Freddies is a cozy atmosphere bar and dining place. With great decorative appeal. Today was a special treat from a great friend for Fathers day. Didnt know that we were in for a wonderful drag show entertainment with our brunch meal. Delightful. Hostess very nice. Waiter very attentive. Food, we both had a simple plate of eggs,potatoes bacon,and toast. Looked good, but got cold so fast. Thanks Freddies for the awesome entertainment. Will be back. 🩷
Reservation made for Saturday at 7:30. Paid the additional $5 cash cover charge per person for two people and made our way to our table. Waited 20 minutes for anyone to acknowledge we were sitting at a table. Five minutes later finally got the menus. The next time we saw our server it was 8:05 and by that point we were annoyed but wanted to give the bar a chance to redeem itself as we wanted to stick around for the drag show. We ordered a Diet Coke and a Corona to start. The Diet Coke arrived fairly quickly but the Corona wasnt delivered until 8:30. I saw the bottle sit on the counter with other drinks for 20+ minutes before some other wait staff delivered it. Asked for a Diet Coke refill that never came. Drinking a warm beer was the last straw and we asked for the check to leave. Our waiter apologized numerous times for the bar being busy but truly he was more distracted by other customers and socializing with them versus the bartender being busy. Including the cover charges paid $20 for one Diet Coke and one warm Corona.
Amazing vibes, gay bars that are fun for queer women are hard to find, but this one is a winner! The first night I came, the regulars welcomed me with open arms.The food is good, but the service takes the cake. Everyone on staff is incredibly friendly and helpful! I particularly love sitting in Pams section, she always makes sure my drinks make it in before happy hour ends and takes great care of us!
I’ve been to Freddie’s a few times now and I invited all my friends out to a drag show Saturday night. We got a table and are glad that we did since it was busy. Our servers were amazing and bartenders made great drinks! We didn’t have to wait long at all which was surprising given how busy it was. The staff was on top of their game. The drag show was spectacular, great music, fun atmosphere, and just an overall wonderful experience. We’ll definitely be back!
My fave hang out spot close to home. So fun to sing karaoke and have a few drinks! We always love to bring out of town visitors here too. An absolute vibe!
Visited Freddies for drag brunch. The food took an hour to get out and wasnt very good (my steak was overdone, my friends eggs had the wrong cheese). But the waiter was kind, fast, and apologetic about the wait. The show was good, with the host being the highlight and two other performers being very entertaining as well. However, one performer was being weird, made my friends and I uncomfortable with their antics. We wont be returning unless changes are made!
It’s been a while since I’ve been here, but I was a regular at one point! I absolutely love Freddie! He’s an amazing host and a great person! I hope to come back soon!Vivian
Unfortunately very poor service. The fries were missing with the burger. The additional salad was charged extra. We were not served the fries.The cocktails from happy hour were charged in full and we were told that we didnt order during happy hour and should pay the bill. I don’t recommend this place.
Landed here by chance on karaoke night and it was very fun and enjoyable watching people perform. Pretty boy bartender was not very attentive and gave me an extra drink I didn’t ask for (which I paid for) but overall a good experience and a good vibe.
This is why I love the lgbtq+ community coming from a straight person. everyone in there was so sweet, nice, and thoughtful. The host was hyping me up. she’s the cutest ever omg. we sat down got a bunch of food. food was delicious. i would definitely come here again and support this business. thank you
It is probably one of the best bang-for-your-buck Sunday brunches in Crystal City: fun, fabulous atmosphere with friendly servers, and freshly made omelettes.On the downside, the background aromas of spilled alcohol and other aromas takes away from the overall enjoyable experience. I would probably go once to twice a month if they could fix that aroma.
Such a cute bar!!! Freddie’s Beach Bar has a great ambiance. I actually stumbled upon it while working in Virginia and funny enough they were having an event so I stuck around for that. This is a LGBTQ restaurant — just throwing that out there. On Wednesdays they have Drag Bingo, which is one of the events I was referring to, it was pretty fun. If interested, you need to rsvp a week in advance. The staff there is super nice and friendly. I made it for happy hour too! Lucky day over all lol. I ordered a piña colada and blue cheese burger. The food was good and so was that cocktails.
Best crazy hour in the DMV! I’d give the food more stars but Federicos is so close by! Straight friendly.
Went to Freddie’s for the first time and it was a great experience. We went to a drag show and everyone was so friendly loved it . The drinks are okay. The experience was great!!
I cant believe that I hadnt come here sooner. The ambiance and decor has such a nice touch. My server, Megan, was cute and so terrific with how she interacted with me and my party. I will definetly be coming here again, knowing that the service and the food was great. I didnt stay long enough for the Karaoke they have nightly at 8pm but Im sure Ill be back to experience that. I met the owner Freddy, and I must say that he has done a terrific job here
Went for brunch today with 2 friends. We had such a great time! I walked in and everyone was so nice and friendly. The food was your typical buffet food and was prepared well. Just enough of a selection that you weren’t overwhelmed. They had a jazz quintet which was very nice. I’ll definitely be returning.
A small group of us looking to unwind from early morning conference we were walking by Freddie’s the hostess Bonnie was putting up sign for “Drag Brunch” we inquired Bonnie was wonderful gave us lots of information got us to make tentative reservation when we returned Bonnie had nice table for us to see and enjoy show only one of us had been to a drag show it was fantastic Jack our server was attentive and pleasant , it all started before we even entered and it continued with great service throughout our visit Bonnie checked on us several times , she was kind ,nice professional and funny we felt so welcomed, we will be returning, Bonnie was delightful and so was the show atmosphere and vibe Loved Freddie’s it was great fun Thank you
I have a rule, I will never be frustrated when trying to give someone my money. Freddies is a carbon copy of why I have that rule. Ive been here for 33 minutes waiting for the bartender who has told me TWICE that he will, be right with me while serving those who have come well after me and those who have actively pushed me aside to get closer (even when Im literally touching the bar in an empty spot).I very rarely come to this place since an extra twenty minutes can get you to Trade, Larrys, or Nellies via the METRO, and nights like these are why.
