Crush Bar Gay Club Washington D.C. Details
Crush Bar is where Washington D.C.’s LGBTQ+ nightlife gets its groove back, courtesy of the iconic minds behind the past magic of Cobalt dance bar. After Cobalt’s sudden closure in 2019, the operators came together to create a new space that goes beyond labels, inviting everyone to come together and celebrate diversity. And honey, they’ve done just that!
Quick Club Overview
Location - Found at the buzzing corner of 14th & U St NW, above the upcoming gayborhoods of Logan Circle and Shaw, about 10 minutes from Dupont Circle.
Why Go - If you love to dance to good music with multiple rooms of music, crave specialty cocktails (they have 10 delicious ones to choose from - we love the tequila based Dark Horse!) and happy hour specials Tuesday - Fridays, or just like a good looking younger crowd to mingle in.
Lines - Weekends can get pretty packed after midnight, so come early if you don't want to wait in line!
Vibes Here - Diverse crowd of locals and tourists, usually ages 20s to 30s, with a mix of the LGBTQ+ crowd, but usually skews more gay on most nights. (This can vary depending on nightly events).
New Opening & Setup
Crush opened its doors in April, 2024 and has already made splashing waves. With a fabulous two-story setup, the second level features several themed rooms, each with its own unique vibe. Studio A is a retro dream, decked out with pop records from Britney Spears to Sam Cooke, plus a disco-style DJ booth to keep the beats flowing to shake those hips to. You’ll even find a cozy little patio when you need a breather between dance sessions. Then there’s Studio B, a loungy escape with plush leather seating, disco balls that twinkle overhead, and a VIP space dubbed the Starlight Lounge for those who like a little exclusivity with their cocktails.
Specialty Cocktails
Speaking of cocktails, Crush brings in delicious flavors with 10 signature drinks that’ll have you feeling all kinds of fabulous. Whether you’re sipping on an “I Want to Break Tea!” or shaking things up with a “Mez-call Me Maybe,” these concoctions are as fun as they are strong. And trust us, the Dancing Queen’s Cup—a delightful mix of gin, sparkling wine, and strawberry-coriander syrup—comes with a pour that’ll have you twirling on the dance floor in no time. We are biased because we love tequila, so we highly recommend the Dark Horse - Tamarind Infused Tequila, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, Ginger Beer, my oh my it will get the blood flowing for the dance floor!
Don't miss out on their Happy Hour Specials (Tuesday - Friday 5 - 8 pm): $7 Premium Drinks | $9 Craft Cocktails | Half-Off Draft Beers.
Atmosphere
The atmosphere will have you kicking up those boots and heels all night long. With its ‘70s-inspired color palette, burnished wood accents, and vinyl-record decor, Crush Bar is equal parts nostalgia and glam. LGBTQ+ legends are front and center here, with images of activists, artists, and musicians adorning the walls—look out for the iconic photos of Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat’s boxing match, adding an artsy edge to the upstairs lounge. Weekdays are usually a bit slower here, but weekends get busy, so come early so you don't have to wait in line!
Bottom Line
Whether you're there for a themed event, a night out with friends, or just to soak up the inclusive LGBTQ+ vibes, Crush Bar is D.C.'s new must-visit destination for the queer community. Come for the music, stay for the yummy cocktails, and leave knowing you’ve found your new favorite spot.
More Popular Washington D.C. Gay Bars
Want to try out other queer spots around DC? Try these fun gay places - Larry's Lounge is known for their large pours, dog-friendly patio, and friendly environment. This queer haven is a favorite of Dupont Circle's neighborhood bars that is a great spot to have a more relaxed afternoon or evening, plus tasty bites in case your stomach gets grumbling. Green Lantern is a leather and levi bar that has been serving the gay community for over a decade. The gay bar hosts a slew of special events from jockstrap nights, gogo boys parties to bear events with one of their more popular - Shirtless Drinking Night, so mark your calendars boys. Crowd is usually bisexual and gay men, ages from mid 20s to late 40s on average, depending on night.
Number Nine has two floors with the main bar on first floor and second floor (known by regulars as 9 1/2), which is a smaller video bar featuring multiple TVs so you can watch your various events, shows, movies, or music videos. Crowd is usually a mix of the LGBTQ+ community and busiest on Friday nights. They also have a patio when weather permits and has great happy hour specials during weekdays 2-4-1! If you are looking for something a little more wild, The Crucible is one of DC's most popular BDSM venues in the city. The venue is a local safe space and a private club catering to the BDSM/fetish communities. Most of their events are MEMBERS ONLY, and memberships cannot be purchased at the door so make sure to acquire prior to event you wish to attend!
