By John Riley on May 21, 2021 @JRileyMW
The bulk of D.C.’s LGBTQ bars will fully reopen starting today, Friday, May 21, with no restrictions on capacity, seating, or time that can be spent at an establishment.
COVID-19 restrictions have been loosened for establishments with restaurant or tavern licenses, which means that some places serving our community may have to wait longer to drop capacity restrictions.
However, most expect to be open fully by the time the District lifts all COVID-19 restrictions on Friday, June 11.
Related: D.C. LGBTQ bars are enthusiastic about this weekend’s reopening
Scroll down for a list of LGBTQ bars and eateries in D.C., their hours, and to find out when they will be at maximum capacity.
License type: Restaurant
When opening at full capacity: Friday, May 21. “Annie’s will be operating at ‘our’ capacity. We will be adding tables as we can staff them.” –Georgia Katinas, general manager
Weekend operating hours: Friday: 10 a.m. to midnight; Saturday: 8 a.m to midnight; Sunday: 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
Mask requirements: Guests are asked to keep on their masks until seated.
Proof of vaccination: None.
Special measures for unvaccinated people: None.
License type: Restaurant
When opening at full capacity: Friday, May 21
Weekend operating hours: Friday: 6 p.m.-2 a.m; Saturday, 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Mask requirements: Unvaccinated patrons asked to mask; optional for fully vaccinated patrons.
Proof of vaccination: Not required.
Special measures for unvaccinated people: None.
Additional comments: Full bar, table, and patio service this weekend. Reservations accepted, as well as walk-ins.
License type: Nightclub
When opening at full capacity: Operating at 50% capacity on May 21. Full capacity on Friday, June 11.
Weekend operating hours: Friday-Saturday: 4 p.m.-3 a.m.; Sunday: 4 p.m.-2 a.m.
Mask requirements: Vaccinated patrons not required to wear masks.
Proof of vaccination: None.
Special measures for unvaccinated people: Outdoor space will remain available for unvaccinated guests (and those concerned about indoor spaces).
Additional information: Karaoke nights will resume on Sundays, Mondays, and Wednesdays beginning May 23. Shirtless Thursdays from 10-11 p.m. and Underwear Specials from 12-12:30 a.m. will begin May 27. Visit www.greenlanterndc.com for more information.
License type: Tavern
When opening at full capacity: Friday, May 21
Weekend operating hours: Friday: 4 p.m-2:45 a.m; Saturday, 2 p.m.-2:45 a.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m.-1:45 a.m.
Mask requirements: Unvaccinated patrons asked to mask; optional for fully vaccinated patrons.
Proof of vaccination: Not required.
Special measures for unvaccinated people: Unvaccinated people may opt to sit at an outside table in the Streetery/sidewalk café area.
License type: Restaurant.
When opening at full capacity: Friday, May 21.
Weekend operating hours: Thursday: 5 p.m. to Midnight; Friday: 5 p.m.-3 a.m.; Saturday, 2 p.m.-3 a.m.; Sunday: 2 p.m.-10 p.m.
Mask requirements: None.
Proof of vaccination: None.
Special measures for unvaccinated people: Welcome to sit on front patio.
Additional comments: The dance floor will open Saturday, May 29.
License type: Tavern and Restaurant
When opening at full capacity: Friday, May 21
Weekend operating hours: Friday-Sunday: 11:30 a.m.-12 a.m. Next weekend, 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
Mask requirements: Unvaccinated patrons asked to mask; optional for fully vaccinated patrons.
Proof of vaccination: Not required.
Special measures for unvaccinated people: Unvaccinated people are advised to stay socially distant and wear masks when not actively eating or drinking, per D.C. and CDC guidelines.
Additional comments: “We’re excited to welcome everyone back to our space and to bring back fabulous LGBTQ+ events and content to our stage. In this transition period, we ask our guests to be kind as we rewind back to full service!” –Bryan Van Den Oever, director of marketing and events.
License type: Tavern.
When opening at full capacity: Friday, May 21.
Weekend operating hours: The Dirty Goose is expecting to open with full hours, but will adjust based on patron behavior. Friday: 5 p.m.-3 a.m.; Saturday, 2 p.m.-3 a.m.; Sunday: 2 p.m.-1 a.m. (Monday-Thursday going forward: 5 p.m. to midnight.)
Mask requirements: Vaccinated patrons may enter without a mask. Unvaccinated patrons are asked to wear a mask at all times. Anyone is welcome to wear a mask if they choose to do so.