I was in the mood for good food and excellent live music, I found it at Freddies Beach Bar, VA. They have Sunday brunch with Mimosas, I love the atmosphere and the food was great. We sat at the bar and Robert waited on us, he was friendly and the life of the party. They also have Happy Hour on Sunday from 4-7, I will definitely being going back to them, lol. Make reservations before you go there, it get crowded quick. Thanks @28screwsinmyback on TikTok
Nice local bar feel with good drinks & bartenders. For having beach in the name, I was disappointed that I didnt get much of a beach vibe
A fun welcoming place for people of all backgrounds. 5 stars for the atmosphere. Where else can you find drag bingo, karaoke, and a place open until 1:30 am on a Wednesday? Id say they could improve their mixed drink quality, though they get points for style and the prices are very reasonable for both food and beverages. Maybe a bougie drink of the week with top shelf ingredients? In any case, have a drink or two at Freddies, save a bit of cash, have some fun. The inside has no shortage of interesting decor as well...
Just stopped by to donate some clothing accessories. The staff was kind and patient, and I hope to come back sometime to try their buffet- I hear its amazing!
DJ favors repeat regulars for Karaoke making visitors wait for their chance. A much better system is needed!
My card was over charged twice. It looks like my server added an extra tip for themselves. Left a voicemail so management could corrrect it. If you go here make sure you get a copy of your reciept or take pictures of it.
When I booked my D.C. holiday weekend trip in 2019, I researched new places to eat and new things to do. Global challenges changed almost everything, but I chose to still travel.Freddies for Sunday brunch was not going to be presented as originally expected, and resulted in a simple meal on a front porch. Plastic cutlery and paper plates. Belgian waffle was truly a standard waffle with a cup of breakfast syrup. Protein option included sausage, which was very tasty. Small plastic cup for mimosa, though still refreshing.Seating option was the porch or out back. I dont know how the other was, but I was the only diner up front, and now new diners arrived while I was there.I enjoyed the simple meal, and my server was attentive. Not sure if he was also the cook, since I saw none of the overall operation. I do somewhat question the music choice during my dining hour. Not sure what they use as a source.Best wishes to Freddies. Bummed that I didnt get to truly experience what Id researched. Sounded like a fun brunch, but the change was totally out of their control.
Came to Arlington for a work trip with my girlfriend and our daughter and searched everywhere for somewhere to eat. Walked past the cutest little rainbow building and realized it was a restaurant. Decided to eat here and we are not disappointed!! We’re from WV so we get a lot of stares being a lesbian couple with a kid and this place felt like home. It was so welcoming and it was nice to be surrounded by others in our community. The food was amazing, the service was fantastic and they even had karaoke which was so fun to watch! I would drive 5 hours from WV just to come eat here again. Thank you for being such a gay friendly place, we need more places like this!! 10000/10 recommend. 🏳️🌈
I love y’all but can we please get trivia questions from the 21st century? 😭 we are tired of super niche pop culture references from the 1900s
Please train that skinny white guy on customer service. Not sure if he’s a busboy or whatever but I asked if I can leave briefly and come back and he had an attitude.The drag queens were great but the show was two hours of them rotating in different outfits and numbers 😵💫. Would suggest to condense it into 30 min to an hour.Was fun to watch people sing during karaoke but overall, the vibe was okay.
Really fun place. We stopped in to watch a drag show. The drinks and food were great. Loved the place.
So much to say, so little time. Freddies came recommended to me by a friend who lives in the area. We had their Sunday brunch buffet, and the price was shockingly low for all the food and alcohol you get. The food was great-so many different options. The service was terrific. Everyone here is so lovely and attentive. The ambiance, one-word FUN! I love it here; Ill be back for sure.
Such a fun atmosphere with great food! Shout out to Tony the manager for making our bachelorette party EPIC!
The ambience and drinks are the selling point. The customers make or break your evening. The amount of memorable moments from trivia, to karaoke are unforgettable.Drinks are amazing, food is ok. But you go for the ambience.
Freddies is a great neighborhood joint that serves good bar food and generous drinks. The merry crowd comprises LGBTQ+ folks and allies. They also have incredibly fun, boisterous drag shows.This happened to be the last night out we had before we were all sequestered. It feels as if it was a hundred years ago now! We had SO MUCH FUN!! The drag show was a total blast and the performers were a hoot and fabulously dressed.Give it a try sometime ... if youve never gone to a drag show before, you will be made to feel welcome and you will laugh a lot. Be sure to bring a supply of dollar bills for the glorious drag queens!
Very LGBTQ+ friendly. Had a couple of the special Barbie drinks. Cool place. Interesting crowd of mostly locals/regulars. Rob was really friendly and a great bartender. Very colorful inside. This place was Barbie themed even before the Barbie movie went into production 😆
The bar was great. Good vibes. Jack, our bartender, was awesome; however, the gentleman that was his replacement was inattentive. He was not serving anybody at the bar, and did not seem to want to be there.
I will never step foot in this establishment again. AWFUL employees, minus Pam and very select others. The owner himself is so one sided. I am utterly grossed out by my treatment.
Drinks are great. Vibes are great. Karaoke is so fun. Jack Jack and Rachid are of the many reasons my friends and I come back. Gotta be my favorite bar with in VA.
The place was just boring as Hell! Everyone had an attitude (especially the bartenders - get over yourselves, youre serving drinks in a gay bar.) The place was very clicky and no one really went out of their way to talk to anyone who wasnt a local. The Crystal City Sports Pub next door was much more exciting and was FULL of hot, FRIENDLY men! I will not be returning to the all-inclusive so called friendly gay bar. Total waste of my time.
Delightful atmosphere with a warm and welcoming host, Freddie. Hush puppies were to die for and sandwiches, salads, everything was spot on. This is a must stop if you are in Crystal City. Next time we come by at night for the show!
The vibes ARE 10/10; its so cute and nice and well decorated and feels like a safe space; the staff are super nice; the food is subpar though and seems like the place you would come just for the drag or the karaoke- I will be coming back for the vibes alone
Freddie’s is a vibrant and inclusive place, with a great brunch, great prices, and a fantastic friendly staff. Our server James was extremely attentive and friendly, he made us want to keep coming back. They have Karaoke every night which we’ll surely be back to try out after such a good experience.
