A solid gay bar for men. Downstairs they play appropriate/good music & videos; drinks are strong and reasonably priced; bartenders are hardworking and nice to look at. Clientele is mostly men (thank god); various ages/demographics make for a nice mix and some potential hook ups. Upstairs can be hit or miss music wise. A nice space for dancing, good air conditioning and again a solid bar/drink experience. Restrooms with working stall doors and fairly clean are much appreciated... read more

Received excellent customer service from Carl. Friendly employees. Peace and relaxing area in the day time Great place to party on the weekends "upstairs" Drinks are great and price worthy . read more

Green Lantern - Gay Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

I have not been to the Green Lantern in A number of years, however I used to go there when I worked at 1300 I Street North West, and the building I worked in was at Franklin Square the Park was right across the street, it was A pleasant place back when I was going there , I recall A very nice bartender named Mat he was very good and kind, some of the Bars in this city the people who are taking your hard earned dollars and treat you so poorly, when My Beloved Mother became very ill I stopped going out, and I just haven't got back into going out, I wish ever one the very best of luck and hope you enjoy yourselves. read more

The bartender working happy hour on Saturday 2/14 was very sweet and adorable. (Pig tails). Things changed for the worse when middle aged miserable bartenders took over. Very rude unsophisticated, and disrespectful. I normally enjoy a dive bar but what started as a pleasant evening ended up being negative. I'm a friendly and generous gay man and will never understand old queers with chips on their shoulders. Lighten up gurls. We're supposed to be in this together. I won't spend hundreds of bucks there again the next time I'm visiting DC. read more

Was clean, staff were very kind and the drinks were good. Was our first time at Green Lantern but will definitely return when we come back to DC read more

I was visiting from California and wanted to check out the gay scene in DC. I came here specifically for the Latino vibes because it was "Latin Karaoke night". The staff tried their very best to keep the Spanish music going but the clientele wasn't very...Latino. I'll just put it like that lol. Regardless, I had a very good time and will try to check it out on a weekend next time I visit DC. read more

The fact that GL has endured past the pandemic is a testament to the loyalty of the DC queer community to an established queer venue. When a club charges a cover at the door, patrons have a right to expect club protocols and amenities in their favor. Drink prices and cover charges can fluctuate like the stock market. But when a club's public lavatories are dysfunctional, poorly maintained, or inaccessible in any way, this speaks volumes about what management truly thinks of their patrons. Blatant neglect at the back of the house raises red flags about unseen issues in the front. I was at GL for the first time on date Saturday night past 11:00 PM. Truth be told, my date had my undivided attention. But aspects of the club's ambiance intruded into our comfort vibe. On the lower level one is bombarded with music so loud anyone must shout at the bartender to order a drink. No issue with the porn videos, but they could have been relegated to more comfortable space at the back of the club. This historic space has the potential to accommodate a diverse crowd with multiple venues almost seamlessly. What my date and I experienced on that day was brash loudness of the dance venue dominating the entire club. Given the horrid condition of those restrooms, it seems unlikely that GL management will ever entertain a vision of their patrons deserving an upscale club experience. read more

I've stopped by the Green Lantern a couple of times during the late afternoon, so the vibe was really chill ... compared to what I have heard about the late-night vibe. On both occasions, there were about 5-7 people in the lower bar, and those folks seemed to be regulars. The bartenders were pretty chill and did not have a pretentious attitude, which you can find in some LGBT bars. While the bartenders seemed to be chatty with the regulars, I did not feel like I was being ignored. The drink prices seemed to be reasonable compared to other LGBT places in the city. I'm not sure if the drink prices were a bit lower because I visited during happy hour, but I'm not complaining. ;) The bar gives off a very old school 70/80/90 gay bar vibe. I think the bar's location also contributes to the old school (intriguing and sketchy) vibe because the Green Lantern is secluded in an ally. Even on a sunny day (my first visit), I was like dang this ally is kind of dark. I would imagine that it provides an interesting experience at night or during the early morning. Perhaps, in the near future, I'll have an opportunity to give a comprehensive review after visiting on a weekend night. read more

The bar feels a bit run-down and can be difficult to locate. The cleanliness of the bathrooms could definitely be improved.

