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This report was written by Amber Bailey, the Historic American Buildings Survey/Society for Architectural Historians Sally Kress Tompkins Fellow for 2016. With the rise of nightclubs in the mid-1970s, queer nightlife moved south to the warehouse districts bordering South Capitol Street. So many LGBTQ businesses and organizations lined Capitol Hill’s 8th Street commercial corridor that the Blade dubbed the thoroughfare Washington’s “Gay Way.” Around the same time that queer nightlife was expanding in Capitol Hill, DuPont Circle began to transition from a haven for the 1960s counterculture movement into a gay residential and commercial enclave. Much of this scene was clustered into three communities: Capitol Hill, DuPont Circle, and South Capitol Street. More importantly, Washington’s queer nightlife scene in the 1970s and 1980s offered patrons a relatively safe space to act on their emotional and erotic desires openly and without fear of judgement. Entrepreneurs – many of them gay men – opened nightlife businesses that proudly catered to queer clienteles, permitting and even encouraging drag, same-sex dancing, and same-sex sexual encounters. But this era of visibility brought new venues for queer socializing, including nightclubs, adult film theaters, and bath houses, to nearly every quadrant of the District. Queer Washingtonians continued to frequent the outdoor cruising spots and neighborhood bars that had defined the LGBTQ social experiences in the first half of the century. In the post-World War II period, Washington, DC developed a thriving queer nightlife scene unlike anything the District had witnessed before. Finally, check out The Eagle Houston, when they host one of their regular theme nights and be sure to check out the homage to Houston's LGBT history upstairs.The DC Boundary overlaid with the rainbow pride flag. TOUGH GUYįor those looking for a little edge, The Ripcord, a Montrose staple just a few blocks away offers a fun leather scene. The patio and upstairs deck are fantastic hangout spots in good weather. Meanwhile, just a couple blocks away, you can find the Eagle, where leather meets the neighborhood watering hole. Here you’ll find folks from all over gathered around the numerous bar tops and on the patio from happy hour into the wee hours. JR’s has been a staple in Houston’s gay scene for decades, helping form the bedrock of Montrose nightlife. Sometimes you just want a relaxed night out with your friends. There are live shows, dance lessons and much more each week. Dance the night away on the enormous dance floor, relax in the side lounge or belly up to more than a half-dozen different bar stations. Neon Boots is Texas' largest gay country bar - more than 10,000 square feet of fun under one roof. If your idea of a good time is two-steppin' and shooting pool, we have the perfect spot. Multiple bars, darts and much more await at the Pearl. offers tons of big screen TVs to catch games as well as a large outdoor patio complete with fun games and plenty of seating. This expansive club smack dab in the middle of Washington Ave. The top spot for ladies is Pearl Houston. Or head downstairs to enjoy the beat of DJ JD Arnold. You'll also find a cute crowd at Rich's, particularly when the beat picks up on Friday and Saturday nights. Over at the Eagle in Montrose, you'll find cute guys on the patio and in the history-laden upstairs bar. JR's on the Pacific Street strip also does karaoke on Thursdays and Sundays. This hidden away video bar off Allen Parkway serves up strong drinks and a fabulous song selection. DC had long been home to one of the oldest predominantly black gay bars in the nation, Nob Hill, which. Like to belt out Beyonce like nobody’s business? Head to Guava Lamp on Wednesday and Sunday nights for a karaoke scene like no other. In the mid-1970s, Washington, DC, developed a vibrant black gay nightlife scene, with nightclubs and bars such as the ClubHouse, Delta Elite, Brass Rail, and La Zambra emerging in various business and residential districts throughout the city. Another popular club over in the Montrose area is South Beach which not only offers a huge dance floor but also an expansive rear patio. And small wonder with the huge dance floor and fantastic in-house DJ talent. DANCE FREAKįeeling the need to shake it to the latest dance mixes? The longstanding and recently revitalized nightspot Rich'sis regularly ranked among the top dance clubs in the city. From stand-and-model to boot scootin' honky tonk, here's your personalized hit list for a good time. One good thing about H-town is that there's a scene for just about whatever you're into. Up-to-date listing with all info you need about every DC rooftop worth a visit. Visiting Houston and not sure which bars to hit up? Don't worry, we've got this. Complete guide to 23 amazing rooftop bars in Washington DC 2022. Guide to Gay Bars in Houston Whatever your scene, you're covered in H-Town