I really enjoyed my time here but had a couple issues that took away from my experience.The biggest issue I had was that my food was cleared away before I had actually finished it when I got up to cheer on a friend who was singing Karaoke. It was clear we were sitting back down as the server left the unfinished drinks on the table and we hadn’t received the check yet.The fries were kind of soggy and mushy as well and left a lot to be desired despite appearing to be freshly made. On the other hand the fried shrimp? dish was surprisingly good!The karaoke was amazing as well. Sure there was a long wait to sing because of how busy the place was but the mood and ambience were amazing. Unlike some Karaoke places, it felt like you could literally sing any song at all and have people cheer you on or even join in.I would absolutely come back for the karaoke but it might be a good idea to eat elsewhere beforehand.
When you have a Drag show its important to stay on the stage and perform. They sing 3 words and walk around bar to collect money. Stay on the stage and perform 80% of your act and then walk around to collect money. They performers spend their entire set walking around collecting money, thats not a SHOW!
The worst bingo I have ever been to. You could not understand anything when he spoke and he only addressed a specific table every time he spoke. We didnt even know what kind of bingo we were playing. We asked several times and in the end we got tired and left. I do not recommend it
Love Freddie’s! Whether it’s karaoke or weekend brunch it’s always a good time. Super friendly atmosphere. I especially like taking friends and family who’ve never been. We have a great time and keep going back. Highly recommend Sunday brunch!
This place is the greatest! The kitchen stays open late and serves first class bar food. The waitresses are personable and efficient. Cocktails are great and very moderately priced. One thing that makes this place so great is the diversity of the patrons. Gay, straight, bi - everyone mingles together and everyone has a good time. There is tremendously fun karaoke just about every night, and it really pulls people together to have fun with each other. Sunday brunch is very good (not great food, but a great value) with an amazing variety of dishes. And to top it off, there is plentiful free street parking. Now you know why Freddies is my favorite place.
I was happy to have found this awesome place. It was after 11pm on a Monday night and I was staying in the area for a couple of days. I had just seen a concert and was starving. I enjoyed a cocktail while looking at their great menu and got my dinner to go. Waitress was VERY helpful and made sure that I had everything I should need because I was staying in a hotel near by. Food was GREAT AND A LARGE PORTION. I was not familiar with the area and did not realize it was a gay bar until halfway through my visit here. It was still a great place even if you are not gay!!
This place is my ride or die. Hands down favorite queer bar in the DMV. Deliciously campy vibes, kind staff, and well-priced drinks! The brunch buffet is fairly straightforward, the biscuits and gravy with sausage was the star of the show for me 💛.
Best place ever! Not much more one can say outside of that.They have a fantastic atmosphere and a great brunch, you cant beat the price of there brunch buffet with a wide variety of excellent food. The service is always top notch, the place is always clean and well appointed. Freddy is so gracious and always greats people whether its your first time or your fifty-first time visiting. I do their brunch several times throughout the year and this is definitely a fan favorite.
It’s a chill place to go if you’re looking for something to do and just want to get out. I met a lot of friendly people, the karaoke was fun to watch, but I won’t be going back.
Went on a Thursday night for the first time, I loved it. My server Logan was so great, 10/10 absolutely adored him. It was karaoke night and the girlies were singing okay, it was a vibe.
What a great experience! We celebrated our best friend’s bachelorette party here for brunch and it was such a fun experience. The show was amazing and very entertaining. Our one friend lost her phone (found later) and the staff was extremely helpful at trying to help look for it (after the show). I highly recommend this restaurant if you want a great drag show experience.
It was a rainy Sunday and we were looking for a place to eat and Freddie saw us outside and invited us in for a tour. Staff was very attentive and friendly. We had a really good time. Max was great.
This is my second review on Freddie’s. I’ve gone to Freddie’s every time I’ve been in the crystal city area over the last year and a half. Freddie’s is the only bar I’ve been to that stays fully consistent. I had friends visiting from out of state and brought them to Freddie’s and it was a great time. Our server, James, was amazing. He was extremely attentive, friendly and on his A game. I’ve never had bad service in the times I’ve visited. The other servers are friendly, will come up and dance with you, and make you feel like you’re family even if you’re meeting for the first time. The food is always good, and the drinks are amazing. If you’re on the crystal city area and are looking for a positive environment with great food, drinks, service and entertainment, Freddie’s is the place for you!
Great food. Cheap drinks. Great service!
Friendly staff and owner! The food is great and if you are into Karaoke, this is the place for you. Sit back and enjoy the entertainment. The restaurant has a Saturday and Sunday brunch that is always fun. They also have a DoD night and a Gayborhood night where they give away free prizes.
First and foremost let me just say, Freddy (The Owner) is an absolute gentleman. This man is the definition of customer service. The place is clean, the staff is amazing, and the overall experience is definitely a 5 out of 5. The food was spectacular and the drinks were even better. S/O to Ty for being super cute and super friendly with my family. Valentino was also a sweetheart and super nice to my family.As a young gay man, it’s rare to find a place that’s both “LGBTQ friendly” and “family oriented”. This place is truly a gem of Arlington. Don’t debate whether or not it’s worth going in, you must give these people a try!(Also if you have the pleasure of meeting Freddy personally , you’ll see exactly what I mean. He also has a fantastic Italian place on the same street. Same story. Amazing food,service, and experience EVERY TIME WE GO. No exceptions. No complaints.)Y’all keep being fabulous !
It was a disappointing experience. We came and ordered food and enjoy the drag show while waiting. At least 4 more people came after us and were seated in the tables next to us. They had to wait for a long time to get their food but they got it. They were done and we still hadn’t received ours. Also, we were never asked if we were ok or if we needed something else. We asked for an update and then kept on waiting to see what happened. I understand they were busy because of the day and pride weekend but it would’ve been nice to at least check on your patrons. We had no choice but to leave. We were starving!
Love this place! They are lovely and also live that the owner is always around checking on his patrons! Love the ambient, the vibe, the people who go there. Drinks are right on the spot! Freddies has been my place since I came to this country! Everyone there is so chill and nice! Love the crowd! It makes me feel like family! Thank you!