the worst old fashioned I have ever had. Obviously, the bartender isn't properly trained. Service was slow on the take. It was obvious the regulars were more important to serve first. read more

Green Lantern - It's supposed to be an old fashioned. This is not what an old fashioned should look or taste like. Awful! - Gay Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Fun place for those that love a Latin boy flare String drinks and upstairs dancing with clothes almost optional If that is your flavor, GO, have fun. I loved the bartenders. They were very welcoming to me and I never felt anything but welcomed as a masc/female. read more

The website says shirtless men drink for free on June 10th. But when I asked the bartender what kind of free drinks I could get, the bartender shouted rudely, "nothing is free"! I showed him what was on Green Lantern's official website with my phone. He said he didn't care. Again, very rude. Seeing that I wouldn't leave the bar, the bartender asked me to talk to "Howard". The manager, perhaps? Howard impatiently said there was an "error" on their website. Howard acted like it was my problem, not their mismanagement and incompetency. I would be less angry if they were apologetic and explained nicely. Instead I was treated badly with an attitude. Horrible business. Will never spend a dime at Green Lantern. No one should. read more

Green Lantern - Gay Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Stumbled in here on a random night for some karaoke. Tucked away in a back alley, Green Lantern feels like a secret queer speakeasy. It's definitely a local, no frills spot full of regulars. You could tell who comes here every week specifically for karaoke judging by the interesting song choices and the occasional surprisingly talented singer. A few of my friends put their names down to sing and were called up in about 30 minutes. I feel like some karaoke spots are so overrun that you get too tired by the time your name is called hours later. But Green Lantern wasn't too packed and therefore the wait to sing wasn't egregiously long. The drinks are cheap and the staff is respectful. What more could you want from a hole in the wall? read more

Got fucked over because either the bartenders can't keep track of their tickets or they're looking for extraneous tips.

Diirtee Disco is a blast. Danced all night to 80s disco! Friendly bartenders and patrons.

Great bar staff,good selection of spirits and beer. Hogo is on duty tight now,very nice bartender. Upstairs is 80-90 music they take requests!!!!! In o e word awesome read more

Wow! This is everything I hope for in a gay bar! Came out on a Thursday night and found a crazy hot crowd and a PACKED dance floor. Drinks were cheap and strong! Can't wait to come back and get my dance on! read more

Good theme nights. Good drinks. Fun regulars. Reliable service. A good gay bar experience.

Some of the most spectacular BS I have ever been served: Last Sunday a bartender, Hugo (who guilted me into treating him close to the same manner I treat the one person there I TRULY love) mistook an accident for me grabbing his ass. Tonight I explained that it was not what he thought but his response reminded me that we are not truly friends because my friends would have not reacted like that. Reminding him that I had never touched him like that in the past. His response was to chase me from behind the bar to tell me that if I ever touched him again we could "take it outside". I told him that I was just telling the truth but if he wanted to threaten people I would let the manager know. He pushes past me as he tells me he will let the manager know that I touched him. We meet the manager, go into the office, where he extolls on how a customer touched him. I explained it was an accident that told me a lot but did not warrant threats of physical violence the manager sticks with "this sounds like a 'he said she said' we do not touch people unless they are okay with it" (threatening to look at tapes which I advised he should), like I did not just explain that I want this person in NO way, it was an accident, and upon explanation of that fact Hugo's response was to threaten me with violence. I have been going to that bar for 20+ years. I cannot count on EVERYONE's hands how many times I have been touched inappropriately without being asked and had to explain. What I CAN count is how many times it ended up with me threatening violence.....NONE! But that is "he said she said"....right? read more

Cute place...they've put some money into it. Service fuc*ing sucks if you aren't with a group. 14 people in the bar, 20 mins to be acknowledged. Diagonal alley feel, Decent pours, was super friendly when the bartender got to me. read more

Green Lantern - a street corner with a building in the background - Gay Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

This review is for the Queer Fusion dance classes and socials held every two weeks upstairs. So awesome!!! Really great instructors, friendly community of dancesrs, a nice dance floor, free water, and a restroom. You can park pretty cheaply nearby using Spothero. Such a fun place to go. read more

