The Crucible Flimflam on a Double-Throuple Date Night So we met up with a dope ass Throuple at BAMM's Karaoke night last Thursday. All six of us caught a vibe but it was a vanilla event so the plan was to go on a double-throuple date Friday night. Not sure who picked it but we decided to meet up at the Crucible. I'm pretty sure it was the first time for all of us so we were excited to try a new place together. According to the event's fine print, the educational talks and demos were scheduled first but then "The Exploratorium" would be open after 11 p.m. I remember specifically reading, "More experienced folk come on out after 11:00 PM for open play." Well like I said, we had already caught the vibe the night before so we were ready to ride the wave the next night. We arrived at 11:15, dressed to impress and ready to party. The six of us stood in front lobby for a while. Apparently, no alcohol is allowed on the premises so the men had to run the drinks back to the car. I should have been paying attention to the faces of the people exiting or even the fact that folks were leaving soon after arriving. I guess I was so full of anticipation about the good time that I didn't notice. Well after we finally checked in, we were free to walk to the back. There are lockers and a changing area to the left. The restrooms are co-ed. The main hall opens into a large room with a bar and stage. There are several stations scattered about the room. A couple Saint Andrew's crosses, a horse, a canopy bed, a few overhead hooks, etc. To the right, there is a large open "theater" area. I think there were couches in there. And finally in the back left corner, there is a room with a swing and a couple fuckable chairs. I don't recall any music. It was eerily quiet with a weird mix of cocktail hour chatter and whipping noises. The lights were ON! Waaay too bright for an LS environment if you ask me. In fact, the whole setup wasn't really conducive to the type of on-premises fun we were looking for. The open floor plan makes it impossible to have an intimate experience. We walked around but it was difficult to find a place to get comfy with our party of six. I don't know if it was just a feeling we got or the fact that we were just in a new space but it felt like the entire couple watched us walk around and were waiting for us to "go." The crowd was almost entirely white. Maybe 30 people in the room. And we were six tall, sexy, Black people striding around the room in out panties and heels rubbing and groping each other. Even the men were shirtless and glistening! We looked good enough to eat and the crowd was drooling. We made our way to the room on the left with the swing. It's not at all private but at least we could get nasty without being on full display. The six of us started to "go" but the gentleman in the other couple was a little hesitant. He said that something was off so he wanted to check to make sure we could indeed play. He went to find an attendant to confirm that open play was allowed. Well, thats when they hit us with the flimflam. As the tip of my husband's dick just touched the lips of one of the young ladies, the attendant informed us that "absolutely no oral" was allowed on the premises. According to her, while sex on the premises is typically allowed, this was the one night that it was not. I went back and checked the fine print: "More experienced folk come on out after 11:00 PM for open play." Did I miss something? When they said play did they mean we could have play sex on their equipment? Were we really the only people who expected to "play"? Was there something particularly offensive by our half-naked Black bodies that prevented us from playing? Whatever the case, the Crucible is not swinger friendly at all!! Total waste of money. Date night killer. So basically we paid $100 to look at their equipment and pantomime sex. The shit almost blew our whole double-throuple date. We left for Shadows about 15 minutes after getting there. (The Shadows ripoff story is for another day.) Next time, we'll just go to a hookah lounge. Dance a little. Sip a little. Then we can just get a room. Unless you really really just want to attend educational event, stay away from the Crucible. It is an overrated waste of money. read more

The Crucible - No play allowed but event details said, "More experienced folk come on out after 11:00 PM for open play." - Social Clubs Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Nothing as advertised on the website. wife and I wanted to explore in a semi private controlled atmosphere. even the bartender exclaimed, it's a run down gay bar. overweight guys having sex everywhere. not a place to meet like minded people as advertised. to go in and have one horrible drink and walk out was over $200. was not clean and the smell would turn your stomach. don't waste your time or money read more

Loved it! Nice warm setting. The friendliest staff is also attentive. Will continue to go! The food was hot and delicious

There are several social clubs in the DMV but crucible is the most established. There staff is the vigilant on creating a safe space and they host a variety of events that very from newbie to expert. read more

If you are new to kink and the lifestyle in general, here's what you need to know: this place is always supervised by monitors who make it a nice safe venue. No participation is required; you can grab a drink and sit somewhere and take in the sights. There's a pool table in one lounge area. They have a dance floor and a stripper pole so it's always entertaining. As others have said, it's not necessarily a great place to pick a new partner up. If that's your goal, go to the new-to-kink type events consistently. They often have vendors there. The bathrooms are large and clean. You must be a member or a guest of a member to enter. To be a member you must go to the Crucible website ahead of time and complete the form and payment there. Save yourself some annoyance and take care of that well in advance, folks. You will be required to present ID every single time you visit. If you are a veteran: this joint is fully equipped with a variety of furniture for standing, sitting, or kneeling/bending over. It has a bunch of hard points. If there's a huge crowd, they will protect your scene with monitors. (Honey and I felt like celebrities that time for sure.) Sometimes there's a DJ so check the event listings if you don't like it loud AF. There are a couple of private aftercare rooms which is really a fantastic perk. Parking is awful so plan to arrive early. Park on V st uphill from the club or else around the corner past the club. If you are handicapped, call ahead and have them reserve a spot for you. Be aware that there's a hefty step up into the venue but after that, it's fully accessible including the restrooms. read more

This is a great place! Classy and upscale and very safe! I enjoy going here occasionally.

