Washington DC - 10

LGBTQ+ Washington DC

Washington, DC is notorious. Politics, sex scandals and fiery protests have given this popular destination for the gay community a bit of an edge. The city’s large LGBTQ+ community, however, has stayed focused on securing equal rights and having a great time while they are at it.

The city’s lively LGBTQ+ nightlife is centered within a couple of neighborhoods, easily accessible by public transportation. Many hotspots are located on P Street and 17th Street in the Dupont Circle area, just a few minutes walk from the Dupont Circle Metro stop. Legendary bars like JRs and eateries such as Annie’s Steakhouse line 17th Street, and evenings find the sidewalks bustling with LGBTQ+ boys and girls cruising and cavorting. Here you will find glam mixed with button-down conservative types who work on Capitol Hill—and everything in between. In recent years, some LGBTQ+ bars, restaurants and cafés have moved a few blocks east to Logan Circle, where LGBTQs have begun yet another historic gentrification process. Even U Street, one of the many African-American neighborhoods, has seen an influx of LGBTQ+ residents and even bars.

RESTAURANT GUIDE

1789 Restaurant & Bar

A renovated Federal house sets the scene for refined seasonal American fare. 1226 36th St NW, Washington, DC

18th

& U Duplex Diner

Kitschy 50s diner with diverse crowd packs in the who’s who of DC’s gay community 2004 18th St NW, Washington, DC

Acqua

Al 2

The same authentic Tuscan cuisine you would find in its home city of Florence. 236 Main St, Annapolis, MD

Agora DC

Turkish small plates & cocktails served in a trendy, low-lit, brick-walled space with a patio. 1527 17th St NW, Washington, DC

All-Purpose Shaw

Italian-American destination for artisanal pizzas, antipasti & wine. 1250 9th St NW, Washington, DC

Annie’s Paramount Steak House

Iconic gay restaurant in DC’s gayborhood. 1609 17th St NW, Washington, DC

BIBIBOP Asian Grill

Stylish, health-minded self-serve for customized rice bowls inspired by the Korean dish bibimbap. 1516 Connecticut Ave NW Washington, DC

Bistrot Lepic & Wine Bar

Rustic spot features traditional French fare downstairs, plus a wine bar upstairs. 1736 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington, DC

BlackSalt

Creative preparations of sustainable seafood served in an upscale tavern with a take-out fish market. 4883 MacArthur Blvd NW Washington, DC

Blue Duck Tavern

New American preparations of locally sourced ingredients served amid handcrafted furnishings. 1201 24th St NW, Washington, DC

Busboys and Poets

Dining, dialogue, diversity. 2021 14th St, NW, Washington, DC

Commissary

Casual restaurant/lounge. 1443 P St NW, Washington, DC

Compass Rose

International flavors infuse the eclectic cuisine at this townhouse eatery with brick walls. 1346 T St NW, Washington, DC

DuPont Italian Kitchen Friendly, casual Italian restaurant. 1637 17th St NW, Washington, DC

Elizabeth’s Gone Raw

Elegant Federalist townhouse featuring raw-vegan dishes & organic wines. 1341 L St NW Suite 1, Washington, DC

Filomena Ristorante Pasta made in-house plus hearty Italian classics in an upscale restaurant with over-the-top decor. 1063 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington, DC

Fiola Mare

Sophisticated Italian seafood, plus wine & cocktails, in a luxe, modern setting with river views. 3100 K St NW, Washington, DC

Firefly

Urban neighborhood restaurant. 1310 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC

Floriana Italian restaurant & grill. 1602 17th St NW, Washington, DC

Fox and Hounds Lounge

Casual joint to hang, drink and nosh. 1533 17th St NW, Washington, DC

Georgia Brown’s

The Best of DC. 950 15th St NW, Washington, DC

Hank’s Oyster Bar

Modern take on traditional New England Seafood Stand. 1624 Q St NW Suite 100 Washington, DC

Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

Surf ‘n’ turf restaurant serving upmarket fare & cocktails in a lavish 2-story space. 750 15th St NW, Washington, DC

