7 tips to dine, dance & drink your way through Washington, D.C.

DC has a distinct vibe, and with a 2 a.m. closing time versus later nights in other cities, plan your outing accordingly. After canvassing most of the gay bars, we found refuge in Number Nine and ended up frequenting the duplex bar every night (upstairs has a video bar, but not of the adult film variety). Expect an upscale, metropolitan vibe, even though it’s the same owners as Trade, a no-nonsense dive bar.

Bears need love, too! If you’re looking for a diverse, more mature, burlier crowd, head to Uproar Lounge, including the rooftop, where shirts are bound to come off. To keep all the big boys happy, it also offers a selection of bites.

El Secreto de Rosita might actually be its eye-catching staff. But if you’re on a date, their food is equally as tasty. Executive chef Cristian Granada blends the best of traditional Japanese and Peruvian cuisine, resulting in a seafood lover’s delight! The religious-themed decor creates an alluring atmosphere, which may keep you on your best behavior unless you like to be watched.

Speaking of residential aesthetics, if you feel at home at Floriana, it’s because it used to be a townhouse! This three-floor restaurant, decorated with Christmas lights throughout the interior, has been a favorite restaurant in DC since 1979. Homemade pasta is the specialty.

Not much is gayer than enjoying breakfast at a Parisian brasserie, but that also requires a hefty plane ticket and a passport. Take the easy way out, plan brunch at Café Riggs, and get ready to dine in fashionable elegance. The space extends outdoors onto the patio, offering al fresco dining in the heart of Penn Quarter. No matter what you order, get a side of hash browns for the best carb-loading the city has to offer. 

A gay bar in the guise of a stylish cafe, Licht Café was a welcomed addition to DC’s U Street in 2022. Its small, cozy atmosphere serves a laidback, chill evening, with low-level music perfect for having romantic or platonic conversation.

Lyle’s wants you to know its name if a Saturday drag brunch is the game. Located inside the namesake hotel, the restaurant hosts a weekly show reflective of DC queer culture. The music and performances will dominate the room, so save the gossip for another time. But, honey, during this brunch, you’re dancing if you’re not eating.