Rasheed was our server was very RUDE [7/27/22 10:04pm] told my friends and I all African American comedians from next door that we had to move seats first he told me that I couldn’t sit at a for person table even though I had friends coming I didn’t care because I’m not picky about where to sit then after I moved no menu no service for 15-20 mins then my friends come over we move to the 4 person table and he said move because of it was only 3 of us. Cool so we did then he sat 3 white guys there handed them menus and just overall a better attitude. And went on to not give service till we asked. As a bartender/ server and comedian I’m not picky or hard to be around he was racist.
The bartender was b no it very personable. Payed attention to the regulars more than me and it was even busy. literally seem completely uninterested. I asked what Drink what she recommend she was like it really depends on what you like. I asked if any specialty drinks she stated. No then I said well what about the food and same response. I still tipped well over 20%. I just wish she was more friendly.
Me and my friend found this place near our hotel anf went for the karaoke stayed for the fun! A decent selection spreading many artists. Only downfall is after we were seated and the waiter seen we only wanted to participate for the karaoke she then waited to ID us and we were kind of ignored, until my partner ordered a beer. Even with this experience I had an amazing time.
Tuesday night Karaoke after the quiz is the worst in DC.We put our name down straight away and waited 1hr and 30mins. Paid for our party of three drinks roughly every 30 minutes so paid about $90 in addition to all our drinks throughout quiz night.Only to be never called. Just when we expected to have our excited names be called out the host proceeded to murder be a man from Mulan.I will never look at the MMMOOOOONNNN the same way again.Next up....... a girl that already sang like 20 minutes ago ?????? What the hell is going on with this sh show of a night?. Thanks for wonderful service and quiz and atmosphere but please please please please change tour Karaoke host. The absolute worst Ive ever heard.
Great neighborhood gay bar!The staff is always super friendly and they have great drag shows.The decor is fun and a bit campy and a great place to hang out with friends.The karaoke nights are super fun and I always wind up making a new friend!The food is great - they have typical bar food with a few healthy options. Not that its healthy, but I HIGHLY recommend the fried pickles.Grab some friends and head over to Frieddies. You just might see me there!!
Zoey is the best bartender around! She has the signature Lemon Drop that is perfect. She has the best personality and always has a smile no matter how horrible the customer is to her. You have to ask for her when you come.
I love Freddies! My favorite karaoke spot hands down! Im a frequent flyer at Freddies and I love everything from the drinks, the atmosphere, the people. The food is pretty decent and at bar prices of course. It can get crowded on the weekends but karaoke is every day at 9pm! If you want a good time and your LGBTQ friendly come to Freddies. I also love when they have the drag shows.
Drag night was really fun! They went through the Queens three times which was unexpected. Bring ones$$$ as they come around and work the room for tips. Their outfits were gorgeous, they were great performers, and we had an excellent time! The food was good also.
Whether it be for karaoke, chicken wings or just to take a load off (no pun intended), Freddies is the place to be! I love their outside section. Its very comfortable and cozy! Their drinks are wonderful and its reminiscent of an actual beach or tiki bar. Youll definitely have a great time here!
Love this place! Its been my new hangout for the last few months!! Drag bingo nite is especially fun!! I always try and gather people to come and support the local lgbt community . This place has been awesome to come and relax at and have some fun.
I love Freddies! Ive been here multiple times and enjoyed the drinsk and food. However, last night I ordered food for me and my boyfriend and it was not good. I ordered pasta and the daddy nachos. The nachos were all soggy and not able to eat :/ and the pasta just eh... was very disappointed.
It was AMAZING !!! We was on our last day of vacation, looking for fun, relaxing time. How little do we know, we will end up like at the big family reunion. Never ever did karaoke before, we end up singing on a stage with all people. Great atmosphere, wonderful staff, amazing DJ ( I wish I remembered her name) Awesome drinks. Your place was like cherry on top of the pie . Thank you, thank you, thank you from Peter,Davia,Doreen,Alan,Gustav aka judges table. Mr. Fred, please open one like this in Woostah ( Worcester MA)
Hands down the best Drag Brunch in the DC/NoVa area. No one can compete with Destiny B Childs! I have seen this show many times, and each time is different! Perfect for a get together or a getaway! Great staff and atmosphere.
On our most recent visit to the DC area, we wanted to try and eat at gay-owned establishments exclusively during the trip. While we were unsuccessful in that regard, we thought we lucked out with Freddies just a 5 minute walk from our hotel. How mistaken we were...First, a credit card is needed to reserve on OpenTable, never seen that before. I guess a place could get a lot of no shows and this helps them staff and manage crowds. We obliged but when we arrived for our reservation did we feel tricked: A $5 cover is required, even if youre just there to eat and not partake in the entertainment. This wasnt mentioned on OpenTable so it seemed as though we were going to get charged either way and we might as well go this route since we were already there.We were seated on the patio, which would have been fine if there werent so many ants running across the table. The server was very nice, but seemed overwhelmed as he was MIA for long stretches of time.Food was very disappointing for both of us, the sesame chicken had little flavor and was served with mashed potatoes that were cold and of a similar quality to that of a TV dinner.
This is the kind of place where everyone is treated like a regular, regardless of what your notion of regular might be. I appreciated the fact that Freddie took a few minutes to speak to a new face in his establishment, and the staff were cheerful and friendly. They make a respectable rendition of fish and chips, although I believe I detected some decidedly untraditional Old Bay seasoning in the chips. This one is a keeper.
Great place to go for food, great service, live entertainment, and karaoke. Service is superb. Love this place because it is a gay bar but also extremely straight friendly. Its a nice mix. It reminds me of a regular beach bar w all the whimsical colors and decorations. Dont miss your chance at this wonderful place.
This place is pretty good. Valentino is amazing but they have different sections of the bar and depending on where they seat you, youll be asked to leave before closing if they want to close a section hours before the establishment closes. Sadly, they wont allow you to be reseated in the remaining sections that are still open and require you to join the line at the back and wait as if youve just arrived for continued service.