Kinship

Unique New American cuisine emphasizing classic and indulgent dishes in chic surroundings. 1015 7th St NW, Washington, DC

Kramers

Bookstore & Cafe/bookstore in the heart of it all. 1517 Connecticut Ave NW Washington, DC

Lauriol Plaza

Tasty Tex-Mex eats - sophisticated atmosphere. 1835 18th St NW, Washington, DC

Le DeSales

A contemporary take on French cooking in a brasserie with a chic bar. 1725 Desales St NW, Washington, DC

Little Serow

Intimate & dark, this spot serves an innovative set menu of NorthernThailand specialties. 1511 17th St NW, Washington, DC

Logan Tavern

Logan Circle hotspot. 1423 P St NW, Washington, DC

Mr. Henry’s Restaurant

Capitol Hill legend. 601 Pennsylvania Ave SE Washington, DC

Pearl Dive Oyster Palace

Seafood dishes with boardwalk decor & a lively upstairs bar & bocce court. 1612 14th St NW, Washington, DC

The Dabney

Mid-Atlantic cuisine at this rustic spot set in a former row house. 122 Blagden Alley NW, Washington, DC

Timber Pizza Company

Pie purveyor with Neapolitan pies & Argentinean bites like empanadas. 809 Upshur St NW, Washington, DC

Tortino Restaurant

Tuscan-style trattoria offering pasta, meat & seafood dishes, plus a happyhour menu. 1228 11th St NW, Washington, DC

Trio Bistro

Long-running neighborhood eatery with a sizable menu of diner-style fare. 1535 17th St NW, Washington, DC

Zaytinya by José Andrés

Food that stimulates conversation. 701 9th St NW, Washington, DC

and exotic displays, Subaru Loves Pets adoption event, and Art-Of-Motion Visual & Custom Auto Exhibition will grace the show floor to provide all-day fun for guests of all ages. For more info visit: washingtonautoshow.com

JAN 29

GAGSTERS & DRAGSTERS

DRAG BRUNCH

DC’s newest drag brunch will have you splitting your sides with each “Yas Queen!” Join Vagenesis, National Bearded Empress 2022, as she brings the finest drag entertainers and comedians to the DC Improv comedy club. Grab your friends and some dollar bills and get ready for a hilariously fabulous good time. For more info visit: bit.ly/3WGDldb

FEBRUARY

FEB 4 CRÊPE DAY

MAR 20-31

NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL

Enjoy food, fun, culture, and entertainment throughout Washington, DC, during one of the world’s great celebrations of spring. For more info visit: nationalcherryblossomfestival.org

MAR 22

R.E.S.P.E.C.T. R.E.S.P.E.C.T. is the ultimate tribute to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. The elevated concert experience brings a community together with timeless music that speaks to the complicated human condition, honoring the transcendent music of one of America’s most beloved singer-songwriter. For more info visit: bit.ly/3X0j8yU

EVENTS SCHEDULE

entertainers, and more, all along the banks of the Anacostia River. The evening is capped by the dazzling choreographed Official National Cherry Blossom Festival Fireworks Show set to music starting at 8:30 PM. For more info visit: bit.ly/2HkNOqZ

APR 11-16

HADESTOWN

Welcome to Hadestown, where a song can change your fate. Winner of eight 2019 Tony® Awards, this acclaimed new musical by celebrated singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell and innovative director Rachel Chavkin (Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812) is a love story for today… and always.

For more info visit: bit.ly/3GamdFF

MAY MAY 9-14

SIX

From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the

our fight for equality. Be prepared to experience one of the largest Pride Parades to ever take place in the Nation’s Capital.

For more info visit: capitalpride.org/event/parade

JUN 11 PRIDE FESTIVAL

Join the LGBTQ+ community on America’s Mainstreet, historic Pennsylvania Avenue, for the Capital Pride Festival. Enjoy a full day of entertainment on three stages, food, drink, and advocacy with over 300 exhibitors. The Festival is the largest annual event in the national capital region and continues to be free to the public.