Mmmm...was a great place to get into the scene to watch,play or curiosity..lol. It WAS a friendly and meet people from all places and at one time great vendors. BUT now just being shutdown & moving 3times ...doors open but really lost a lot of everything and still waiting to see if it turns around?? 2018 read more

The review from A.S. is patently false - I have been going to the Crucible since it's first location, and it has always been a clean, safe place to meet people and enjoy kink. I enjoy that alcohol generally is not available, because I don't want to deal with drunken idiots when I am in headspace or playing hard, but for those who want alcohol it is available during certain nights/events. The club is always clean - staff vacuum, scrub equipment with Cavacide, provide materials for you to put over equipment, etc. to help keep the place ready for play. If you're new to kink, check out Dungeon 101 or BR night. If you've been around awhile, other nights are also fun. If you're interested in swinging, BDSM, or other kinks, I highly suggest you check it out! read more

Two stars. Same cast of regulars every single event. There is NO semi-privacy anywhere except two back bedrooms that reek of low budget road-side hooker hotel rooms. The place is generally dirty. Lounging furniture is old and nasty (I would not sit on it). Even the table and chairs around the 'dance floor' remind me of some low rent bar in the worst part of town type furniture. For the life of me and my companion, we can't understand why they insist on keeping the back lights on full blast. 99% of the people there are regulars and seem like they have no lives outside the kink scene. Just an overall sad, cheap, dirty vibe to the whole place anymore. For the love of god,...invest some money in the place. At least update the furniture and change the sticky carpeting. If you are 20 something and don't know any better maybe its your place. But for us (professionals) no thanks (anymore). read more

This place is AMAZING. I've been going to the crucible for two years now. It is safe, fun, and we'll managed. It's clear to anyone who's ever been that the AS "review" is pretty fiction. That person has likely never even driven by the front door. Great fun, very clean, always feel safe. Recommend to everyone. read more

Waste of money and time!!!! The owner spammed me through a dating app. I checked it out. Such a dirty place. Feces on the wall and there was this rash I got later. Needles can be found outside the door. The owner is the worst and refused a refund. This place is dirty and unsanitary. If I could give this place negative stars, I would. DO NOT GO!! read more

What better subject for my 69th review than an S&M club? The Crucible is set up like a large warehouse-style gymnasium, but instead of bench presses and squat machines the main space is filled with cages and other assorted restraint devices. This place is huge. I'm not a regular, but I visited with my running club. 500 of us popped in on a Saturday afternoon, drank 10 kegs, and ran away. Beyond the restraint stations in the main room there is also a bar. Upstairs, there are several other crazy kink stations including swings and private rooms. At this point, I am going to invoke my rights under the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution and end my review. read more

I guess its time for me to admit that I've been here...twice. Um, I liked it. The drinks are strong (and believe me, you will need a strong drink) and the staff and patrons are friendly...yeah, friendly. I went on Halloween for the costume party, the costume party with a twist. So yeah, and they had good food. I have to go with the previous reviewer and invoke my 5th amendment rights. Not for the faint of heart, definitely for the curious. read more

So nice I really love the place and the atmosphere is amazing. Good to be here all the time. The people are friendly

Beautiful space with an amazing energy. Next time we're in DC, we know where to go to have a great time!

This is a lifestyle/ kink club (heavy on the kink). So there are rules and etiquette that you should know before going here. A good night to start is on a Black Rose or 101 night(kink education). Or at the very least look up some basic rules for being in a kink space. This is NOT a good place to go looking for a date. Most experienced kinksters are very big on consent and they over a scene step by step so almost everyone is there with a pre negotiated scene in mind. If you want to meet people with similar interests or to learn more you can always head to fetlife (like Facebook for kinky people). Most people go and just observe at first. Please don't walk into or intrude in other people's scenes unless asked to! Most people are friendly and are happy to talk and explain after their scene is ended and they have had time for aftercare. This is a really well run club with staff walking the floor to make sure everyone is having a great time (they wear yellow vests). It's very clean and they provide stuff to clean equipment (please use it). Also this club requires a membership so get it in advance! read more

An Adult-oriented members only club. Various nights are focused toward different groups - Men Only, Open-minded couples, etc. A nice big space. People are very friendly, open and welcoming. Highly recommend checking it out if you are the adventurous type. Alcohol is available only on certain nights. read more

It's an adult club with a S&M theme. It is also for members only (On most nights). You have to join it online or come with a member to gain entry.Nudity is not just allowed, it's encouraged. The management makes a point of telling people that they will enforce appropriate behavior -- meaning that if someone is bothering you, they'll see that it stops. Cell phone cameras are banned. The V st. club opened in the Summer of 2017. They also have classes to learn, (ahem) "The ropes." They have a calendar. Make sure the event on the night you're thinking of attending is something you're interested in. I've been as recently as this weekend. A well run place with a strong touch of of a volunteer establishment. read more

Maybe we went on an off night...but I can't see myself returning. Went there in hopes of gaining some knowledge and insight on the BDSM community. Considering I paid almost $100 for 2 people to gain access, it simply wasn't worth the time or money. You're better off staying home if this is a reason why you'd go here. read more

Great club for an alternative evening out. Check the club's website for scheduled events and to buy tickets in advance for some nights.