Really sad about our experience tonight. We showed up around 10:30 looking forward to having a few drinks. We found a table pretty quickly, but a server came by to let us know that the table was taken, but the people were out smoking. OK, no worries, well find another place. We walked around to the other side of the bar, there were no other tables, but there was an empty seat at the end of the bar. We couldnt sit there, that seat was also reserved.As we continued to walk, a server approached from behind us and rudely asked me to get out of the way. I told him we were just trying to get a drink, to which he said the bar is right there. If this is what passes for service nowadays I guess Ill have to adapt.We continued to the exit. There was a nice young guy that tried to seat us in the patio but at this point we were feeling very put off and left after thanking him. 1 star just for that guy.
Always a good time. Its the most welcoming gay bar I know. Doesnt matter who you are, just come to dance, drink, and make friends. (Seriously, we meet straight people in here all the time too) I met my wife here over a decade ago, and just last weekend we made some new friends. Freddy is always there, spreading the love himself. 💜🌈
This bar gives your table away even though you made a reservation and then gives you attitude when questioned about it!New to DC and we stopped in once before to grab a quick drink and decided to make a reservation and come back with our out-of-town friends. Made a reservation as recommended to get a table on Saturday night at 8:30pm for 5ppl. Since no one was at the host stand to seat us…I glanced at the sheet for table assignments which put us at table 23. This table already had a party there just being served drinks. When the server finally came over to offer us a table for 3ppl, even though our party was for 5ppl, I asked what was I suppose to do with the other 2ppl? The server said “I don’t know” then walked away never to come back again.If the bar is going to take reservations, then you need to honor it. Otherwise it should be first come first serve. And the attitude was unnecessary. We won’t be back again and it will certainly not be on my recommendation list!
Food was great and the server was awesome. The drag show on the other hand wasnt even really a show. Instead it was queens walking around the bar taking ones from everyone and every once in a while having fun with it. We made reservations for my birthday and ended up getting stuck in the back corner of the bar next to the bathroom. The server tried to help by making sure I had a thing on my head saying it was my birthday but the queens couldnt care less. Oh well. The food and server earned a 5 star, but the show was a 1 at best.
I have been there twice, once for my birthday with a bunch of friends, and once recently with just one friend. The Queens were a lot of fun, and since they placed a tiara at my table you know I had that on! I won twice at bingo, but it was the fun atmosphere and karaoke, good dinner and just a good vibe all the way around. The servers both times were more than helpful and right on top of things. I will go again when I need my spirits lifted! BTW, I am a 63 year old straight female. Go! Youll have fun!!
Gross place, we were hopeful for the place as we just moved here. The menu was caked in something sticky and when my wife ordered a mimosa for the brunch menu and when they brought it by the glass was dirt from someones lipstick when we pointed it out all they did was try and wipe the lipstick off and reserve the drink instead of remaking it or getting a clean glass.
Fabulous placeStarted to go to Freddies because its close to work , its a great place to let off some steamIm a straight female Freddies is LBQT... I forgot the rest of the letters but Im super comfortable in there. Its ALL LOVEI ve even invited a few dates there and they always have fun... except that one time the Male waiter tried to flirt hard with my date.. the food is excellent the drinks TOP notch and the entertainment is sweet. I WOULD DEFINITELY RECOMMEND THIS PLACE.I spoke to the owner briefly who mentioned opening another restaurant (maybe Italian)I would look into that too.
The restaurant doesnt look like its been thoroughly cleaned in a while. Theres a lot of zany decorations that are dust magnets. The service was ok, but our waiter drank the last sip of our mimosas before taking our glasses away. The food is mediocre at best; the buffet offerings were all over the place. If you want a simple good breakfast, better try Bob and Ediths next door.
Their happy hour is a great deal and the vibes are nice enough. The first time I went with a group of people and had fun. The second time the waitress seemed eager to get me out.
Im reluctant to leave this review because its a gay bar, but heres my take after two visits.They will overcharge you if youre not careful. I thought they did it the first time but chalked it up to being drunk. This time I figured out they in fact were doing it and kept track.The food is mediocre at best.But what gets me is if you stay after 730, despite being there for hours drinking, you have to pay a cover. Have never had a bar do that with paying patrons already there. I left and will not return as a result.Its a shame. This place has the potential to be great.
The service was great James was attentive , friendly and nice , we love the atmosphere also welcoming . I have to say Freddy very disappointed in the food in the past loved it, our wings were so dry and the fish and chips wasn’t done that’s the fish, the chips appetizer was suppose to have cheese on it only on maybe 5 chips so not what we are use too . We didn’t complain not the servers fault and didn’t blame him for the food . I did ask if U were their they said no I would of passed it on.
Freddies is exactly what it looks like on the outside - a campy joint with a heart of gold. The bartenders and staff are there to make sure youre having a good time and they never disappoint - normally Id mention the standouts by name but this is one of those rare situations where ALL the bartenders are great!Karaoke is a blast even if youre not singing (Gilbert in particular is a regular and a unique treat that needs to be experienced because mere words cant truly capture it), the drag show is worth it, and champagne brunch is a perennial favorite (if a bit eclectic in the selections). I do wish the food in general was a touch more consistent but its standard bar fare and generally well-executed.In the current political climate, Freddies almost has the feel of the Kit Kat Club from Cabaret - an unapologetically queer booze joint in the face of the establishment - but the truth is its a great neighborhood spot that just also happens to be fabulous AF.
Very attentive and friendly service! Holiday weekend so was surprised to see a breakfast buffet served 10 to 3. Buffet was acceptable. I should have taken advantage of the made to order omelette. But again, a fun atmosphere and great service!
I love the welcoming and fun atmosphere here! Staff is attentive and always so much fun. Brunch is an experience in itself, and always delicious! Freddie makes everyone feel at home!
Some pretty rough service.Arrived a little after 5pm. Indoors was pretty empty but was asked to sit outside to accommodate the 4-tops.Server was super chill... A little too chill. He checked in sparingly and never when our glasses were empty.He took my drink away while there was still a quarter drink left. When we asked for the check he asked wanna give me your card and I can just run it?. Nah man, I want the check.After running card, he dropped off check with no pen to sign....
Great karaoke! Consistently good sound mix the three times we tried it out the week of our visit. Our server Drew was very attentive. Enjoyed the friendly & complimentary atmosphere. Ditto as to being straight friendly.
