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Washington DC

Dupont Circle to 14th and U

Washington's LGBTQ+ life started in Dupont Circle and now spreads along 14th and U Streets, Logan Circle and Shaw, with Adams Morgan and the Navy Yard adding more. Capital Pride every June, and the city's long political and activist history, give the scene a character of its own.

Cover photo: Green Lantern · Photo: AgnosticPreachersKid / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Editor's picks

Six places to start in Washington DC

LGBTQ+ bars, clubs and queer places in Washington DC

20 places
  • Green Lantern

    Green LanternBars

    Green Court Northwest 1335, Washington, 20005

  • Nellie's Restaurant & Sports Bar

    Nellie's Restaurant & Sports BarBars

    U Street Northwest 900, Washington, 20001-4048

  • The Little Gay Pub

    The Little Gay PubBars

    P Street Northwest 1100

  • District EagleBars

    U Street Northwest 1357B, Washington, 20009

  • JR's BarBars

    17th Street Northwest 1519, Washington, 20036

  • LichtBars

    U Street Northwest 1520, Washington, 20009-3912

  • Number NineBars

    P Street Northwest 1435, Washington, 20005

  • Pitchers CafeBars

    18th Street Northwest 2317, Washington, 20009-1814

  • Spark Social HouseBars

    14th Street Northwest 2009, Washington, 20009

  • The FireplaceBars

    P Street Northwest 2161, Washington, 20037

  • TradeBars

    14th Street Northwest 1410, Washington, 20005

  • BunkerClubs

    14th Street Northwest 2001, Washington

  • CrushClubs

  • RevoltClubs

    U Street Northwest 1359, Washington, 20009

  • Thurst LoungeClubs

    14th Street Northwest 2204, Washington, 20009

  • As You AreCafés

    8th Street Southeast 500, Washington, 20003

  • Freddie's Beach BarCafés

    23rd Street South 553, Arlington, 22202

  • Mr. Henry'sCafés

    Pennsylvania Avenue Southeast 601, Washington, 20003

  • Games Kastle College ParkCommunity & culture

    Cherry Hill Road 4748, College Park, 20740

  • MoCo Pride CenterCommunity & culture

    Edgemoor Lane 4085, Bethesda, 20814

Photos from Google Maps and the venues, credited on each photo. Independent listings. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the venues. Info can change, check before you go.

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Washington DC for LGBTQ+ visitors

Where is the gay area in Washington DC?

Washington's LGBTQ+ life started in Dupont Circle and now spreads along 14th and U Streets, Logan Circle and Shaw, with Adams Morgan and the Navy Yard adding more. Capital Pride every June, and the city's long political and activist history, give the scene a character of its own.

How can I meet LGBTQ+ people in Washington DC?

Go out to the places in this guide, join a local queer community group, or use Waimz™ to find dates, friends and LGBTQ+-friendly places nearby.

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