Bravo bravo bravo @ kudos to the amazing, accommodating, overworked and understaffed crew here!!!! Writing this after seeing the mess of drinks having to be escorted basically to the alley way after not being able to handle open bar twice in one night. And these kweens weren't on there 21's & ups these kweens were at least 37 + and 34! It's embarrassing to be these messy at your age!!!! Handle yourself accordingly or find friends to pick your comma like bodies off the rat pissed allies of Green Street! The staff here were extra extra extra extra and I mean extra friendly helpful and accommodating to these drunks even after the bar had closed to a point where they were like --- even is enough it's 16 minutes passed closing and we need to lock our doors! For me to even type this sh@t waiting for an Uber is epic! Love this bar/club! It's diverse as fuck, the staff want to be here, the bartenders low key could use another bar back but these place is really a handbook to how gay bars should be run! Again; Green Latern staff -/- Howard and the handsome black security guards there & the white one lol YOU ALL WERE ALL PROFESSIONAL!!! Pin this comment! If you post a negative review you're a hater and need to be deported back to Montana lol read more

Always having great experience at this bar. Management and the bartenders are awesome and the music is amazing read more

Best gay bar in dc! Very friendly staff. Shirtless nights are always fun. Free drinks and generous pour read more

Green Lantern - Green tea shots - Gay Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

It was time to celebrate after covid and I made sure to hit this place up nightly when in DC. from karaoke to full on second floor dance parties there is everyone and everything here to celebrate fully. The bartenders are wonderful and we appreciate the amounts of red wine we consumed while enjoying our times here. Thank you! read more

I go to the downstairs bar and "neighborhood" that crowd; the neighborhood feel is up my alley. I know nothing about the parties. Shout out to their most Awesome, Sassy Bartender Craig. *Drink Credit goes to Craig read more

Green Lantern - Rum and Coke with Rose's Lime Compliment to Craig - Gay Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

Drink service was prompt and made awesome every time. Barkeepers knew what we were drinking and didn't need to ask every time we were ready for a new one. The club music upstairs permeated down stairs to where we thought it would be a little more laid back and quiet. It's a cool place but maybe not a first date spot where you wanna talk and get to know someone. Definitely will come again. We got our moneys worth. Drinks seemed to be very reasonable for DC. read more

Was a really great time, staff was friendly, drinks were good. 10/10 would recommend. I would usually go to the green lantern when I go off of work when I worked in DC. read more

Came here during Wednesday's karaoke night and although the ally entrance is a bit spooky the bartenders and people were great! We had cheap drinks and even got to sing in front of everyone (despite not having the best singing voice). Will definitely come back!! read more

The service SUCKS. Sat there and the bartender never once asked me if I wanted a drink. I was visiting from Denver. I will NOT GO BACK.

Actually came back and the place was a gem great staff and energy definetly a must to go to in DC read more

Green Lantern - That bartender is. A bitch - Gay Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Great people and bartenders. It's one of those places where everyone is hanging out together and all have a great time together.

This was the first time my boyfriend and I went to a gay bay or even any bar in general. We were both very nervous not knowing what to expect. We came in around 7:45 which I guess was early but for us being new the slower scene was very nice at first. The bartenders were very kind especially the blonde boy calling us sweetheart. The drinks were very good and the pours were pretty even every time. The men's bathroom on the 2nd floor needs to have the floor fixed as there are holes showing the concrete underneath in the stalls. The bar stools were also a little wobbly. We will definitely be back for LOBO in February and in general. read more

