Trade

Spent a few days in Washington DC and went bar-hopping after dinner. This is a fun spot, pretty chill crowd during our visit, and ended up concluding our evening here. Threw back several vodka + sodas—it was a good time!

Great bar with a patio, good drinks but the place could use a makeover.

Trade is one of the only top three gay bars in my list that makes the cut for not only a gay bar but also an inclusive space for everyone. The rest of the gay bars unfortunately, do not make the list of three but if there is improvement, could potentially earn a spot.Every time I go it’s mostly a diverse crowd. Hopefully they’re able to expand next door!The only downside I would say is some Bartenders not just here but also in other bars as well, please smile more and be more engaging with customers if the venue is not busy. I’m not going to tip you for mediocre or even adequate service - just because you made a drink that took a minute but rather, will tip you if you demonstrate who you are as a Bartender (e.g. knowing my name if I’m a regular, asking how I’m doing, etc.).

A great evening of fun and room to dance! Great wine deals and a ton of nice staff! Will definitely start the evening here next time! And then probably end up here as well!

Had an amazing time. Everyone dressed up for Halloween. Good music, vibe, crowded, strong drinks. I loved the whole atmosphere. Bartenders were great and attentive. Clean place (for a bar). Amble room to dance/sit/chat. Id definitely visit again when back in DC.

They are doing an excellent job with Covid guidelines. Fair prices, nice service. Convenient location. You need to make a reservation. Cool ambiance. I recommend this place. Drinks are strong.

Possibly the best gay bar in DC. Unpretentious, very social, down to earth.It is much easier to meet guys here, everyone seems to enjoy the music and friendlier unlike the other gay bars around it. Lighting is perfect. Its not too bright to the point that makes you too self conscious. DJs play mainstream tunes and remixes and of course gays like that. Drinks are better compared to the other bar that I refuse to mention. Bartenders are also quite nice.edit:I always liked this place and I thought that the sketchiness of it is appealing. But when a bartender lost my credit card and they couldnt do anything about it, that makes this place literally sketchy. I never had a problem the lack of furnishing but what happened was so weird. They also dont accept mobile IDs unlike the other gay bars. Even with all valid details.

What is there to say? Trade is best in show, and I am not talking about the drag shows held in their space. The XL happy hour is one the best things. I have had the pleasure to find inspiration for writing with their trance music playing on the background and the exhilarating decor. Their back outdoor patio is spacious with plenty of seating offering the perfect balance for those looking to have a sit to drink or stand while conversing with friends.

Really cute space with a really friendly staff. I loved the fog and lighting and had good dancing space. The music was not ideal for me, think older dua lipa vibe. If that’s for you then it’ll be 5 stars but that did knock it down for me.

Overall good place to be and nice decent music, some people are a little touchy but it’s not that big of a deal. The only negative experience I had (not personally) but my friend gave the bartender her card to pay for 2 drinks and 2 shots. One was $35 and I believe the shots where $8. The bartender decided to give himself a tip out her card without her authorization and gave himself a $52 tip. Lucky my friend was able to call her bank and dispute the charge. If you go to this bar do NOT USE CARD! Cause the bartender will over charge your card purposely.

Service from the staff was mixed. The bartender who served me was perfectly polite. After getting drinks, we settled in and were just chatting by the bar. My stool was quickly taken from me. I didnt really care, and the person who took it said something, but it was way too loud to hear him and he quickly walked away. We were about to step away from the bar area (just waiting on a third friend who last saw us there), when another bartender rudely told us to get out of his way. I would perfectly understand the need for more space around the bar when its getting busy, but its pretty simple to ask in a courteous way. Im not expecting you to hold my hand, but just be respectful. PSA to my beloved queer community: being conventionally good looking does not excuse unkind behavior.

This place is so fun! It’s such a great atmosphere.Lushen was so kind and amazing. He’s very knowledgeable about what to choose as a great drink! He’s definitely the BEST bartender ever!! I highly recommend coming here if you’re looking for a great time!!

Rude staff and an absolute dive - not worth it, much better options in DC

Great back deck and bar staff. Every time I come here the drinks are a good price and there is always a nice scene. The bathrooms are decorated with old school photographs and it’s very tasteful. Good place to dance on a weekend night or have a casual drink with some friends.

Place gets busy enough to keep a line out the door some nights, but too many people are still let in. There’s no way the occupancy some nights is within fire safety requirements. That said, the bar is usually pretty quick, and bartenders friendly.

My first visit and can attest to the good drinks, good atmosphere!

