Eh.. it feels old. The interior, color and lighting reminded me of an old fancy restaurant my grandparents would go to. Empty at 5:30p on a Wednesday- as to be expected - but it did pickup after 6:30. The drinks are good, no complaints there, but this place has been doing the BOGO schtick for 20+ years. They change the name, the look, but it's the same.. but now it just feels .. dated. It's not a vibrant and energetic place. Also the bartender had to look up how to make a Fuzzy Navel, and that's just embarrassing. read more

Number Nine - Empty at 5:20 fyi - Gay Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

My friends were on dates & i didn't feel like being around straight men so i decided to go to the first queer bar near my hotel. My bar tender was sooo sweet! I believe their name was KC / Kacey?? & he poured me a niceeee lil drink. The vibes were cute. The playlist was curated to please the crowd. Lots of early 2000s pop princess hits. I didn't stay long and stopped in on a weekday so i can't speak to the nightlife or what it's like during peak hours but overall i had a nice relaxing time and enjoyed my drink. read more

While I've only been to Number Nine about 3 or 4 times, I can say that all 3 or 4 times have been nice. For one, they have a 2-4-1 happy hour deal, which is great for getting your night started. Also, the drinks are a bit strong, which is always an A+ in my book. For the most part, the bartenders are pretty nice (relative to other gay club/lounge establishments). I really did not sense an air of superiority from Number Nine's staff. On the few occasions that I visited, as a person of color, I did appreciate the diversity of patrons, which suggests that it is an inviting space (at least from my POV). In terms of cocktail prices, I think the prices are pretty fair relative to other places in the area. Although the bar/lounge has tons of space between its two levels, the establishment can become pretty packed on weekends. read more

Number Nine is one of my favorite spots to hit up after Trade or before JR's and it's important that one does so. I love the two for one they do here and the bartenders are upbeat fun and very kind. The place attracts the best clientele and yuou can meet a more upscale person who is not a snob. Thank you for the mega bowel of mints at your entrance and im in love with your upstairs areas - they are fun and make me want to throw a party up there! read more

Great drinks and drink specials. The service was fast and the staff although very busy were very nice. Great place to bring friends to either listen to good music or great drinks. I've been going here for years. read more

The drinks are good and we liked that they played music videos. However, the clientele here were pretty rude.

I was visiting DC for the night and sat at the bar. The bartender KC (name on the receipt) greeted my boyfriend and I. We created conversation by asking if the bar hosted any particular nights such as karaoke, drag race viewing parties ect as it was our first time there. (He was very nice and informative about the vibes and days to come but he was just fake) I ordered 2 margaritas (Milagros tequila which is my go to) which he poured HEAVILY from the shelves on top behind him (the drink was particularly clear like it had mostly tequila and very little mixer) . As I'm drinking my margarita it tastes like nothing but water, you would think i would taste STRAIGHT like tequila by the way he poured. I'm not one to usually complain about food or drinks, until my boyfriend asked me if i thought the drink tasted like water,I told him I was tasting the same exact thing. I brought up the issue we were both tasting and he told me he made it like he "always do" .. after being consistent about it tasting like water, I then asked for my check because I was completely turned off with how this place WATERS DOWN THIER BOTTLES. He gave me my check and waited to see if i was writing in a tip (which i shouldn't have, i just work in hospitality and it's a force of habit) . He then offered me a shot on him. Now... this shot came from a different bottle (Milagros still) located on the BOTTOM OF THE BAR, It tasted exactly how it should have. If you're coming to this bar be VERY mindful on HOW and WHERE they are pouring from. His little friend he had at the bar was getting all the drinks and shots from the bottom where the REAL liquor was. It was very disappointing that I'm visiting DC and going to "POC LGBTQ" bar to feel included and be disrespected like this. The theme is very clear here from the comments ( especially people who are POC's) Absolutely worst gay bar to ever go too. Do not come here. Especially if you're bartender is KC . I wish the worst on all of them read more

Number Nine offers a very refined bar experience with an upbeat vibe. Located a stones throw from 14th street, Number Nine is right in the mix of the bar/restaurant scene and easily accessed. My favorite thing about Number Nine, over than how clean and upscale it is, is that they have TVs everywhere and play music videos nonstop. Sitting and watching music videos with drinks is the vibe I am always looking for. There's also tons of space. The downstairs has a long bench seat and tables and stools and the upstairs haze even more tables and chairs throughout. There's two large bars at your service! On the weekdays they offer buy one get one drink specials until 9pm. (Fact check if this is still happening with COVID times). Amazing deal! read more