For more info visit: capitalpride.org/event/festival

BAR GUIDE

9:30 Club

Named the # 1 nightclub by Rolling Stone, Billboard and Pollstar, more than any other club in the nation. 815 V St NW, Washington, DC

A League of Her Own Lively, easygoing lesbian sports bar with a dance floor & event nights. 2317 18th St NW, Washington, DC

DC9 Nightclub

Tri-level hipster hangout with snug basement bar, music stage with dance parties & rooftop deck. 1940 9th St NW, Washington, DC

Duplex Diner

Diner serves American fare from sandwiches & salads to steak & potatoes. Open late-night. 2004 18th St NW, Washington, DC

DuPont Italian Kitchen

Basic Italian dishes are served in this eatery with a patio & bar hosting regular karaoke nights. 1637 17th St NW, Washington, DC

Green Lantern

Gay bar with lounge hosting special events such as live exotic dancers & ‘80s nights. 1335 Green Ct NW, Washington, DC

JR’s Bar

A popular happy hour, show-tune singalongs & other events draw crowds to this neighborhood gay bar. 1519 17th St NW, Washington, DC

Larry’s Lounge

Welcoming gay bar offering a popular happy hour, pub grub & a dog-friendly outdoor patio.

1836 18th St NW, Washington, DC

Number Nine

This upscale, bi-level gay bar offers inventive cocktails on both floors & a video bar upstairs. 1435 P St NW, Washington, DC

Pitchers

Lively, sports-themed gay bar featuring pub grub, themed event nights & a patio area. 2317 18th St NW, Washington, DC

Red Bear Brewing Co

Industrial spot offering brewed on-site beers as well as local cider & other spirits, plus pub grub. 209 M St NE, Washington, DC

Soundcheck

Spacious club with bottle service, hightech sound & DJs spinning hip-hop, house & Latin music. 1420 K St NW, Washington, DC

TallBoy

Craft beers are served by the can or on draft at this funky venue serving grilled cheese & wings.1239 9th St NW, Washington, DC

The Dirty Goose Chic hangout with a rooftop bar for craft cocktails, signature martinis & a concise American menu. 913 U St NW, Washington, DC

Trade

Narrow, no-nonsense gay bar offering typical drinks, including huge cocktails during happy hour.

1410 14th St NW, Washington, DC

Uproar Lounge & Restaurant

Lively tri-level gay bar offering small plates & sushi in a relaxed atmosphere with a rooftop deck.

639 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC

LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS & ATTRACTIONS

Affirmation Gay and Lesbian Mormons

Connect with LGBTQIA+ current and former Latter-day Saints. Friends and family are welcome. affirmation.org

AGLA

Serving NoVA LGBTQ and Allies. agla.org 555 23rd St S, Arlington, VA

AHF Healthcare Center

Providing quality primary care services for over thirty years. hivcare.org 650 Pennsylvania Ave SE #310 Washington, DC

Andromeda Transcultural Health

Provides quality healthcare through individual or family mental health counseling and HIV/AIDS testing/ services. 1400 Decatur St, Washington, DC

CAGLCC

The Capital Area’s LGBT Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to advocate, promote, and facilitate the success of LGBT businesses and their allies in the Metro DC region. 2000 14th St NW #104, Washington, DC

Food & Friends

Providing food and companionship to people living with HIV/AIDS since 1988. 219 Riggs Rd NE, Washington, DC

Human Rights Campaign

Equal Rights Movement. 1640 Rhode Island Ave N.W., Washington, DC

Imperial Court of Washington DC An all volunteer organization, dedicated to serving the community, by raising much needed funds for local charities. imperialcourtdc.org

Reel Affirmations Film Festival

Washington DC’s International LGBTQ+ Film Festival and Monthly Film Series. thedccenter.org/reelaffirmations

The DC Center for the LGBT Community

A community center for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in the Washington DC area. thedccenter.org 2000 14th St NW #105, Washington, DC

Whitman-Walker Clinic Health and wellness today is so much more than just a doctor’s visit. It’s about being seen and treated for the person you are. whitman-walker.org 1525 14th St NW Washington, DC

Women’s Collective

A leading women’s health agency in Washington, DC that provides prevention, care, and support services. womenscollective.org 1818 New York Ave NE #229, Washington, DC