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Gorgeous neighborhoods, political activism and an expansive public transit system make America's capitol an attractive home for a large number of gays and lesbians. The thriving gay and lesbian community is centered on and around picturesque DuPont Circle with plenty of bars, clubs, funky boutiques and exceptional restaurants. The LGBT population density rivals that of better-known gay meccas like New York and San Francisco, but the look and attitude is decidedly less edgy. Prep and business attire dominate DC clubs and bars, as many in the LGBT community are concerned with looking respectable within the two-party system. It's no surprise that many of the lesbians and gays work in some portion of the DC political machine, and don't be surprised to find out your dance partner works for the FBI. While the edgier side of life still has a spot to play in Washington DC’s gay scene, it just remains a little more cloaked than the others.
Apex
1415 22nd St., NW, Washington, DC; Tel. 202.296.0505
This quintessential gay club, unassumingly tucked in between in apartment buildings in Dupont Circle, is a popular hangout for dancing kings and queens. The front room's large dance floor and blaring soundtrack is a main draw for booty shakers and the backroom video bar, which plays hit music videos on multiple wall-mounted TVs, is a favorite among well-toned wallflowers. Thursday is the wildly popular College Night (free admission with a valid college ID), Friday features karaoke hosted by drag diva Gladys Kravitz and Saturday is the weekly Liquid Ladies party, where lesbians rule the roost. (AN)
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Club Chaos
1603 17th St. NW Washington DC; Tel. 202.232.4141
A mixed gay and lesbian crowd floods this DuPont Circle bar and restaurant where drag shows are so popular, they've even extended them to Sunday morning brunch. Special women and Latin nights happen weekly so be sure to call ahead to find out what Chaos is serving. (MS)
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Cobalt
1639 R St. NW, Washington, DC; Tel. 202.462.6569
Cobalt is the proven leader of the pack when it comes to Dupont Circle nightlife. The dance destination, which was closed by fire in 1998, reopened several years ago to rave reviews by trendy 20- and 30-somethings. Every Sunday night is karaoke with two-for-one martinis. Swing by for some retro tunes on Solid Gold Tuesdays or check out the popular Best Package Contest on Thursdays, hosted by the always outrageous Lena Lett. Customers are encouraged to step up and take it off for the chance to win a $200 first prize. For a slower-paced evening, grab a drink downstairs at the 30 Degrees lounge or nosh on some honest fare at FoodBarDC. (AN)
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DC Eagle
639 New York Ave., NW Washington DC; Tel. 202.347.6025
Beware of leather-clad congressmen bearing watches. Almost every city has an 'Eagle', but DC's leather bar is a standout in the crowd. Hot, sweaty and very cruisy. No bales of hay, but plenty of cowboys and come-ons. (MS)
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DIK Bar
1637 17th St., NW, Washington, DC; Tel. 202.328.0100
Whether you know it as DIK Bar (above Dupont Italian Kitchen) or Windows, this Dupont Circle mainstay is a folksy favorite. Mismatched, tattered couches and arm chairs as well as tables and a line of barstools give patrons plenty of opportunities to socialize and circulate. It's also one of the best destinations on the block to watch the annual drag queen high heel race down 17th Street. (AN)
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Duplex Diner
2004 18th St., NW, Washington, DC; Tel. 202.265.7828
If it's Thursday evening, those in-the-know will be at Duplex Diner. While this cozy, kitschy restaurant and bar is popular most nights of the week with the sociable, see-and-be-seen set, Thursdays are the jewel in Duplex's crown. Start out in the retro dining room with a basket of pigs in a blanket or tater tots. Try the locally famous Mac & Cheese or a fresh, delicious broccolini salad, served by one of several perky servers. Then, migrate to the bar for reasonably priced cocktails and copious conversation. Duplex's welcoming atmosphere draws a diverse mix of attractive, easygoing patrons. It's the ideal clean, comfortable neighborhood joint. (AN)
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Floriana Mercury Grill
1602 17th St., Washington, DC; Tel. 202.667.5937
Floriana's conventional fine-dining on the main level of this historic Dupont Circle manor couldn't be a more drastic departure from the restaurant's basement bar. The pint-sized, ruby-walled tavern is replete with neighborhood regulars but strangers are welcomed with open arms. Patrons are predominantly gay but plenty of fun-loving heterosexuals grab a drink here too. The only prerequisites for fitting in are being chatty and casual. The space consists of a small bar, a few stools and a countertop that runs the length of the outside wall so the spot can get cramped quickly on a busy night. Bartender Dito mixes a mean drink (his sangria is scrumptious) and fiery proprietor Floriana will make you feel right at home, in between cigarette puffs and dirty jokes. (AN)
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Green Lantern
1335 Green Court, NW, Washington, DC; Tel. 202.347.4533
At the Green Lantern, taking it off pays off with complimentary cocktails. On Thursdays, shirtless men drink free from 10-11 p.m. and men in underwear drink for free from midnight to 1 a.m. Various happy hour specials occur throughout the week starting at 4 p.m. This low-profile bar features pool tables, videogames and karaoke. The second floor, known as the Tool Shed, has its own distinct vibe and it caters to more rugged bearish types. (AN)
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Halo
1435 P St., NW, Washington, DC; Tel. 202.797.9730
