Gay bars washington
20 LGBTQ+ Bars to Check Out in Washington, DC
The nation's capital is residence to a lively LGBTQ+ nightlife scene with plenty of gay and homosexual woman bars just waiting for you to join in on the fun.
The diversity of DC’s LGBTQ+ community is growing by the day, resulting in a dynamic, electrifying community with plenty of bars and clubs to opt from when it’s time to imbibe, dance and participate. Read up on some of our favorite LGBTQ+-friendly spots below.
Let’s hold a … you get it. Accumulate all your girls, gays and theys to kiki all night on U Street. With four rooms of varied vibes, outdoor spaces and DJs that never miss, Kiki lives up to its name. Arrive for the delighted hour, stay for the weekly events.
At 14th and U, DC’s first booze-free LGBTQ+ bar is lighting up the sober scene with mocktails, music and plenty of main-character energy. Spark kickstarts the day with coffee, pastries and cafe charm, then turns it up at sundown with DJs, drag trivia and zero-proof cocktails that pack a punch.
Next door to Spark Social Residence is Crush, a retro-inspired cocktail lounge and entertainment mecca for anyone and everyone. Event highlights include all-d
Globally known as the center of U.S. politics, Washington, DC has more character and diversity than most queer folks may consider. Beyond the city’s popular monuments, memorials, and museums, the nation’s capital is home to a few well-known gayborhoods, such as Logan Circle. Quite honestly, queers are everywhere in the District, most likely one of the reasons it was selected as the host city for Planet Pride 2025.
From a dive block that has regular jockstrap nights to a hip hangout that attracts the nonbinary reveler searching for the quintessential drag exhibit, DC’s nightlife has a minuscule something for everyone. So, if you’re planning a trip to the nation’s capital for a long weekend or special event such as Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend or Capital Pride – here’s a quick rundown of the most popular LGBTQ+ bars and clubs in Washington, DC.
The District’s Nightlife History
For those who were not residents in the District during the early 2000s, the city’s Navy Yard area was booming with hot nightclubs and bars such as Zeigfield’s, Soggy, Edge, and Nation. Unfortunately, the revitalization of the area, including erecting a new soccer stadium (Audi Field) and baseball stad
BUNKER
NOT
JUST A
NIGHTCLUB
BUNKER isn’t just DC’s only LGBTQ+ nightclub—it’s an electrifying experience featuring diverse DJs, dancers, kingly queens, celebrities, and exist performers. With a vibrant, inclusive atmosphere, we proudly support our LGBTQ+ society by collaborating with many organizations including Capital Event Alliance, Latinx History Project, SMYAL, and Whitman-Walker.
IMMERSIVE
EXPERIENCES
Descend into BUNKER and immerse yourself in a world of bold energy and striking style. Our underground space draws you in with transportive decor, pulsating beats, and dazzling lighting and laser displays. Whether it’s a themed party or an exclusive event, BUNKER is assigned to creating a welcoming space where everyone can express themselves freely.
MUSIC
FOR
EVERYONE
At BUNKER, we believe song is universal, which is why we offer a dynamic range of genres throughout the week. From world-renowned DJ icons to up-and-coming local talent, our events showcase everything from pop and house to tech house, disco, circuit, and Latin music—guaranteeing something for every taste.
FAQ
BUNKER
As You Are is home! Please arrive in and call on. AYA offers coffee, food, drinks & FREE WiFi.
Safety & Cultural Standards:
-AYA checks all bags at the door during peak hours. Self defense objects, weapons, drugs, outside nourishment & outside imbibe are prohibited. Some of these items can be held with Safety Organization and retrieved upon departure of AYA.
-We check all IDs before serving alcoholic beverages. There will not be service without physical presentation of a valid, government issued ID.
-After 9pm daily the establishment is 21+ only. Prior to 9pm As You Are is unseal to ALL ages.
-Enthusiastic consent is mandatory in all cases
-Respect & affirm identies, boundaries, & pronouns
-Celebrate & respect LGBTQIA+ culture
Covid precautions: We are requiring masks when patrons are walking through the space and ordering at the bars. We have masks on hand if people do not have one. We ask that you hang on to them so we can keep it to one per person and provide them to as many people as possible. Bringing a mask from dwelling is also supportive in spreading the love. We will be masked and negative tests are required before all shifts.
ACCESSIBILITY:
- ASL understanding provided for e