I. Just. Can't. Seriously, In Spokane, WA there is nothing like this at all. I found myself uncomfortable in so many ways that it is almost unacceptable. The area itself is not great. It is down a dark alley which in my whole, I am here by myself (with friends but very much responsible for my own person) vibe it was not cool to feel vulnerable. Honestly, in Spokane our gay bars make women feel more safe, in my opinion and that is all it is...my opinion. I am not sure if it is because our "gay bars" hold a completely different standard but this place disgusted me to a whole other level. I am on a completely different realm with this place and here is why. I support all my gay friends and love the vibe that the community gives off but this place was scary. It was a day where everyone was barely wearing clothes and wearing BDM type outfits and constantly guys - who I find out later were straight, were trying to take my clothes off. Telling me "it's fine everyone is naked in here." Our bartender thought he was sassy but he was just a really entitled flamboyant guy who put his hand up to shush us and wouldn't even look anyone in the eyes. I had to completely be mindful of the people here because it was gross. There were guys doing very, very inappropriate things on the dance floor and the porn on the TVs was really really bad for me. No thanks. The hired dancers were not okay either, I was dancing against a brick wall for my own comfort when I was rolled around on the dance floor by a guy who of course I thought was gay. Being a married woman I am all good with dancing with gay guys, it's like friendship nature to me. But it got uncomfortable when he started reaching up my dress and then whispering that he was a hired dancer that liked women. Not my cup of tea at all. Very pushy and not in a good wayl Why not hire gay guys as your dancers? Also the bouncer kicked me off the dance platform saying "no one wants to see that," when isn't inclusivity what we are all about? When a place has you leaving feeling violated it is just not an okay thing. The service was whack, the cover charge was unacceptable, and the whole violation thing as well as people literally being in their thongs and actually doing really awful things to each other on the dance floor....I will not be back. read more

I went in here for a bit to check it out but left before I sat down. It was depressing inside. That's the only way to describe it. We left and were not sad about it. read more

This past week I made a trip to Washington DC and Decided that I would check out the local nightlife. I ended up in this gay bar that was pretty hard to find. When you are walking to the Green Lantern you have to go down an alley way to get there. I was shocked by this, and kind nervous as I did not know where I was going to what I was doing. After arriving inside they asked for my ID and made sure I was 21+ and I went inside. When I walked in I did not feel great inside and it was just a bad environment. I went up to the bar to order a drink. I asked the bar tender (who was a complete ass hole) if they had White Claw. He looked at me and said he have never heard of White Claw and the answer was no. I asked about Seltzer and Vodka and you could tell he was very very annoyed by the questions so I just got a bud light. He was wearing a hat that said Top, which I could only think it stood for "Top Jerk!" he was the rudest bar tender I ever had. While I was waiting for friends to arrive, thankfully I overheard someone say they were from Orlando and I started to talk with them. We talked about how this bar was like nothing at home. I ended up making my way to the second floor of this club. They charged $10 to get into this floor and a dance party was going on with guys in their underwear. They had a few gogo boys dancing which I found out later were all straight guys... The vibe the dance floor was not much fun. There were guys doing some very inappropriate stuff in here and it was not a fun atmosphere to be in. Thankfully we did not stay very long and I took pictures of my receipts. I would never go back to this bar if someone would pay me. Tips for the business: Find Nice Bartenders who actually care about people. Hire Gay people to work at a Gay Bar. Don't let people basically have sex on your dance floor. Have a sign that points people to your location. read more

Update: Ouch! Looks like Matt responded. Actually, you looked up at me and then around the bar at people who were holding cash, then back at me and yelled at me "I'm going to help other people that are actually tipping me" and walked off to help others. Later when I closed my tab out and didn't give you a tip for your shitty attitude and refusal to grab me a drink when it was my turn, you yelled at me to "get the fuck out". I think Matt's response speaks for itself as to the level of customer service here, or lack thereof. Unfortunately the bartender "Matt" had extremely poor comments for me based on an experience at their free open bar on Thursday nights. Evidently if you don't have cash on hand to tip on the spot (even if you open a tab after the free open bar times), you're going to be told to "get the fuck out". read more

Green Lantern is a gay bar that is known to be popular for its Shirtless Thursdays, where people get free drinks if they lose their tops. I didn't expect that this place was also a destination for gay karaoke. Though there is another floor, the top dance floor was closed. The space is intensely crowded, but you could still carry on a conversation with another, unlike in other bars. This space primarily draws in the above 30 age group, from what I saw. This negative review is due to my experience of being molested by a short latino guy creepily jacking off in a small cutout by the urinals. I know I can't fully place responsibility on Green Lantern, but I never even feared that this type of thing could happen at any of the other bars or clubs in the area. read more

So as a "tourist" i didn't find the bartender downstairs very welcoming. The drinks were ok but nothing special.

Love the rock 'n roll music that bartender Tom plays. Hate that it's 68° in the bar. Great Happy Hour hangout.