When sleek, swanky smoke-free Halo opened its doors near Logan Circle in 2004, it was the antidote to dark, murky gay bars. The well-lit, expertly decorated establishment, operated by illustrious Washington party promoters Ed Bailey and John Guggenmos, has exceeded expectations. To accommodate the throngs of au courant clientele that flock there nightly, the former second story bar expanded, taking over a video rental store below. The larger space still fills to capacity on weekends so don't be surprised to see a short line forming outside at peak partying hours. Don't pass up a chance to try Halo's mouthwatering mojitos and other tropical specialty drinks. Happy hour is 5-9 p.m. on weekdays where drinks are two for the price of one. (AN)
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Heat
18 O St., NW, Washington, DC; Tel. 202.479.2233
Heat takes "house nights" to a whole new level. Afrodiziac Mondays feature black male and female illusionists as well as black and Latino dancers. Tipsy Tuesdays boast $2 pool games, $2 drinks from 9-11 p.m. and $2 shots. Black and Latino dancers preside over Hot Coco Wednesdays and Thirsty Thursdays put amateurs in the spotlight. Heat University Fridays cater to the collegiate set and Nite Camp Saturdays feature the Philly Night Camp Underwear boys. Patrons get a free drink every night with paid admission before midnight. (AN)
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JR's
1519 17th St. NW Washington DC; Tel. 202.328.0090
This multi-level neighborhood bar pulses with beats, boys and beer. It's been part of the Dupont Circle nightlife for many years but still hasn't lost its luster. Friendly bartenders and down-to-earth clientele make JR's a modern-day, but very gay Cheers. On Monday nights, come belt out Broadway's best during the popular showtunes sing-a-long or relive the wonder years on retro night Thursdays. (AN)
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Kramer Books and Afterwords
1517 Connecticut Ave., NW Washington DC; Tel. 202.387.1400
The bookstore gained international fame and a Special Prosecutor's ire when it refused to submit then-intern Monica Lewinsky's book purchase receipts on principle. Still a progressive bastion, Kramerbooks provides the latest in Beltway memoirs, policy tomes and the best in current fiction. Readers can peruse the aisles till their fancies are tickled, check their email free on the store's somewhat antiquated Internet terminal, or nosh on a variety of sandwiches, soups, salads and coffee drinks at its in-house Afterwords café. Just make sure Kenneth Starr isn't doing his best J. Edgar Hoover impression in the next aisle. (MS)
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Lizard Lounge
1223 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, DC; Tel. 202.331.4422
Slither into the workweek with one of the hottest parties in gay DC. Six nights a week, this locale is known as MCCXXII but on the seventh night, it becomes Lizard Lounge. On the posh first floor, stylish singles mix and mingle between large Romanesque columns opposite a long soapstone bar. A spacious dance floor allows patrons to groove to the sounds of resident DJ Kostas and special guest spinners. On the second floor, an illuminated steel catwalk overlooks the main party space, which connects a small exclusive bar and lounge furnished with plush velvet couches. Take advantage of early evening drink specials until 10 p.m. and there's always complimentary admission. If Sunday isn't enough, Chloe, one of Adams Morgan's newest, snazziest restaurant/lounges, is home to Hush, a weekly gay-oriented party. The revelry takes place every Thursday (2473 18th St., NW, Washington, DC; Tel. 202.232.5005). (AN)
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Omega
2122 P St., NW, Washington, DC; Tel. 202.223.4917
For more than two decades, Omega has been a staple in the DC gay scene but only if you can find it. The club, which is Apex's sister establishment, is sandwiched in between apartment buildings and can't be seen from the street. Wednesday and Saturday night pool tournaments yield $50 and $25 bar tabs for first and second place winners and shirtless men also drink free on Wednesdays from 10-11 p.m. Karaoke contestants take the stage on Saturdays upstairs in the arcade and burly bartenders dispense spirits in their skivvies on Sundays. (AN)
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Phase One
525 8th St., SE, Washington, DC; Tel. 202.544.6831
Women of all shapes, sizes and colors gather at Phase One, a hole-in-the-wall on Capitol Hill. This bar, also known as "The Phase," has been a destination for lounging ladies for more than three decades. The ambiance is lacking but the clientele is fun, friendly and ready to party. Every once in a while a man appears in the crowd but he's most likely a friend of the women who patronize this small, sassy place. (AN)
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Remington's
639 Pennsylvania Ave., SE Washington DC; Tel. 202.543.3113
Electric Slide fans, beware--Remington's patrons need more than a simple two-step to be won over. This large Washington DC nightclub specializes in line dancing, man-to-man and cheek-to-cheek, and even offers lessons weekly. Butch (as in Cassidy) men and women glide across the hardwood dance floor while wallflowers wait for a cowboy or girl to lasso and lead 'em. (MS)
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The Fireplace
2161 P St., NW Washington DC; Tel. 202.293.1293
It's unusual to find a gay bar that actually lives up to its name, but this dark, swank bar offers an actual fireplace that softly illuminates the profile of your would-be intended. Strong drinks and a friendly bar staff keep you company on cold nights and unobtrusive screens playing hot dance videos stoke the fires on warmer ones. (MS)
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—Reviews by Andrew Noyes and Michael Stabile
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