Trade is one of my favorite bars in DC. Matt is a super friendly, attentive, talented bartender. The door people are the best. ♥️

Recent visit on a weeknight as first time customers and was completely ignored by the Black bartender as other people who came to the bar after us got served before. The bartender never acknowledged us or even looked at us and the bar was not packed at all. So no reason to ignore customers. Once the other was free from helping customers he served us and gave us our drinks for free as he knew we had received horrible service. We are shocked at this rude treatment. Will never visit again!!

Very cute gay dive bar, very friendly staff, a little slow but it is a Monday, will definitely be back the next time Im in the city.

One of my favorite DC bars!

Lively and popular place. Great bar with nice and attentive bartenders. Reasonable prices, especially for DC. Has a coat check, which is super helpful during the colder months. Has some seating towards the back, but when Ive been on Saturday nights, it is pretty much standing room only.

Great dive bar. I walked by and stopped in on a whim. The staff is fun and friendly, with just the right amount of overheard snarky banter. And whatever that signature scent is, inside at the bar, needs to be bottled and sold. So good!!!

Trade is too much fun! The bartenders are nice, and I’m impressed with how knowledgeable they are. It’s quiet on Mondays, but gets more crowded later in the week. They also have delicious drag shows every 3rd Saturday of the month. I highly recommend it!

I have never been more disappointed in a welcoming institution. I arrived to the bar on a Thursday evening as an identifying female meeting my female partner and gay male friend. I was told, before sitting down, I was NOT WELCOME and then bood out of the bar because I was not a gay man and by my servers terms the type of people that should be there. When we went to management they said this wasnt in their purview.I was under the impression, Trade, was open for all. How disappointing to find the men I thought would be allies are actually the worst kind of representatives,

Its a wonderful places! I love the staff at the front and Music and laser light was amazing. I love to see the picture in restroom wall 😂

Went here 30 Jun 2017 while visiting from NYC and this place is the joint! DJ was legit and the crowd was sexy and extremely friendly. Bartenders were cool, too! Strong Goose & soda + good music + sexy crowd = Trade.

Everyone ends up making out at the end of the night haha. Not a crabby queer spot - young fun crowd, friendly staff, decent prices, no cover; this place is win! I’m coming back when I visit.

Iconic gay bar in Washington DC with an incredible, mind-blowing happy hour that will knock you off of your feet and send you to a sweet queer heavenLove & appreciate all of the attention to detail. The bathrooms make me, Amber Atkins, proud to be an AmericanAlso RIP Olivia!

I checked this place out for the first time during the week. It was surprisingly busy. Aaron, the bartender, was super nice and friendly. I went there again and Justin, another bartender, accidentally gave my the wrong change for my drink. When I went back for another, he apologized and corrected his honest mistake. On the negative side, I dont know why their patio isnt open the entire time the bar is.

Revising my review from several months ago. This is pretty much the only bar in DC where theres anything fun going on late at night. Lots of trying-really-hard hipster drag queens, messy twinx, a peppering of hot guys, and a little bit of actual cruising going on. So its a pretty fun scene at midnight on weekends, or during Ru Pauls Drag Race. Otherwise its just a neighborhood dive bar and cliquish, like all DC bars. Drinks are quite cheap especially during the amusingly lengthy happy hour. Bar staff works very hard.

They had a leather horse mask on the wall. So I guess they are the most adventurous and kinky bar in DC.

Nice little Gay Bar in DC mixed local crowd with some visitors too. Quite small so gets crowded. Staff were friendly and drinks reasonably priced.

Nice place. Ive met nice people there

Its my second time here and I must admit that I really like it! The people are wild and eccentric but very attractive. The bartenders are as hot as me so I appreciate that , I recommend everyone come at least once .

The atmosphere is awesome, the bartenders are super nice and attentive with a customer first mentality. I love stoping here for drinks during the week and partying up on the weekends

I used to come here. I just talked to the manager because I asked for a Vodka Soda and lime, but actually my drink tasted just soda. It was ridiculous. It was disappointing. Its the first time it happens to me in this place. I felt discriminated because the manager said he was not going to add more voda and I had to pay for a double drink. I also felt cheated.

Great atmosphere, fantastic staff and fabulous clientele. I’ve visited a handful of times and always had a great time. Would 100% recommend stopping by for a drink. 🍺 🍹

Matt is the best bartender, very nice. Definitely recommend for anyone wanting a fun and chill bar with great bar service

Good Happy Hour: XL drinks for the price of regular. And it lasts until 8. Also nice bar and friendly staff though it was a bit dead.

Great drinks, hit or miss on busy, has outside area with heating, always good bartenders and music.

This place is a rare gem: A combination of an artfully presented drag queen show and an amazing dj along with a fun professional crowd! But really, the music was amazing. It was music festival quality dj-Ing, very danceable with a good bass for getting down low if that’s your thing. None of that boring, monotonous gay edm available in the big “hot” gay clubs that makes you wanna fall asleep. Blah. Oh, and all of that with no cover? Amazing!!

