Top LGBTQ+ Owned Bars and Restaurants in D.C. — Resy | Right This Way

Updated: May 26, 2026

D.C. has been flying high ever since hosting World Pride in 2025. And the District is once again buckling down to celebrate the local LGBTQ+ community with a bit more fervor this June than the rest of the year.

Far from being relegated to a cluster of gay bars in Dupont, D.C.’s deeply rooted queer scene can be found in just about every corner of the city — as long as you know where to look. From a classic steakhouse to a contemporary cantina and everything in between, these LGBTQ+ owned restaurants represent just a taste of the DMV’s queer spoils. Here’s where to show off your D.C. pride while indulging in some stellar dishes and drinks this year.

Newly added: Boogy & Peel, Gatsby, and Pizzeria Paradiso.

Boogy & Peel

Rose’s Luxury and Tail Up Goat alum Rachael Jennings spent years dreaming up her ideal pizza joint — and when she finally cracked the door open in May 2022, she came out in full force. With its blue checkered floors and splashes of neon, this upbeat 30-seat Dupont Circle spot runs on good pizza and ’90s vibes. Jennings’s menu stands out via self-proclaimed “bastardized Neapolitan” pies like Harambe Loved Big Macs (special sauce, ground beef, American cheese, the works) and the @kschifanorealtor, a pizza-fied Italian sub with mayo, cold cuts, iceberg, and pickled peppers. Pair everything with a PickleBack martini made with local queer-owned Civic Vodka and house-fermented brine, and don’t sleep on dessert, where creamy toasted sesame soft serve leads the eclectic lineup.

Pizzeria Paradiso – Georgetown

After the D.C. lesbian-identified pizza pioneer, Ruth Gresser, opened her original Pizzeria Paradiso in 1991 in Dupont and made believers out of skeptics, she brought her wood-burning skills to Georgetown in 2002 — and then took things up a notch. Tucked beneath the main dining room and dedicated to beer, Birreria Paradiso launched in 2006. Today, the taps flow with an exceptional rotating lineup of local and imported craft, while upstairs, Gresser’s talented crew whips up beautifully blistered Neapolitan pies.

Gatsby

Leave it to Knead Hospitality + Design’s leading husbands, Jason Berry and Michael Reginbogin, to take a low-key luncheonette and transform it into an Art Deco sensory overload — in the classiest way possible. This two-story bistro-meets-sports bar sits directly across from Nationals Park, pairing second-floor stadium views with an elegant wraparound bar.

Jane Jane

After picking up the 2025 Rammy award for Cocktail Program of the Year, the cat is officially out of the bag when it comes to this cozy cocktail den’s date-night dominance. With wood paneling, dim lighting, campy patterned wallpaper, and intimate cutout booths, it evokes a playful library vibe while a tidy drinks list transforms hand-selected spirits into fittingly playful concoctions.

Mr. Henry’s Pub

No frills, no fuss, just a Capitol Hill classic that’s been dishing up comfort classics with a side of LGBTQ+ pride for 60 whole years. Old school vibes set the tone inside — weathered wood booths and historic photos on the walls. Things get a little more lively on the sunny dog-friendly patio, where a diverse batch of regulars chop it up over lemon pepper wings.

Hank's Oyster Bar – Dupont

A friendly gayborhood seafood spot named after chef Jamie Leeds's fisherman father. Alongside sister spots, Leeds serves "Urban Beach Food" to a loyal crowd. Happy hour specials like salmon cake sliders with Old Bay fries are best paired with refreshing drinks.

Annie’s Paramount Steakhouse

A James Beard-recognized steakhouse and a living monument to LGBTQ+ history. This Dupont throwback was named after Annie Katinas, who famously told two men holding hands beneath the bar, “You don’t have to hide that here.” The warm and welcoming staff ensure a memorable dining experience.

MI VIDA Wharf

This colorful Mexican concept is known for its contemporary cuisine and funky-fun aesthetic. The Wharf location features soaring ceilings and bursts of artistic flair, making it the perfect backdrop for dining.

Red Bear Brewing Co.

D.C.’s first gay- and veteran-owned craft beer outpost, featuring a laid-back atmosphere with 17 house-brewed beers on tap and various bar snacks.

Bar Betsie

A festive spot from the out-and-proud team behind Logan Circle institution, Jane Jane, bringing party vibes to the bar scene with vintage signage and nostalgic finger foods.

Beau Thai – Shaw

This restaurant has maintained a tight grip as one of D.C.’s top Thai establishments since opening in 2013, known for its irresistibly spicy dishes and excellent cocktails.