The nation’s capital is proud to welcome anyone and everyone to experience the neighborhoods and businesses where diversity flourishes.
DC is home to one of the largest LGBTQ+ communities in the United States, which means the city features a variety of LGBTQ+ businesses. You will find a selection below, and also be sure to check out DC’s roster of LGBTQ+ bars and clubs.
Republic Restoratives
Opening Republic Restoratives may have seemed like a risky move for Pia Carusone and Rachel Gardner, as the female duo had no prior distillery experience and were taking a shot at a male-led industry. However, Republic has been nothing short of a spirited success. Offering distilled spirits that range from rye to vodka to apple brandy, the DC company is both women-owned and LGBTQ+-owned, as both Causone and Gardner live in DC with their same-sex partners. Republic is also the first and largest crowdfunded distillery in America.
Knead Hospitality & Design
Partners Michael Reginbogin and Jason Berry co-founded Knead Hospitality & Design in 2014, which has since brought forth beloved DC restaurants Mi Vida, Succotash Prime, Gatsby and The Grill. The pair works ambitiously, creating independent concepts first and then seeking out ways to execute.
Capital Candy Jar
Dave Burton started out on the wild side of sweets as he made and sold lollipops in school at age 14 before his principal shut him down for outselling the vending machines. Now, Burton sells his chocolate confections to the masses. Capital Candy Jar offers seasonally decorated pretzel rods, delectable gift boxes, giant peanut butter cups and much more. You can even bite into chocolate covered Oreos embellished with an edible image, such as the DC flag or the U.S. Capitol Building.
Three Fifty Bakery and Coffee
Stop by for freshly made pastries, desserts and more at gay-owned Three Fifty Bakery and Coffee at the new location near Dupont Circle, reopening spring 2024. Jimmy Hopper baked as a hobby for about 15 years before relocating to DC and opening his shop, which is named after the preferred oven temperature for baking.
Logan 14 Aveda Salon Spa
Customers will feel comfortable and confident at the LGBTQ+-owned Logan 14 Aveda Salon Spa in Logan Circle. Michael Hodges and his team strive to exceed expectations, transform inner and outer beauty and invest in the eclectic community. At Logan 14 salon, customer service is a top priority, ensuring a comfortable experience for any and everyone discovering their true beauty inside and out.
Miss Pixie’s
This super cute shop, recently relocated to Adams Morgan, sells vintage furnishings, accessories and art. Pixie Windsor (known as Miss Pixie to her many friends) has been selling mid-century lounge chairs, 1940s art deco tables and groovy artwork since 2008, and dealing in stylish vintage wares in DC since the 1990s. Miss Pixie’s is a go-to for locals looking to give their home a little pop of originality.
Loyalty Bookstore
Loyalty Bookstore
At this neighborhood bookstore, owners Hannah Oliver Depp and Christine Bollow focus on curating titles, stationery, home goods and programming that reflect the colorful and diverse communities of Petworth and Silver Spring. If you're looking for a particularly fun way to engage with a new book from a writer in the BIPOC, queer or disabled community, check out Loyalty's stacked calendar of events or consider its quarterly Leap of Faith surprise box.
Annie’s Paramount Steakhouse
This beloved restaurant has been a staple of the Dupont Circle neighborhood since opening in 1948. The original Paramount Steakhouse became Annie’s in the early 1960s to honor owner George Katinas’ sister, who paved the way in embracing the LGBTQ+ community. After Annie’s passing in 2013, a section of a close-by street was named after her. Annie’s legacy still lives on at this classic steakhouse, which has been nominated for a James Beard Award during its storied history.
Red Bear Brewing
Although it’s a super hip spot that serves craft beer, Red Bear Brewing is so much more. Gay owners Bryan Van Den Oever, Simon Bee and Cameron Raspet created a safe space based upon the values of community, diversity, quality, adventure and conscientiousness. The NoMa brewery, which opened in 2019, also places an emphasis on sustainability efforts.
As You Are
A casual cafe converts into a lively lounge and dance floor at As You Are. The charming Eastern Market establishment welcomes LGBTQIA+ patrons and allies in a vibrant, celebratory space for queer expression and connection. Its exciting events calendar includes themed karaoke nights, open mics, craft nights, drag shows, Latin nights and maker markets. Service-industry stars Jo McDaniel and Rach “Coach” Pike wanted to create a haven where guests can feel safe and supported, so AYA checks all bags at peak hours and requires enthusiastic consent in the space.
Little District Books
Little District
Tucked into Barracks Row Main Street is a place that makes the busy District feel a bit smaller: Little District Books. All titles, gifts and community-facing events share the mission of uplifting authors and creators across a full spectrum of LGBTQIA+ identities. Readers can attend author talks, bring the whole family to kids' events, take part in the annual Lavender Con or opt to join one of a number of book clubs, which explore topics such as Queer Joy, Found Family, Queer Fear and Seminal Works. For anyone overwhelmed by perusing the shelves, a subscription box or curated surprise box are excellent ways to support an independent bookstore and discover Queer stories.
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