Saturday night scene consistently very good: music, drinks, vibe, crowd. Music a bit offbeat (in a good way) -- a mix of old and new.Well done, Trade-DC.

Its an OK bar. Friday and Saturday night you have to wait in the cue. Beer 6$ Guys behind the bar friendly. For wifi password you have to ask the bartender.

Great bar with a great bar staff. The night we were in town the bartender was Aaron. Very friendly, attentive and helpful. Will definitely be back the next time we are in DC.

Sat at the bar with my boyfriend and had several drinks. Friendly bar staff, good fun music and really nice atmosphere. Lovely bar. Thinking of relocating the bathroom wallpaper at home.

It was alright. We went on a chilly sat evening in march. It was moderately crowded with lively ppl. Drinks are avg and moderately priced. Everything was just about ok.

I was harassed by a bouncer and a bartender named Dusty a few months ago. The bouncer snatched my wig off and threw it in the street. Management did nothing

Best queer bar in dc, all walks of life welcome. Staff is amazing and the entertainment is always on point! Absolutely recommend this gem!

Finally a new gay bar in DC. Its not as divey as its made out to be-- still pretty swanky but at least there are no strobe lights. Could be a good date spot almost? What am I saying?

The guy at the bar is so hot!I like the place because there’s an open space in the back side.

What a great place to enjoy a drink and a friendly crowd. Lucian takes good care of everything. The outdoor deck is always cooking.

Great casual place to hang out with friends. Drinks are poured strong and bartenders are friendly. Good precautions in place currently for Covid-19.

People look very easygoing, good music and it has a back patio that is amazing !

The host and bartender were excellent. I will be returning to this bar while I’m in DC. The drink was very good. The popcorn sucked.

The Trade Lemonade is one of the best drinks I’ve had. And they made their stance on ALL queer lives mattering very clear.

Bartenders always provide service with a smile and drinks are well priced. Great atmosphere.

I was physically assaulted by the bartender here and the manager ignored it. I would not recommend this place to a friend or return. My friend even tried to talk to the manager and he would not acknowledge him or have a discussion with him.

Bartender was super rude. Never going back again.

Nice bar, nice staff. I’ll definitely come back

Quite the strong pour. Cute men, and great music. Huge bonus that it isnt too loud -- you can hear your friends.

Awful experience. Me and my partner were repetitively asked to leave the place because were straight. Pure DISCRIMINATION!

Very sexy and nice bartenders. Love this place. Very chill atmosphere.

When this bar opened, I was excited. When I got there, I was stoked. Solid neighborhood gay bar that turns up on weekends.

Friendly neighborhood bar. Very good happy hour.

A bouncer snatched the wig off a trans woman when she got mouthy. He still works there

Peculiar bartenders, made me feel very uncomfortable

Love this place. Happy hour is great and the crowd is really cool.

Fun, relaxed, local gay bar. Happy hour specials. Small dance floor. Dark inside.

If youre extremely basic and your entire personality is urban queer, Trade is for you.

My friend got hatecrimed here and they banned her when she tried to complain

Worst music ever. If you wanna dance better choose different place

Went there as 2nd part of the night, it had a nice atmosphere

Please, please stop making people wait outside when the bar is EMPTY inside. It’s not 2006 anymore.

Happy hour drinks are incredibly strong. Narrow and crowded.

False advertisement they close at 1:00 a.m. on Sundays 😎

Great happy hour. Amazing bar tenders.

Always fun and great friendly bartenders!

Great location, decor, drinks & bartenders!

Always come to trade. Best gay bar in DC.

It has a good relaxed vibe for a dive bar. :)

Great drinks, nice bartenders, good vibe, inclusive

Nice bar. Super nice bartenders.

Too cheap for reusable or plant based straws. Really?

Go Queer places.

Fun spot

Good local bar, narrow and crowded layout.

Cute new spot. Great for otter scene.

A very down to earth and no thrilled bar.

Nice place. The staff very friendly!

Great bar! Sexy guys!

Keep politics out of your bar. Bring back Yuengling

Friendly place. Can be a little brighter inside

Loved the vibe and loved the aesthetic!

Bar staff is rude and inefficient

Very good thank you

Strong drinks! Friendly bartenders!

Everyone buys you free drinks!

So strong

You need a Brent Harper night.

The best drinks and music

Great food and drinks

The trade is very #rough.

Can’t go wrong here.

This place is cool. But...

Decent watering hole

Great vibes

Nice workers

Fun fun fun!

A good option to go out and drink at night in DC.

Fantastic!!!! to have a first drink