DC nightlife takes off with 5 new bars

Gay Bars Dead? DC Didn't Get the Memo

By Bill Malcolm*

Who said gay bars are dead? DC has no less than five new bars with more coming. I sampled a few on my recent visit to the DC/Virginia/Maryland metro area (DMV in DC speak) and checked out the Union Market food hall, walked with the Frontrunners up beautiful Stone Creek Park, and went to the Sunday farmer's market in Dupont Circle. I worked out at the new Gold's Gym on Connecticut Avenue as well. And I toured the Capitol and watched the Senate in action. Finally, I went to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. You cannot beat the off season in DC. The crowds of school kids are gone, the museums are quieter, and there is so much to do.

WHAT TO DO

Walk up Rock Creek Park 9:30 am on Saturdays to the National Zoo with the DC Frontrunners (or run at 10 a.m.) DC Frontrunners also meets Tuesdays at Union Station. They just won the best DC sports organization award from the Washington Blade. In addition to sports activities, they also have happy hours, brunches, and other fun group events. I meet more people there on a Saturday than I do in an entire year in Indianapolis. A friendly brunch for both runners and walkers. Everyone welcome.

Take in the new National Museum of African American History and Culture. Start at the ground floor and work your way up to learn about the history of African Americans in the U.S. Tickets are free but you must make a reservation in advance. And allow plenty of time including for the Café

Other Smithsonian Museums include the nearby Natural History Museum and the National Museum of American History.

My favorite is the U.S. Botanical Garden near the Capitol.

The National Portrait Gallery is another favorite. Check out the Presidential Portrait Gallery. It's near the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro. Near that is the National Building Museum, an often over looked favorite.

All the Smithsonian are free, and it is far quieter during the winter.

Work out at the new Golds Gym on Connecticut Avenue. Just $21 for a 24-hour pass.

Enjoy the thirty food options in the fabulous Union Market (Metro: Gallaudet) in "NoMa" (north of Mass Avenue). Try the Korean tacos. Then take a hike on the new Metro Branch Trail. Stop by for a beer at the Red Bear. NoMa is THE new DC hood!

Head to the Dupont Circle Farmers Market on Sundays year-round. Enjoy the apple cider and empanadas. Get some local Zeke's Coffee.

Tour the Capitol. We saw Illinois U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth on the Senate Floor and stopped by to see Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin. Enter through the Capitol Visitor's Center.

NIGHTLIFE

Tired of the same o same o. Not in DC. Lots of new bars to choose from. Something for every taste.

A new bar this year, The Little Gay Pub (1100 P Street NW), is also close to the M Street NW area and features food and drinks. It's the new hot hangout in the Logan Circle neighborhood. It has a great outdoor space as well. Also new and also very popular is Shakers Bar (2014 9th St NW) in the Shaw District. It is a sports bar with a fun patio. It's quite popular and owned by the same folks as the Dirty Goose (913 U Street NW). You can watch sports games on the many TVs. Kiki at 915 U Street is another fun option in the Shaw. Bunker is the new go to dance bar. Free cover if you get their early. It's a basement location also on U Street. It's a late-night crowd and a lot of fun.

Drink specials are back at both the Number Nine (two for one before 7) and Trade (half off wine, generous sized mixed drink at regular price before 8 p.m.). Number 9 (1435 P Street NW) has sexy bartenders. Trade (1410 14th Street NW) has a great patio too. You can find them in the 14th Street NW corridor area The Green Lantern is another option for reasonable drink prices and partying.

For more information go to https://www.metroweekly.com/nightlife/directory/

GETTING THERE / GETTING AROUND

Take the Metro from close in Reagan National Airport (DCA). Buy a pass to get around the district. You can walk everywhere. And avoid the sneaky "premium ride fee" on Lyft which I never requested.

You can also fly into Dulles International Airport and take the new Silver Line Metro into the District.

Baltimore (BWI) is another option, and you can catch the MARC train or Amtrak (including the high-speed rail, Acela) into the District.

WHERE TO STAY

I always stay at the Comfort Inn (M Street and 13th Street NW) closest to the 14th Street NW corridor which is full of shops, bars, and restaurants. It's near the historic Logan Circle area in Northwest. The rates are very reasonable and there are no annoying surprise resort fees like some hotels now impose (hello Beacon Hotel, Hyatt brands, Kimpton Brands, and the Yotel Hotel). I boycott such sneaky fees (which have been renamed destination fees and are often lumped under "fees and taxes" to pretend they are required by the government. They are not. And DC is not a resort! And a word of warning: the COVID era bargains are gone, and D.C. hotel rates are back to their exorbitant levels. So, shop around or come off season.

Other great hotel options include the Washington Plaza also in the Thomas Circle-Logan Circle neighborhood. The Tabard Inn is another option.

This trip I also stayed at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill which was nice but not close to anything save for the Capitol. However, the service was top notch, and I liked the gym. The rooms were quiet and clean, and they actually cleaned them every day without even having to ask. However, they impose a daily "destination fee" of $20.

WHERE AND WHAT TO EAT

Pick up some Route 11 Potato Chips at Streets Market, 1224 Mass Avenue NW, which also features a lot of unique and delicious deli items. There are Streets all over D.C.

The new Wawa at Thomas Circle has freshly made to order salads, pizza, and subs. They are open 24 hours if you have the late-night munchies.

Sweetgreen on P Street has a "fish taco "salad with steelhead salmon that is to die for.

Bindaas Bowls and Rolls (415 7th Street NW) has great fast casual Indian. Try the salmon with saffron rice.

Try the shrimp at Baan Siam (425 I Street NW) which has great Thai food.

Ben's Chili Bowl on U Street is a D.C. original. Great after a few stops at one of the many U Street bars.

For more information

The two local publications are The Washington Blade and Metro Weekly, and both are great resources for visitors.

The Blade is available in print and comes out every Friday. Check out their Best of LGBTQ DC 2023 at washingtonblade.com.

Metro Weekly is available every Friday digitally and can be subscribed to for free at metroweekly.com/subscribe.

Plan your trip at Washington.org.

You cannot beat an off season visit to the very gay nation's capital. It's very walkable and a lot of fun.

*Bill Malcolm is America's only syndicated value travel writer for LGBTQ+ publications. He resides in Indianapolis.