Number Nine - a group of people sitting outside of a restaurant - Gay Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The bartender services the white guys who cut me in the line twice. It's Wednesday and it is a slow night. I am a POC who's 6' 2" so don't tell me that you didn't see me in the line. read more

Number Nine is the "uptown" bar for the DC scene. One of the best places for a drink. The bar has two floors, where they have a piano bar on the bottom floor (on Fridays I believe). They have a phenomenal happy hour deal of buy 1 get 1 free! Though they don't serve any type of food, so be sure to have a bite before you go! Atmosphere: Number 9 is a swanky place for a drink. I love the design. Very modern and classy. They play a mix of music, but it's usually light pop. And they showcase the music video on monitors thru the bar in case you want to revel in your favorite hits and videos. The patrons are mainly late 20s and 30s and a pocket that are 40+ from what I've seen. (Though I haven't been there past midnight, admittedly). It usually is very crowded, especially as it gets later in the night. Even so, I've had no problem waiting too long when I'm getting a drink. Finish: I definitely enjoy Number Nine. Currently, my favorite gay bar in the city. It totally fits my vibe, and the happy hour deal is great! read more

Number Nine - Gay Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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J'adore this little slice of beauty! After a lovely lunch with my fiancee (the lovely part being the company, not the food) we headed back toward our car while thinking we would make a quick stop @ the gelato place a couple of doors down. As we were walking past Number Nine the door frame and furniture in the window caught my eye and she mentioned that she's been meaning to come by this place for some time cause she heard its super cool. So I said well hell, no time like the present. We walked in and cutie patootie Dusty was on duty (I made a rhyme lls). It just so happened they had JUST opened (maybe 15 mins prior to us walking in) and as soon as we entered I was taken aback because the interior is LOVELY! It has a dark, sexy vibe, gorgeous wooden floors, exposed brick behind the bar with nice shelving, starlight/starburst hanging lights, high cocktail round tables with stools, a long bar and plush seating that remind me of chocolate piano keys. I also love the gilded mirror outside the restrooms in the back. The second floor is similar as far as the decor details are concerned but it's not as large, the bar is on the opposite side of the floor and there is a cute fireplace and 4 large skylights that make it absolutely lovely! FYI - they rent out the top floor for events which is what made us stop in the first place. Now forget about the decor, let's talk drinks! We started with 2 rounds of lemon drops which Dusty mixed PERFECTLY! Then we moved on to their HH special. I had 2 (or maybe 3 or 4) of the Blood Orange Old Fashioned. It was tart, sweet and smooth - you really don't taste the whiskey but you sure do feel it after drink 2. My FI had a couple of vodka gimlets and after number 2 for her, I swear she was floating! We sat at the bar downstairs and carried on conversations with quite a few other patrons and had a blast. What should have been 30 minutes turned into 4 hours. You definitely will lose track of time in this place especially with Dusty behind the bar! Oh they also have their own music channel (so to speak) and play a variety of really good hits that make you want to dance despite there being not much room for it! This place rocks and I will be back with the fiancee and a friend or hell by myself! Yup, I dig it. read more

This is going to be a short and sweet review because this is a gay bar and there are not a lot of them out here so I do not want an LGBTQIA+ to be closed down next, however the service and the music is phenomenal. Prices and interior decor, beautiful. The service received was perfection even while they were super busy. I recommend this bar to ANYONE. read more

I had soooooooo much fun and I will back!!!! The bartenders were friendly and I met some amazing people that night. Those long Island iceteas where the truth, I had two and I was done. Slurring and all. read more

Lively and contemporary spot for cocktails with a great 2-for-1 happy hour to boot. If it's before 9pm, time to order up. I was dressed up more than usual for a work event earlier but looked like just any other schmo in the place. Yes it's a well-dressed crowd (and well-groomed) but a fun one at that. The first floor is crowded especially by the bar but folks aren't pushy. The second floor offers a tad bit more space. Hurry and drink up... it's almost 9pm already! read more

I'm annoyed with this place because they turned me away with my real virginia ID. I asked what was wrong with it and the bouncer said "i just can't accept this". wtf. i literally was like scan it or something and he was like no you have to go down the block to do that. super annoying and the bouncer wasn't willing to talk about it much further at all... read more

