Photo by anokarina.ĬOBALT: Cobalt has been keeping things fresh since recovering from a fire in 2001.
Phase1 Dupont is located at 1415 22nd Street NW. While the club has been going through some growing pains, it hosts a wide variety of female-centric events like wet T-shirt contests and 90’s nights. In 2012, Phase1 the space occupied by the now-defunct Apex to create Phase1 of Dupont, a lesbian nightclub that rivals Town in size. In addition to regularly scheduled programming, Phase1 has hosted its own music and arts festival (PhaseFest) for seven years.
Though the bar is old, it still thrills younger generations with an calendar chock full of DJ nights and performances from the D.C. The bar, now in its 43rd year in business, is a true landmark. PHASE1 / PHASE1 OF DUPONT: Phase1 is not only one of the oldest queer bars in the area, but one of the oldest lesbian bars in entire country. The club hosts special guests and programming including winners from Drag Race, WTF?-themed parties around holidays, and Bear Happy Hour every Friday. Set across two floors, the club features a music video party downstairs and a revolving crew of DJ’s upstairs. Town boasts the area’s best drag show, hosted by Lena Lett and featuring Miss Tatianna (“the Starlet of Town”), who starred in the second season of Ru-Paul’s Drag Race. The dance club, in a converted warehouse, is only open on Friday and Saturday nights (aside from a few special events), and it is the spot for weekend fun.
TOWN DANCEBOUTIQUE: Town is the biggest gay bar in D.C. Monday nights, the bar hosts its legendary show tunes night, perfect for any fan of musical theater. While the “and Grill” bit of the name is a misnomer as the place doesn’t serve food, JR’s is a great place to listen to music and drink the night away. JR’s Bar and Grill has been serving this area for a long time and has always remained a must-go place. JR’s BAR & GRILL: Twenty-five years is a long time for any bar, but that is ancient in gay years. Nellie’s Sports Bar is located at 900 U Street NW. Nellie’s is a hot spot for everyday of the week. And, true to its name, it’s an easy place to grab a beer and watch a game. While the bar is not typically known for dancing, check out the Guil-Tea Dance parties on Sundays this summer for loads of fun.
The two-story bar with a large roof deck is known for its dangerously awesome Beat The Clock Happy Hour (when drinks range between $2 and $4), Wednesday’s “Smart Ass” pub quizzes, and Thursday’s Drag Bingo. NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR: Since opening in summer 2007, Nellie’s has become a crown jewel of D.C.’s gay nightlife scene and as a meeting place for all members of the community. offers a treasure trove of lesbian-, gay-, bisexual-, and transgender-friendly bars of all shapes and sizes. Whether you are looking for someone special, having a night out with friends or just want a safe space to be out and proud, D.C. Who says gay bars are over? Even with gay dating apps like Grindr and Scruff, bars are still fun places to meet new people and have a good time.