Secrets is one of only a few venues in the country to see nude gogo boys. Still located in the southwest part of the city behind the Nationals baseball stadium, the venue is located in a lit up but secluded area away from the city traffic. It has an accessible entrance with ample parking. On the second floor of the bar, there are many types of boys and men, dancing in nothing but shoes and socks (the only place they have to store their tips). There are enough gogo boys on stages and platforms, and even a few on top the bar, to fill up the 8,000 square foot second floor. Yes, they are working for tips, so be sure to ask the bartenders for singles. If you’re in the mood for some good-old-fashioned drag, head downstairs into Ziegfeld’s, where there are shows every night from the house divas. Secrets/Ziegfeld’s is open Wednesday to Sunday from 9-2.
Heading over to Dupont Circle, one of the more popular and wealthy neighborhoods on the East Coast filled with gays everywhere, there are a few places worth checking out.
Green Lantern is for all the Levi, leather, bears, cubs and their admirers. It is another two-floor venue featuring a 360-degree circular bar filled with patrons. Head upstairs past the popcorn machine to find the dance floor and another hangout area. Green Lantern is open from Sunday to Thursday from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Friday and Saturday to 3 a.m. This bar sure knows how to keep its clientele always coming back for more.
Larry’s Lounge is a smaller bar with a cozy lounge area. Walk out the side entrance into a huge outdoor patio on a nice corner spot. You can expect one-on-one, friendly service from the staff.
Fireplace, one of my favorites from way back when, is still going strong with a 360-degree bar filled with patrons nightly. The door staff are very pleasant and welcome you into their home. Get Out! tip: You have to order the cheeseburger and fries at Z-Burger next door, with the freshest and best ingredients made from the heart. You will love it!
Number Nine is a classy and beautiful renovated bar in Logan Circle—like a Washington Hell’s Kitchen—that is roomy and filled with businessmen and their admirers on a nightly basis. The first floor bar has ample seating and standing space, and the second floor is a video bar with multiple TVs.
A few miles away is an area with three more places to explore. JR’s is a music video bar that is always busy. It features fantastic drink specials such as $15 for all you can drink on Thursdays from 5 to 8 and $2 Skyy highballs and drafts on Fridays.
D.I.K. is a second-floor bar with more than just music and drinks. They also serve food at their first-floor restaurant.
Cobalt is a castle, to say the least. This bar/club can take a little longer to explore with dance floors, bars and a restaurant—not to mention great entertainment all week long.
Nellie’s Sports Bar is a fun venue. Check it out on Saturdays and Sundays for Drag Brunch, which is so popular they sell tickets in advance.
Town Danceboutique is one of the most renowned gay dance clubs in the country. It is spacious with two dance floors and a huge enclosed patio with a full-service bar. Don’t miss it on the weekends.