Didn't really have the food so I can't speak on that. The space is really nice, elegant, and loungy. I really like the music they had playing: pop and old 90s and 2000's hip hop and R&B hits. The bartender was kind and welcoming. The one thing that got to me, and I hope it is not standard practice, is what is done to the drinks. My first drink was extremely watered down, purposely ordered a double so that it hit. Nope! My second I asked for a specific type of liquor. I have a feeling that the bar banks on folks not knowing the liquor, but I know the liquor and what I got was not the liquor I ordered. My friend had a similar experience with his drink. Mr friend did go back and complain and bartender give him a second drink of the exact thing he didn't want. But, we kept it cool and just went our Mery way. Soon after we went to another gay bar and ordered the same drinks, but actually got what we ordered, which reaffirmed what he had known about number 9. I appreciate honest businesses that respect their clients enough to give 'em what they've asked and paid for. Don't think this is the case at number 9. I hope they get this aspect of their business together. Aside from that, the space is chill and the staff is friendly. I would go back, just would be more vigilant about buying drinks. Or getting my buzz on at home before heading there. read more

Stop there for drinks every time I'm in DC. Location is great, staff is great and the drinks are fantastic. 2 floors to choose from and the clientele is on par. No drama, no fights, just a homely gay bar with a friendly atmosphere. read more

We were visiting DC for the weekend and had a few drinks at one other bar then decided to hit up Number Nine. There was a kick ball tournament going on in DC, so the bar was packed with players. The bar is gorgeous! The décor is great and the layout of the bar is long and narrow with two floors. We ordered two drinks (as shown in the check in photo) a beer and a margarita. When the very snotty bartender said, "That will be $21" We almost fell over. I get that someone has to pay for the rent but for what we got the $21 price tag was a price too high to pay. I think that this is a perfect place for the locals and other visitors but it isn't our cup of tea. read more

Number Nine - Wtf? - Gay Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Say it with me: "There is no place like home!" Number 9 is my favorite cocktail bar in DC. In my experience it sits right next to Bar Quill at the Jefferson Hotel on 16th street, but much more fun. The atmosphere is wonderfully diverse, welcoming and smart. There is nothing like it. The entire staff at #9 is talented, very attentive, never rude. They know exactly how to make what ever poisonous confection you could dream of and turn it in to a gourmet cocktail. - So tip well! PS: I also recommend a bar called Trade. It's around the corner and Fabulous! read more

Ben and drew went above and beyond in helping me. 9 is a wonderful establishment, and the drinks are one of the best in the area. I totally recommend this place to anybody who wants to have a relaxing time with their friends. read more

Bartender Ward is totally a Jerk. Rude to customers. Does not call last call. Gives you lip service if you even ask "I did not hear you call last call" Says he is the Manager, but does not act like an owners advocate. read more

It's always a nice vibe at Number 9! I mostly come here with my former work crew - we had a great time the first time and kept it as our spot even after we left the company. The buy one get one free drink deal is great and the music created an airy ambience. There's room to sit and be comfortable and you don't even have to know who's next to you, but you'll make a new friend! read more

No DC adventure is complete without going to a gay bar. It was my first time at Number Nine, and my friend and I had such an amazing time. Seating is limited due to COVID, so make a reservation online if you can remember. The host was super nice and was able to seat us quickly, even without a reservation. Unfortunately no dancing or food during COVID, but they play music videos, have drink specials and bonus: beautiful men who work there. They also have a RuPaul's Drag Show watch party. read more

Service is very inconsistent. One day they have reservations, the next not. Some days 4 at a table and depending who you know..5 or 6. The waiters and hosts are rude and projects a very unhappy environment that is driving the regulars away. Where is ownership. I have frequented this establishment for several years and have never met one of them. During these times ....it has to be All hands on deck or you will not survive. read more

Ladies, the gay boys are onto us. For years, our "excuses" for being a straight girl at a gay bar have been the following: 1) I like the music better at gay bars 2) I can dance here and not worry about being groped or hit on 3) I'm here to emotionally support him (point to token gay friend) 4) We just want to see all the cute hot guys we are missing out on. The fact is our reason for being in this bar is much much simpler. Sure, this bar is filled with wall to wall good looking guys and yes this bar super chic and well decorated. Hello Marble Fireplace....And Yes, and even though this place is a swordfight and you're walking around with a set of boobs and no one cares, yet the bartenders are shockingly attentive and efficient. But the real reason for being here as a straight girl has been addressed by many people before me: The awesome 2-for-1 cocktail happy hour. Every drink from the cheapest beer to fancy muddled mojitos to mint juleps to sidecars are included in the happy hour. The cocktails aren't the best you've ever had BUT they have far more variety on the menu and higher quality drinks than most happy hours. For the record, I thought the Tennessee Honey was pretty good here ( Jack Daniels Honey, absinthe and OJ) and the Raspberry Mojito. There is only one catch: your freebie second drink has to be of lesser value or equivalent in value to your first paid drink. No upgrades BUT you also have the luxury of not paying for bottom rail liquor here. Basically this happy hour should be a role model for all other happy hours. Are you reading this bars across America? It was during this very happy hour while I was enjoying my second Dark & Stormy when I got put on blast. A tall man talking to my friend, looks at me suspiciously and beckons me over: He says, "You look like the girl next door, what are you doing here?" Both me and my friend look at each other and say "we are here with our gay friend". This was true, but we had no idea where said gay friend was, and we had long lost track of him. He shakes his head.laughs, and says, "Damn, I bet you two girls would risk getting lynched at a KKK bar for 2-for-1 drinks". Oh no, he's onto us. For the record, yes, I am cheap but I would never go for a 2-for-1 special at that type of bar, especially cause I think they would play awful music like Nickelback. I'm just fine with my 2-for-1 deliciousness at Number Nine. read more

