The Little Gay Pub Washington D.C. Details
Little Gay Pub made its stylish debut in March 2023 in Logan Circle, quickly becoming the place for Washington D.C.'s LGBTQ+ crowd to sip in style and bask in history. Forget your run-of-the-mill gay bar vibe — this place strives for sophistication, and you can thank its mature-as-fine-wine owners, Sevilla and Martinez, for that. “We wanted something nicer,” Sevilla says, “someplace where the community can feel celebrated, not just another rubber-stamped bar.” Well, mission accomplished!
There is a marble bar as thick as your latest romance novel, caramel leather banquettes that snake along the walls, and LGBTQ+ history literally hanging in the air. No, seriously. From magazine covers to fliers for the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, these walls talk — but not in a preachy way. It’s more like an artsy history lesson with a wink.
This little gem also knows how to draw a crowd. Sure, Nancy Pelosi’s been here, and the queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race All-Stars have probably sipped a cocktail or two under the pub's glamorous gilded mirrors, but the real stars? The Instagram fan account is solely dedicated to bathroom selfies! With deep green tiles and a selfie-ready backdrop, the bathrooms here are almost as famous as the cocktail menu.
Cocktails
Speaking of which, let’s talk drinks: The floral Unicorn Tears (gin, Aperol, a touch of glitter) is practically magical, and don’t even get us started on the espresso martini. They sold “a couple hundred” of those bad boys on opening day alone — because, darling, who doesn’t need a little caffeine with their vodka?
Patio Time
When the sun’s out, so is everyone else — on the patio, of course. Ducking under fringed umbrellas, the crowd buzzes with that perfect mix of chill and excitement as people hunt for a table or a friendly face. And while there isn’t a ton of standing room inside (it is called Little Gay Pub for a reason), it’s all part of the cozy charm.
Bottom Line
The pub’s vibe is so fab that they’ve already announced an expansion to Philadelphia, so watch out Philly! So, grab your besties and head down for a cocktail and maybe a shot — it’s time to celebrate a place that’s all about community, history, and having a fabulously good time.
More Fun Washington DC Gay Bars
Crush Bar is one of the new LGBTQ+ additions to D.C., featuring a stunning two-story setup that’ll have you swooning. The second level boasts several themed rooms, each with its own unique vibe, from retro-chic to lounge fabulous. With specialty cocktails flowing, packed dance floors on the weekends, and a crowd that knows how to party, this spot is a must for those who love to let loose. Expect a mix of locals and tourists, mostly in their 20s to 30s, with the scene typically skewing more gay as the night goes on.
If you’re after something more low-key, Larry’s Lounge is your go-to for laid-back vibes, generous pours, and a dog-friendly patio where the pups and cocktails are equally welcome. This Dupont Circle favorite offers a cozy spot for a relaxed afternoon or evening, complete with tasty bites to curb your hunger while you sip and socialize. It’s the perfect neighborhood queer hangout when you want to keep things chill.
For the leather and levi lovers out there, Green Lantern is your playground. This iconic gay bar is where you’ll find daddies, leathermen, and a whole lot of fun. From jockstrap nights to go-go boy parties and bear events, the lineup is always sizzling. The crowd here is mostly bisexual and gay men, ranging from mid-20s to late 40s, and it all depends on the event of the night.
Number Nine is a staple of the LGBTQ+ nightlife scene, with two floors of fun. The main bar on the first floor serves up cocktails, while the second floor—affectionately known as “9 1/2”—is a smaller video bar and DJ dance space. It’s a go-to for the LGBTQ+ crowd, especially on Fridays, when the place is hopping. And when the weather’s nice, grab a seat on the patio and take advantage of their weekday 2-for-1 happy hour specials!
For those craving something a bit wilder, The Crucible is where D.C.'s BDSM and fetish communities thrive. This popular BDSM venue is a private safe space where kink and exploration come to life. Just remember, most events are MEMBERS ONLY, so be sure to secure your membership ahead of time—there’s no getting in at the door without it! For a full listing of queer bars, gay events, and other LGBTQ+ happenings, go to the Washington D.C. city page.