Freddies is the place to be. Lots of warm, positive vibes. You really feel welcome and you always will meet new people and have a great time. Tons of events and activities to take part in too. Its not just for the LGBT community, but for others as well. The owner is super awesome too.
Well got greeted at the door by Freddie himself, buffet was amazing, service true delight. Atmosphere here was wonderful, even got to talk with Freddie about the Barbie doll collection throughout the bar, fabulous. Definitely would go back, Freddie was so much fun when talking about his collection
I had such an awesome time at Freddies on my first visit to Arlington, Virginia. The food was good (wings w/the buffalo on the side), drinks good too; atmosphere was entertaining and stimulating; SCOTT, the bartender, was the reason the place is awesome! Such a welcoming environment, and from what my friends tell me, the karaoke was off the chain!!! Thank you, Scott, for making a California girl feel at home!
You just cant beat the atmosphere and the love at Freddies. While the food wont make your top 5 lists, youll never be disappointed and will always be satisfied. What sets Freddies apart is the dedication to being an amazing space for the LGBTQ community while also being fun and welcoming for the wider world. Go sing some Karaoke, check out a show, or hang out with friends, or just find any old reason to go.
This is the most loving, all inclusive & happy place I’ve found since I’ve moved here.
We had a awesome time at Freddies. We didnt know anything about this place and happen to walk by and see the sign for Saturday morning breakfast and decided to try it. This is another memory as we celebrate our 5th year wedding anniversary and we would definately come back to try the Sunday morning brunch. Great atmosphere very live and colorful and fun. The food was a little cold otherwise I would have given 5 stars. thanks for a great morning!
I love Freddies beach bar and I love Freddie! The place is always clean, the food is always delicious and the service is outstanding! The staff is professional and very friendly. I feel loved from the time i walk in until i leave. I would give this place 10 stars if i could.
Eclectic and entertaining. The biggest drag queens this side of the Mississippi for sure.Lots of fun and good food. Prices are fair. Service people are fun and full of personality. Freddie is the consummate host. Very clean and gender neutral bathrooms.
Food and drinks were good, but the waiter spilled a whole plate of fajita juice/grease all over me and the table when he brought it over. it seemed that he was under the influence. my pants now have grease stains and one of my friends phones got soaked
Food was coolPackedBathroom need cleaningKaraoke picks weren’t my style
When my friend and I went, it was a bit crowded, but we sat down at the bar, ordered our drinks and they were pretty weak drinks. We ordered our next drinks and she found a fruit fly in hers, we told the bartender and he gladly changed it out, but when he came back with her new drink, there was another fruit fly in it.....We paid our and bill and left, but when I got home I noticed they charged my card 3 times, reversed one transaction, but left two of the transactions.
Drinks chincy and over priced. I don’t mind paying for a drink if it is reasonably poured. The bartender couldn’t even make change...or maybe she was looking to make money on short-changing customers. Anyway, won’t return. Freddie also owns the Italian restaurant down the street, but it is equally over priced on its drinks.
What a fun and happy place. It’s filled with lively and friendly people, good food, and a great vibe. Reasonably priced and owned by a wonderful human, Freddie. Come by for Sunday brunch and have the buffet. You won’t be disappointed.
The staff is very nice and personable! Crazy, wacky fun gay bar with a tiki theme that is very welcoming to everyone! If the purple porch isnt enough for you come back for a stomach filling all you can eat buffet with bottomless mimosas on the weekends! There is always an event happening- definitely a fun experience!
Freddies is the best! Its a gay bar that hosts drag shows and drunk karaoke. One doesnt go there for fine dining; but the bar food at Freddies is pretty good. And if you are a cheap drunk, like I am, you will end up nursing one drink and enjoying a large glass of water while you are there. If I wasnt clear enough in the last sentence, Freddies serves very large cocktails. Go to Freddies. You will enjoy yourself.
Freddies is the BEST place for LGBT community in the DC area. As a crossdresser, there arent very many places I feel comfortable going to, but Freddies becomes a home away from home. Im always like, thank God, theres the rainbow flag, Im safe, (Why Im I dressed like a woman again, but its cool here, lol), and then walk on in. There are always people of several gender identities and orientations, so its a safe place for closeted people to talk or meet transgendered women and all, but anyone/everyone will have a great time in there! I often go there in boy mode just to do kareoke :)In addition, its hands down the best kareoke place Ive ever been to! Basically, you get on stage or share the stage with people drinking all night. Its like a constant party! There are several screens to read from and the interior design of the place is great to observe while youre waiting to sing.The food is great too! I love their pasta and its reasonably priced. They have a lot of different foods on their menu and great drinks. Their staff really knows how to hustle. It gets so busy in there, but they maintain it. The seating is diverse and they have a screened in dinning area where smokers can eat away from the party inside.Seriously, if you havent been there, go give it a shot!Brandi;)
My go to spot when Im visiting Arlington. The drinks are okay. The food is okay. But the staff, the atmosphere, the karaoke and the crowd are the best anywhere. Ive never had a bad night at Freddies.
Love Freddies, which manages to achieve the feel of both a neighborhood bar/brunch/happy hour spot, but also a fun escape with a very upbeat vibe. Crazy hour deals are hard to beat--we love the pupusas. Sunday brunch has a great variety.
Great atmosphere and drinks. However, the karaoke queue is abysmal. A new singer coming in at 11pm has to wait over 2.5 hours to sing because they use an amateur first-come-first serve system instead of mixing old and new singers with a standard queuing order system by a singers first, second, song. This issues creates a problem where people will leave in the middle of the night after waiting for so long.
Always a good time for the LGBTQ community. All welcome!
GREAT bar. Ive always loved coming here for karaoke, but what no one ever told me was that if you want to come to the drag show on Saturday night, MAKE A RESERVATION or when you show up, even an HOUR early, youre doomed to be standing because all the tables are reserved and all the seats at the bar are taken. #irritated
The place I couldnt believe exists in VA. Im in shock with a smile from ear to ear for this place. I absolutely love the culture here.I ordered two of the 1/2 pound shrimp and two orders of the bacon cheese sliders accompanied with fries to share with friends. One friend had a slider then another then another lol. They were delicious.I tried all of their frozens. Margarita, Piña Colada and the Strawberry Margarita. I almost died and went to heaven when I realized I could ask for a mix of the piña and the strawberry.Michael the bartender was super nice and did a great job!Loved it!