I may not be a gay man, but this is already one of my favorite bars in DC. I definitely think that this is a place that even heterosexual people (male or female) can appreciate, without feeling out of place at all. Sometimes when I go to a gay bar, I feel ostracized and unwanted by some of the patrons who act as if my mere presence offends them. I don't understand that at all. I do not come here to pick up men (obviously), but I come here to have a good time, just like you. Here, however, every single person (including the bouncer) was extremely nice and friendly. I even snagged a few drinks from some of the guys. If you are an ugly woman, I don't think this will work though; I don't think many gay men like to be around ugly women...and I don't blame them. The space here is very chic and contemporary. I love the way it looks inside. The upstairs part has more of a Lower East Side feel to it. The best part of Number Nine (besides the beautiful gay men) is the drinks. The drinks here are very potent and very well made. The one that stood out to me however was called the Tennessee Honey, which has absinthe in it. This was one of the drinks that my new male friends bought me. Needless to say, this drink led to my downfall towards the end of my night. I love the happy hour deal: 2 for 1 drinks. How can you beat that? Now back to the beautiful gay men: DAMN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Those were some fine a** men in there! I felt like crying. One in particular had me seriously questioning him. We ended up chatting and he held my hand, I wanted to melt...even though I knew he did not want me. There were also a lot of men here from NY, not sure what's up with that. Nevertheless, you can never go wrong with beautiful men and awesome 2 for 1 drinks. Oh yeah, the only thing that is holding me back from 5 stars is the fact that there was no dancing. I think there was some pretty good house/lounge music playing, but no one danced. I love to dance and any bar with there is music, you will likely see me dancing. What's up with that?! Perhaps this is because the space is so tight and it's crowded? Still, I love this bar! read more

Happy Hour = 2-for-1 cocktails. Frankly, it's difficult to beat that. And when the cocktails are priced at around $12 typically, they are a downright bargain at what equates to $6 each. I wasn't particularly blown away by the cocktails, but they were definitely strong and well above average. The bartenders are friendly and it isn't too too difficult to get their attention. The place itself is swanky and dark. It's contemporary and hip, but it doesn't feel pretentious. There's a long bar on one side and several bar tops along a long, plush bench on the other. It's a narrow, rectangular space. Number Nine is strictly a bar, no food options. It isn't exactly difficult to find, but it can be easy to walk right by if you aren't looking for it. Will I come back and pay $12 for a cocktail? No. Will I come back and pay $12 for 2 cocktails? Sure. read more

So a middle age, Midwestern women (tennis shoes and all) grabs a great table on the new street patio on a sunny March day. My daughter and I are greeted with such warm, friendly service! The mid day HH had $5 Absolut drinks that were big and strong (at the American legion, we call them stiffies). We had a great time, with great drinks. Also one of the few place we went where they combatted the food requirement with $1 popcorn. I may have been the worst dresses person there, but what a great time! read more

Sleek bar. Great happy hour (2 for 1 on everything). Friendly and efficient bartenders. Good looking fun crowd. Definitely my favorite gay bar in DC. Shoutout to Mark, awesome bartender. read more

One of the nicest bars in the city catering toward the Community can't say it was the friendliest crowd. Many of the locals stayed in their groups and the bay staff was not very outgoing. I had a drink there one evening and went back another evening when they had dancing upstairs and it was a much more fun and more people were conversational. read more

Gay bar, who cares! Great spot for Happy Hour! Cocktails are delicious here with a good liquor selection. Can't beat 2 for 1/BOGO drinks till 9pm! Their summer's revenge drink was delish and atmosphere was trendy and hip. read more