Proof of vaccination: None.
Special measures for unvaccinated people: “The Dirty Goose encourages everyone to please get vaccinated. Mayor Bowser has stated verifying vaccine card validity is not possible for private establishments and we agree. Those that are not vaccinated are asked to consider those around them and to wear a mask.”
Additional comments: “We are excited to welcome everyone back. COVID-19 forced us to make massive changes that took a lot of effort from our staff. It will take the same amount of effort to return to normal. Please be patient with our staff! And get vaccinated!!” — Justin Parker, co-owner.
License type: Tavern
When opening at full capacity: Friday, May 21
Weekend operating hours: Friday: 5 p.m-2:45 a.m; Saturday, 2 p.m.-2:45 a.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m.-1:45 a.m.
Mask requirements: Unvaccinated patrons asked to mask; optional for fully vaccinated patrons
Proof of vaccination: Not required.
Special measures for unvaccinated people: Unvaccinated people may opt to sit at an outside table.
License type: Tavern
When opening at full capacity: Friday, May 21
Weekend operating hours: Friday: 3 p.m.-1 a.m.; Saturday, 12 p.m.-1 a.m.; Sunday: 12 p.m.-11 p.m.
Mask requirements: None.
Proof of vaccination: None. Patrons are expected to abide by an “honor system,” and staff will continue to wear masks.
Special measures for unvaccinated people: Wunder Garten will be carefully monitoring site activities and addressing concerns as they arise. Patrons are encouraged to make wise and healthy decisions, while also respecting the decisions of others. If you are unvaccinated, please continue to wear your mask. Please respect our staff.
Please bookmark this page. We will be updating it throughout the weekend and week as more LGBTQ bars respond to our query.
Read more:
Capital Pride unveils a host of colorful, vibrant June events
Georgetown GLOW lights up the neighborhood for spring
D.C. is lifting capacity restrictions. What does that mean for gay bars?
By John Riley on June 1, 2025 @JRileyMW
"Right now, more than ever, we need global solidarity. And WorldPride is probably the closest thing we have to a visible manifestation of the unity we have across borders," says Ymania Brown, one of the co-presidents of InterPride, the international umbrella organization of Pride organizers.
"The goal for us at InterPride and for WorldPride is for our members and everyone who comes to WorldPride in Washington, to walk away knowing that we are not alone," she continues. "That our struggles, while unique in different countries and different regions, are shared. And as a result of that shared struggle, our victories, and the successes we have in changing laws for our people, are collective."
By John Riley on May 7, 2025 @JRileyMW
The U.S. Supreme Court has allowed the administration of President Donald Trump to implement its preferred ban on transgender military personnel while legal challenges to the policy are working their way through the courts.
On Tuesday, May 6, the high court granted an emergency request from the Trump administration to lift a federal judge's nationwide injunction blocking the Pentagon from enforcing the ban. The court's three liberal justices -- Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, and Ketanji Brown Jackson -- dissented, saying they would have denied the request.
The preliminary injunction that has since been stalled by this latest ruling was issued in March by U.S. District Judge Benjamin Settle, a George W. Bush nominee, of the Western District of Washington.
By The Editors of Metro Weekly on June 1, 2025
The following are select events during the WorldPride celebration.
Illustrations by Scott G. Brooks
Welcome CenterNow to June 8 737 7th St. NW www.worldpridedc.org
The Welcome Center is the WorldPride 2025 community hub where you can drop in for information about anything and everything related to WorldPride 2025 and Washington DC. Plus, there are phone charging stations, a Fabric of Freedom lounge area, official WorldPride 2025 merchandise for sale, and a fantastic, curated art exhibit for all to enjoy.
These are challenging times for news organizations. And yet it’s crucial we stay active and provide vital resources and information to both our local readers and the world. So won’t you please take a moment and consider supporting Metro Weekly with a membership? For as little as $5 a month, you can help ensure Metro Weekly magazine and MetroWeekly.com remain free, viable resources as we provide the best, most diverse, culturally-resonant LGBTQ coverage in both the D.C. region and around the world. Memberships come with exclusive perks and discounts, your own personal digital delivery of each week’s magazine (and an archive), access to our Member's Lounge when it launches this fall, and exclusive members-only items like Metro Weekly Membership Mugs and Tote Bags! Check out all our membership levels here and please join us today!
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