Will probably dont go back here anymore after tonight, Feb 6th. The staff was very rude. I dont know his name because he did not introduce himself. Hes about 5 feet to 5ft 5 inches tall, Caucasian with wavy, dirty, brown hair. My friend and I went in about 6:20 pm and sat ourselves to the small table near the bar where we usually sit every time we go there. Moments later this rude server/host came over to our table and instead of greeting their customer told us You guys next time wait at the front to be seated and walked away and grabbed 2 menus from the host stand. He came back and dropped the menus on our table and walked away again. Granted we should have waited for the staff to come and help us, he does not have to be rude to us. If hes the host, he needs to be standing there at the front to help the customers as they come in and not socializing at the back. Very disappointing experience. And to you Missy, dont worry about NEXT TIME because there will be NO MORE NEXT TIME. I suggest you leave your attitude at home, dont bring it to work because you will just drive the customers away. Or maybe he just simply dont like us because were not White, who knows.
Disappointed, you need to show proof of Covid-19 vaccine to have a drink here now. But I ate at the restaurant right before without an issue...same owner but different rules? Tried to have a fun date night with my boyfriend but that kind of ruined it.
The staff was very friendly.The drinks are fairly priced. The KJs are funny as hell
As a flight attendant I’ve been around the country and world to a lot of fun gay bars , this one is just a really friendly , non-pretentious, neighborhood gay bar . The staff is really warm and attractive , great place to start off or unwind for awhile in gay DC.
I personally know Freddie. My wife and I go once every few months. Straight people are welcome and the drinks are cheap and strong. Sunday brunch is the best within the entire DC Metro area.
Everyone can go here and feel welcome. Owner often shows up and greets patrons. Great theme nights, karaoke, and drag shows. Dont miss this place if youre anywhere close!
LGBT friendly but not black friendly. This place do not honor reservations. Staff will instantly have an attitude upon arrival. To be gay, this place sure isn’t a happy one. 1/10 do not recommend.
Had a blast. Fun atmosphere.. Karaoke was fun but make sure you sign up right away because,it gets full.. Havent tried the food so Idk,about that.. Great waiter .
Very fun bar!! Everyone is so nice, food is great! Beefy Bites, naked chicken wings and fried pickles 😋 are my go to.
We Love this place from the amazing Champagne Sunday Brunch that offers a pleasant variety of food from salads, soups, breads, waffles, vegetables, entrees, as well a a spread of delicious desserts oh and did I mention you get complementary mimosas with your brunch. We have been going here since the opening.We have been going to Freddies for years and we have enjoyed wonderful brunches, fun Karaoke, and even some drag bingo.The owner has keep the character of the restaurant and bar with a consistent and enduring corner stone of the community when so many restaurants and bars have come and gone it is rewarding to know that the staff and ownership continues to succeed at every level. I wish we had time to visit more but we make it in 3-4 times a year and each time is better than the last. The staff and patrons make it rewarding every minute.I remember one of the most vivid days was on 9-11-2001 when some friends and I were interview by a Washington Post reporter on that day.Living so close to the pentagon and seeing the horrific attack on our nation first hand was as a shock to us all. As any American the stress knowing friends connected in DC and NYC added more stress thinking about how lives and freinds would be after this disaster. I just wanted to feel a bit calming relief from all the ciaos that day and where else to find this time out than a fun place like Freddies Beach Bar. On that evening wondering where would we all be and how would this change our nation left feelings that it would never be the same. We owe a big thank you to Freddies(for not just surviving but living the success they deserve in the Washington Gay/LGBA Community) to know that the freedom we take for granite can free us from the past.Freddies has influenced our community, our lives and yes even the Military/Government in the most positive way. I know the challenges of having a business. I have had both food Franchises/Restaurants and other small business and I can tell you its easy to get in business but its hard to stay in business for years. Freddies has been successful by offer great ownership, staff, atmosphere, comfort, trust, value taste, and true love for the community.Thank you! Freddies Beach Bar Team! for being a leader in the area and the Nation.You are a true guiding light.You are the Best of The BestThank youPaul Davis
They sponsored a gay block party last year which I heard went off very well. I enjoyed coming here for brunch and intend to do so again when the weather is a bit nicer. Inside it is kept very cool, and the staff is so friendly. Wonderful food selection as well!
Amazing people. Decent food.. it could be a bit better. Still deserves the 5th star. One of a kind atmosphere. So unique and enjoyable. Very kind service. Id go there every day.
Good environment, until you realize the karaoke DJ skips the order of songs to satisfy the girls that ask to be put on first, despite the order thats been set by people who write their names in the list. When confronted in public, shames the very same public that pays his salary. Such an unpleasant experience. Ps. I am here as we speak.
Had a reservation for 7, and weve been waiting for 40 minutes and we still havent been seated. They said they gave our table away and then they did it again. No one knew what was going on and not a manager in sight. You dont treat long-time customers this way. Major fail.
Such a fun cute place! I cant believe I had never been before! From the decor to the personalized table visits from the owner to the hospitality to the entertainment and theyre awesome covid protocols! Take me back already!!
My first gay bar growing up. Definitely has that kitschy beach vibe going on. Good bar food and cocktails on the menu. Check out the extensive collection of barbies on the walls while youre here.
If you’re going for food, don’t. Fun atmosphere for sure. Friendly servers. Could get more of a buzz from toilet water than drinks served from their bar.
Karaoke Friday nights was so packed, and moved fast lots of fun, except the kj was absolutely awful. She would whine and tantrum as soon as she was questioned about songs... this is my job it pays my bills really!! It should be a position of entertaining fun not a profession.
Very good place. Low-key Thursday afternoon. No judging like is DC, personable servers, decent food. Looking forward to the weekend drag-brunch.
I come to freddies after a long bike ride for a drink, and the bartender is a hit or miss. Today he didnt even acknowledge me while I was waiting to order. I sat there for more than 10 min or so, and nothing, finally I just left. I enjoy this spot from time to time, wish the bartender was friendlier.