Number Nine has a classy vibe but everyone knows how to get down and have a good time. It's so rare to find great drink specials at bars on the weekends. On the particular Saturday night that I went, Number Nine was offering 2 for 1 drinks from 5PM to 9PM. The bartender brings out your first drink and prints out a small slip for you to redeem your free second drink. I expected it to be packed (with a special like that and the freak occurrence of nice weather) but it wasn't too crowded and the patrons and bartenders alike were cool. There's plenty of seating inside and even a couple of tables out on the patio. Though you won't want to be sitting, this is the place to mingle! They play great music but no it isn't a dance club...but I'd say it is the perfect place to start off your night out in DC. read more

If this place comes up after you google "queer WOC bars" or a derivative of that...do.not.come.here. I came here after doing just that. Excitedly I walked in. I had just moved to the DMV, so I was optimistic . This was a short lived excitement. I was met with white cis-queer men staring me down. As an immigrant woman of color, I was scared for my safety- you know them white men be crazy. But alas! I wanted to give humanity the benefit of the doubt. I ignored the weight of their racist ass stares- thinking once I got a drink it would all dissipate. It. Did. Not. Their stares were mostly intangible until some snippy bar keep asked me to move my coat from the counter where I placed it. They said that it was intruding with their ability to serve. Fine, "I shouldn't be occupying prime bar realty with my coat," i thought. So I moved it. Also his pasty white skin was reminiscent of serial killers so I obliged him. Ultimately no one was buying drinks from him. It was not prime bar realty. He was just an asshole. I say all that to say: if you're a queer/non-queer woman of color, or a queer man of color...come with backup. I exclude white women from this bc there were plenty of them - queer/non-queer - who were greeted with friendly smiles right next to me. I recognize that popular culture and research reflects that queer white men are racist, conservative, assholes. But i have always been a skeptic. Yet their stares, bad customer service, and pasty skin confirmed such findings. Best believe they were blasting Lizzo and Beyoncé- appropriating black culture, as always. Worst of all, what happens when a queer person of color new to the city seeks refuge only to be met with their stares? Hard pass. read more

Love, love, love, LOVE this place! My wife and I stumbled on this bar by complete accident 2 years ago as we searched for wedding venues. That afternoon we attempted to close our tab 4 times, and 4 hours later we had made great connections. Talk about STRONG drinks, great atmosphere and amazing vibe. It is now 2+ years later, we frequent this place often and they still have their happy hour BOGO which is easy on the pockets. We have bought plenty of our friends here and they love this place. Definitely one of, if not, my favorite bar in DC! read more

From what we have seen, the gay bars in the area are more of sit down bars. This one has a lot of seating downstairs, upstairs seemed more set up to dance, with more dance music. Overall, both levels had great music, were aesthetically pleasing. The drinks are a bit higher than back in Houston, but not outrageous. They also serve food, but I can't vouch for any of that, as we went to dinner, before. The staff is friendly and efficient. Overall, a great bar, that I would visit again! The crowd was not super young or old, which was nice! read more

I really can't see what the draw is here .... 1) inattentive bartenders with attitude, 2) weak drinks with plenty of mixer, and 3) a "stand and model" bar with people that think WAYYYYY TOOOO HIGHLLLLLYYYYYYY OOFFFFF THEMMMMSSSSEEEEELLLLVVVVVEEEESSSS !! Look in a mirror cause I'm not seeing what you are. read more

Awesome location right near one of the best restaurant neighborhoods in the city and conveniently located near 14th St bars, friendly staff, and excellent drink specials (2 for 1). Came here on a Monday night with a group of friends and certainly enjoyed the drink specials, fun crowd, and Bianca - the drag queen providing side commentary to Rupaul's Drag Race airing on all of the TV's. Overall, a lot of fun and worth checking out. Make sure to eat beforehand, otherwise you will only have complimentary popcorn to eat. read more

After an incredibly awful experience at another bar, I have to come here to praise what a great place Number Nine is and show my appreciation. I have been here a number of times throughout the years, even before I moved to DC last year. I have to say I have had an amazing experience every single time. The owners and staff have always created a welcoming place for everyone. Even during Covid, this place continues to be a fun environment for customers. I will always support Number Nine. read more

They get four stars because their beer selection, though small, was decent. Anyplace that has Allagash can't be all bad. Plus two for one happy hour is nice too. Nicely decorated, friendly bartenders, lively crowd all contribute to the general convivial atmosphere. Plus you may just meet a zany Armenian from Los Angeles. That alone is worth the price of admission (which is free). Additionally, if you get here early you can hold it against your friends when they show up an HOUR late. There was much eye rolling, exasperated sighs and looking at watches. read more

Super nice facility and hot bar tenders. The drinks were well made and the place was hopping. read more

Number Nine - Gay Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia