance or chill. There is also an upstairs and an apparent “cage” that has since closed. Come here if you want reasonable drink prices, fun and chaotic vibes, and karaoke on Thursdays.
Where: 915 U St NW
6. As You Are
As You Are is a queer-owned inclusive cafe by day and bar/dance lounge at night, and often frequented by queer women. They have a coffee and breakfast menu in the daytime with offerings like spinach omelettes and pancakes, and at night they offer wine, spirits, and vibey dance music that runs until 3am on Friday and Saturday. Come by and catch one of their community-led events sometime.
Where: 500 8th St. SE
7. A League Of Her Own
A League Of Her Own declares themselves as a queer women’s neighborhood bar, so it’s the perfect place for sports lovers in D.C. The one downside is that they have a pretty limited schedule, only open on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 6pm-12am. With that being said, they’re an excellent and fun venue, offering cocktails with fun names, like The Ladies Love Us When We Pour Shots cocktail and they also host a lot of fun events.
Where: 2317 18th St NW
8. Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant
Voted as one of the top 100 brunches in the U.S., Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant is an iconic queer but straight-friendly beach-themed bar in Arlington. They’ve got a whole menu of sandwiches, burgers, and brunch, of course, plus a robust happy hour between 4 and 7pm daily and karaoke every night except Saturdays.
9. Nellie’s Sports Bar
Nellie’s is named after the owner, Dough Schantz’s, great and great great grandmothers, both named Nellie, and it’s one of the best sports bars in D.C. Their menu is full of bar bites with some vegan food and something that’s rare in post-COVID times, an after-midnight food menu!
Where: 555 23rd St. S, Arlington, Virginia 22202