Larry's Lounge

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.

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.

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.

JR's Bar is a pillar in DC's LGBTQ+ Community, serving amazing cocktails and popcorn since 1986. Great drink specials, campy videos, and friendly bartenders keep JR's packed with fun seven days a week. If you're looking for a casual place for a drink, JR's is the place to go in the heart of Dupont Circle, complete with show tunes and trivia nights among other events. Sundays are especially popular, mainly because of the super cheap vodka!

Nellie's is one of the city's oldest and most popular gay bars. Downstairs in the bar there are sports games playing on the TVs and drag bingo hosted here on Tuesdays always draws a crowd. Nellie's is also famous for its Beat the Clock happy hour, running for most of the evening, when each hour the price of a drink increases by a dollar. Outside the bar, the upstairs patio boasts a DJ and plenty of dancing.

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.