Gay bars in dc dupont circle

The value that places like Pitchers possess cannot be overstated. Although LGBTQ Washingtonians are often pleasant living anywhere in the city, there are only a handful of locations in which people can truly, and openly, show their queer identity. Indiana Bones is a flamboyant queen based in D.C. Originally from Virginia, Bones was raised in Maryland and has performed in the city for almost four years. For Bones, reflecting on her hold experience coming out in a conservative, Catholic, Latino household, gay bars provide queer people with an inclusive environment that they often lack during their coming out process. “Being here, you get a sigh of relief, you can actually breathe in and be like, ‘Oh my God, I am being myself. I am being happy. I am loving who I am,’” Bones said. The social scene, particularly among same-sex attracted bars, is heavily diverse. Most establishments, Pitchers included, are not LGBTQ exclusive, and accept straight patronage. KC B. Yoncé, another drag performer and native Washingtonian, recognized the commercialization of the queer nightlife. Although gay bars acquire access to increased revenue sources, the influx of non-LGBTQ people could jeopardize the san

Globally known as the center of U.S. politics, Washington, DC has more ethics and diversity than most queer folks may think. Beyond the city’s well-liked monuments, memorials, and museums, the nation’s capital is place to a scant 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 metropolis for World Lgbtq+ fest 2025. 

From a dive bar that has regular jockstrap nights to a hip hangout that attracts the nonbinary reveler searching for the quintessential drag reveal, DC’s nightlife has a little something for everyone. So, if you’re planning a trip to the nation’s capital for a extended weekend or particular event such as Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend or Capital Identity festival – here’s a quick rundown of the most famous LGBTQ+ bars and clubs in Washington, DC.



The District’s Nightlife History

For those who were not residents in the District during the initial 2000s, the city’s Navy Yard area was booming with hot nightclubs and bars such as Zeigfield’s, Wet, Edge, and Nation. Unfortunately, the revitalization of the area, including erecting a fresh soccer stadium (Audi Field) and baseball stad

About Number 9

Number Nine is a two story, indoor-outdoor, lounge and video bar in the heart of Logan Circle. We have been expose and and serving the LGBTIQIA group since 2010. Our cocktail menu is quite extensive with over 20 brands of vodka and multiple types of Mojitos. Our glad hours are quite popular and nighttime gets even busier with djs playing music videos on the second floor. Outside, we include an expanded patio area that now includes a massive streatery and cocktail servers.

We are proud to declare that we were just named 2022 BEST GAY Block IN DC in the annual "Best of DC" rivalry in the Washington Blade newspaper.


General Information

All seating both indoor and out is first come, first serve. (We do not get reservations for seating.)

Number Nine is 21 and over at all times.


DC's Best Happy Hour - All Drinks Are 2 For 1

Monday through Friday, If you buy your first drink before 7pm, your second swig is FREE until 8pm!
Buy ANY drink from the time we start until 7pm, Monday - Friday, and vour second guzzle is FREE. And you can redeem your receipt for your free cocktail until 8pm.
This is good for any drink...from our signature

Prior to 1960

Leading up to 1960 the LGBT community faced a number of discriminatory acts from federal and local government. Congress passed a law outlawing sodomy in D.C. Under the Lavender Scare the federal government fired gay individuals en masse.

Despite this, there were a number of LGBT spaces across D.C. to provide community and support. , one of D.C.'s longest continuously operating gay bars and one of the oldest African-American gay bars in the country, opened in 1957.

These weren't wholly safe places, however. were both raided by the Metropolitan Police Department's Vice Squad.

The '60s

LGBT activism moved more to the public forefront starting in the 1960s. The Mattachine Society of Washington, which assisted federal employees and residents targeted for their sexuality, was formed. The Washington Blade, America’s oldest LGBT newspaper, began in 1969. More clubs, publications, and services catered directly to the LGBT community.

Barracks Row became an important part of the LGBT community. was the 'first gay-owned bar to offer queer dancing', essentially breaking the owner ban on dancing. also contributed