DIK Bar

Number Nine is located in the heart of the scene and has been completely renovated to create a space that is at once modern and classic. The venue has two floors, with amazingly plush and comfortable furnishings including marble bars and a fireplace. State of the art sound and lighting means that the downstairs bar is lively at night, while you can enjoy your craft cocktails in the stylish video bar and lounge upstairs.

This Shaw neighbourhood bar is central to the gay scene and is especially busy on sunny days when the rooftop can be enjoyed to the fullest. When the deck isn't packed, the top floor is full of music and dancing and a side of jumbo wings. There's karaoke every Monday night that draws a lively crowd, and since Uproar is DC's premier bear bar, there's plenty of hot men to get to know here.

Situated right in the heart of Adams Morgan's bustling 18th Street is Pitchers, a gay sports bar right next door to A League of Her Own, the equivalent bar for lesbian and queer women. There's plenty of room for games and a sports-themed menu of bar favourites including stadium dogs, chicken tenders, and burgers. A lively atmosphere and lovely outdoor patio make this a great place to hang out and watch the game with your crowd.

A short walk down P Street will bring you to this popular dive bar. The Fireplace is known for its diverse crowd, great drink selection, and of course the fireplace beside the bar. The bar tends to attract regulars who gather and catch up in this cosy space. Upstairs you'll find black lights and DJs, and a space where you can dance until late in perhaps the most unassuming bar in DC.

Green Lantern is hidden away in an otherwise unassuming alleyway in Downtown. The bar is located in a converted two-story carriage house, and the first floor's lounge vibe is complete with a central and stylish granite bar. You can dance the night away on Green Lantern's multi-level dance floor (complete with disco lights) and chat with the shirtless bartenders. There's even a Shirtless Men Drink Free event on Thursdays, along with karaoke and exotic dancers on other days.

Trade is a stylishly quirky spot, boasting tall wood-backed booths, offbeat paintings, and rooster-print wallpaper. Instead of the traditional happy hour, Trade hosts its legendary 'Huge' event where cocktails are served in pint glasses throughout the evening. The oversized and delicious drinks plus a generally festive atmosphere draws a "stand and model" type of crowd that's free of attitude and always up for a good time.