Quintessential gay bar for all kinds of kinds. Solid daily happy hours, evening shenanigans including karaoke and drag bingo, and the best weekend brunch on 23rd St. Only gay spot in NoVA, too.
We dined at this establishment a few years ago when we were in town for a wedding. I am so glad to see its still rockin. We are coming back to the area next month to visit family, and we will be sure to grab a meal there while we are in town. 💖💖
Been going here for years. Wonderful time every time I go. Nice staff and owner. Reasonable prices. They have karaoke on the weekends and a nice Sunday brunch.
Great bar food and reasonable drink deals! The Piña Coladas were yummy! The entertainment was amazing. I had a great time and if I’m in the area again I will visit. I recommend this restaurant for a good time and good food.
The only LGBT+ bar in NOVA. Highly recommend DOD happy hour every 3rd Thursday of the month. Shout out to James for being an awesome waiter.
One of my favorite bars I have been too. Freddie himself walked around the restaurant making sure folks were doing well. Very great vibes.
Fun place to go and have a drink. Not a dance club. Drag shows and good place to meet new people. Owner is very nice. Brunch on Sunday was good also.
Best breakfast ever!!! Didnt do the brunch but food was good. Nice place went during pride week. Bottomless mimosas were a bit higher than the bar next door.
James is the best, we love having him as our waiter. He has such inviting energy…….. get you a James @ Freddie’s!!
Great atmosphere and friendly people. If you are a straight guy, the bartenders will water down your drinks. Stick to beer or you are going to be paying top dollar for soda and water for mixed drinks.
Terrible customer service. My fiancé and I (both in our 30s) had heard Freddies had a great vibe, awesome atmosphere and excellent staff - we took a taxi for 35 minutes specifically to go to the establishment while visiting D.C. We were travelling with my 28 year old friend from Spain who had TWO pieces of identification on her. The gentlemen at the front door (blonde, wavy hair, 5ft7 ish, blue eyes) told us that despite us all being of age that none of us could come in as my friend did not have her passport. (NO ONE GOES OUT WITH THEIR PASSPORT!) He then informed us that the commonwealth has different standards, and that Virginia business permit holders can make any rules they want.I called his bluff, he just looked at me blankly and said a sheepish sorry. Needless to say, we were all denied entry and instead went and spent our money at the Irish pub attached to Freddies who did not even know of the law the gentlemen at Freddies was referring to.
Drinks are amazing, atmosphere is top notch but the DJ shouldnt skip people who signed up on the list and repeat regulars. It was intentionally rude.
Excellent food! The boyfriends back was amazing. Good drinks fun crowd for kareoke on a Monday night. Ill be back.
Easy going, fun loving place. Excellent cocktails and a great atmosphere! The staff makes everyone feel welcome!
Whenever we do not go to our usual place after our church service, we choose Freddies. The customer service is excellent, the food is amazing. We live it only walking distance from our house.
The employees and owner are absolutely amazing. The food is delicious. I have a great time here whether it be for brunch or a night out with friends.
Love this place. Best kareoke in town. Also their brunch is top notch. They also serve pupusas sometimes. If theyre on the menu, get them.
Fun atmosphere. Food was okay, service was good. Performers were entertaining. The hostess was the best! She kept it going.
One of the coziest, most welcoming places in town. It is also the only distinguished spot for LGBTQI activities in this part of Virginia (both WInchester and Richmond would be the next closest spots.)
Love the beef bites here. I always reccomend them. Sometimes ordering from the bar can be a pain but the drink are good and theres karaoke.
Excellent brunch. Best happy hour prices and hours in DMV. Beautiful and diverse crowd. Great vibes and awesome bartenders.
Im a tourist just got on sunday and as a tourist ..Im not go out carry my passport just my ID and have any problem at all because Im 30 years Old. But the girl who was working yesterday sunday 4th Aug. Was so rude with me because my ID was not american or a green card. But my Peruvian ID have my picture and date of birth. And I was travel every where and also LA and i didnt have any problem. I know here in US have to be careful about that. Guys all the tourist not walking around with passport for security.
Very fun place. But confusion with drinks so paid alot for everyones drinks. My friend and I probably got food poisoning from the nachos, unfortunately
I obviously love this place! Great staff and owner Freddy is awesome. Also try his Italian food place. Fredericos! Its 4 shops down from his amazing bar.
A community institution on the 23rd street strip of restaurants, with an LGBTQ flourish, laid back atmosphere, beachy drinks, which makes for a chill dinner space to recharge the batteries. Oh, and karaoke of course!
Not bad. The place is a bit dated and some of the seating is less “beach” and more 1990’s backyard. It could be really great with some modernization, updated marketing, and fresh concept.
Been to Freddies a few times and I love it. Fridays are always good to grab a drink and listen or sing karaoke with a friendly and open crowd.
Fun, friendly, but weak food. Fried calamari is ok, $14 ribs are dry as jerky, $15 fajita meat has sticky sweet marinade.
Great place, the decor is beautiful and the owner is very nice. Enjoyed the Holiday kareoke and great service. I will definitely come back again.
Had the best time ever! 💋Met some great people and came out of my comfort zone!!!! Sang and danced so much💃 and the food was great!
Came in on a Friday night and got sat in their semi-outdoor area. Waited with two friends for the server for 20 minutes before just getting up and leaving.
Love it!!! Good food. Good vibes. GREAT DRINKS. And they had karaoke. Lots of fun.
Love this place. Thank you that theres a place to go in Crystal City area. Friendly bar tenders and staff. Good prices and food. And mainly very friendly patrons. Love it
Everyone is super friendly. The men look fabulous. Everyone is in a good mood. I went there on my birthday and had so much fun.
This place smells like puke. Period.
Had an absolutely amazing time. Great food. Fun, friendly, and loveable staff. Upbeat vibe. Bright, eclectic decor.
Ambience, happy people, great fun shows and great food & drinks. Personable owner, too. Made our group feel like MVPs!
Unfortunately its a small place so when big events happen it gets quite crowded and theres not space for everyone to sit. Besides that its super fun and a great place to have some drinks and be with friends
Come here for the entertainment, stay because everyone is fabulous. There is something to do almost every night of the week, drinks are solid, and the food is good for being out.