Washington DC Travel Guide by Lonely Planet

Author:Lonely Planet
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lonely Planet Pty, Ltd

Dupont Circle & Kalorama

Sights | Eating | Entertainment | Shopping

Drinking & Nightlife

DC’s gay and lesbian nightlife mecca, this neighborhood is packed with bars ranging from raunchy to ritzy. Regardless of your sexual orientation, there’s something to keep you drinking around the circle. Chill coffeehouses, super-sleek lounges and ramshackle joints known for cheap happy hours abound.

Russia House Lounge

Offline map Google map ( www.russiahouselounge.com; 1800 Connecticut Ave NW; from 5pm Mon-Fri, from 6pm Sat & Sun; Dupont Circle) Russophiles flock to this faded but elegant Dupont gem, with its brassy chandeliers, candlelit chambers and stupefying vodka selection. It’s a great spot for conversation and caviar – or heartier continental classics like pelmeni (dumplings), braised stuffed rabbit and shashlik (shish kebab).

18th Street Lounge Lounge

Offline map Google map ( www.eighteenthstreetlounge.com; 1212 18th St NW; from 9:30pm Sat & Sun, from 5:30pm Tue-Fri; Dupont Circle) Chandeliers, velvet sofas, antique wallpaper and a ridiculously good-looking, dance-loving crowd adorn this multi-floored mansion. The DJs here – spinning funk, soul and Brazilian beats – are phenomenal, which is not surprising given Eric Hilton (of Thievery Corporation) is co-owner. The lack of a sign on the door proclaims the club’s exclusivity, and bouncers are famed for leaving lesser patrons out in the cold. No denim or sneakers. Cover charges range from $5 to $15.

Bier Baron Bar

Offline map Google map ( www.bierbarondc.com; 1523 22nd St NW; from 5pm Sun-Thu, from 11:30am Fri & Sat; Dupont Circle) Since changing name and ownership, the former Brickskeller serves better food and has better service, with the same dark, pubby ambience and venerable selection of beer. Fifty types flow from the taps and 500 more are available in the bottle. Aim for a corner seat, order a sampler and settle in for an impressive taste tour of global and local brews.

Beacon Martini Sky-Bar Lounge

Offline map Google map ( www.bbgwdc.com; Beacon Hotel & Corporate Quarters, 1615 Rhode Island Ave NW; May-Oct; Dupont Circle) On top of the swank Beacon Hotel, this patio on the roof offers ample sky-high (well, for DC) city views and an opportunity to mingle with new friends over signature martinis. Events are often held here, and while it can get crowded, this is a cool spot to listen to a DJ spin while surveying the greater capital area like the pimp you are.

Cobalt Gay Club

Offline map Google map ( www.cobaltdc.com; 1639 R St NW; 5pm-2am; Dupont Circle) Cobalt pretty much rules the roost of the DC club scene. The music is great, the bartenders are ripped and sufficiently shirtless and the scene is equal parts all about the hook-up and getting down to some good (if pounding) dance music. Honestly, this place is such an epitome of a gay club it ought to come with its own five-piece costume ensemble of an Indian, a cop, a motorcycle rider etc. If you’re in the mood for that sort of thing, this is pretty much a guaranteed good time. There’s no cover charge early in the week; it ranges from $3 to $10 Thursday through Saturday.

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