The club has moved to 16 M. Street, NE and is near the NoMA Metro (redline) . The club is now members only, so you need to get a membership online before attending most events. Dungeon 101 is the exception. That is a chance to learn a bit about BDSM. If you go to the BR Gateway Meeting (offsite) then you get a coupon for D101, making it cheaper. Also, the Gateway meeting gives you great etiquette tips for the first time at a BDSM club. The first time I went, I learned a lot from Dungeon 101. Many people go more than once. However, I also needed to take some time to process it. Now, i am active in the community and this is a great play space. It is clean, safe and the staff is very helpful. They offer many educational opportunities and of course a great space to just have fun. read more

This is a nice venue if you are into the lifestyle and/or the kink scene. The staff are friendly and accommodating, and will try to make you feel comfortable. The drinks are strong (on the nights that it's served) and the patrons are easy to get along with. read more

Hi! I am thinking about checking Crucible out this Saturday. I am interested in the establishment for two reasons. One just pure curiosity and also I am writing a paper for my college English course on the subject of S&M and swingers clubs. Does anyone know if this would be a good establishment to go an observe and talk to people, and get their opinions and interest on the subject? Also I saw that you have to have a membership, is this always the case? Or am I able to pay at the door? I wasnt able to locate a number or an email address on the site so i figured this would be my best bet. Thank you for your help! read more

This is DC's only BDSM & Swingers club. It's a private, members-only club, but it's easy to join at www.the-crucible.com. As far as dungeons go, it's pretty sweet; I think it's the best one in the DC metro area. The old location was bigger, but the new location on M St NE still has plenty of great equipment, plus great staff and a lot of fun members. Plus, it's two blocks away from the red line. read more

We were curious about the Crucible and since neither reviews nor the website do an adequate job of explaining what the club is about, we decided to attend the Black Rose informational meeting (which was held at the Crucible). We expected a small gathering of about 5-10 young people but instead found a much larger crowd of about 40 representing a very broad range of age, body type and socioeconomic status. The meeting was led by a stout man in his 50s and a woman of about the same age and build. They outlined the general purpose of the club (i.e. the exploration and education of BDSM culture) and gave an overview of the rules, membership structure, possibilities etc. The meeting lasted for about an hour after which the attendees were invited to tour the club, ask questions and return for discounted entry into the Crucible's Dungeon 101 night. We returned for Dungeon 101 a few months later (D101 is held on the first Friday of the month). The experience is structured like a show and tell. Club members position themselves at different stations around the "play area" and demonstrate how to use the various tools, devices and structures (i.e. how to crack a whip, how to tie someone up). We were surprised both by the number of people who attended (again around 40-50 people) and the ease with which many of them immediately shed clothes to sample lashings, hot wax, electro-shock and spankings. When we later discussed, we concluded that the experience was more clinical than sexual. Some people were in scene wear (mostly nightgowns and latex), but the gymnasium-style house lights remained up, there was no music and no alcohol. The mood was educational, not provocative. There was no pressure to dive in and everyone was very friendly and welcoming. We decided to seek liquid courage at a nearby bar and returned around midnight after the Crucible changed from Dungeon 101 to the less formatted "open play". Upon our return, we were surprised to find the place nearly empty. In one corner, a man in a kilt flogged a slim woman who stood nude and tethered to a large "X". On a nearby couch, a woman sat while two leashed and diapered men crawled around demurely at her feet. Eventually, the woman on the couch climbed into a coffin with one of the diapered men and closed the lid. Meanwhile, the kilt-wearing man finished flogging his playmate, concluding with an aggressive finger session (no sex allowed on D101 nights). We took in the entire scene and left to speculate how this evening differed from a normal (non-D101) Crucible experience; we decided that we would plan to visit again at some point in the future. In the meantime, here are a couple of suggestions for how the club could be improved. Please keep in mind that our only experience with the Crucible was a D101 night, so some of this may be a non-issue. First, the decor could use an update. Between the carpet, the walls, the dated reading material/ photos and the furniture/ bar area, the entire place feels a little seedy (not dirty, just...old). Of course, face-lifts cost money and the club is funded through membership dues. On the other hand, a more attractive space would make visitors more likely to join the club. New floors, a fresh coat of paint and moodier lighting would do wonders. Second, reconsider the policy against alcohol/ ambient music. Ok- not entirely sure about the music (it may be gilding the lily for some), but the Crucible is a place that would benefit from a liquor license. I understand that alcohol and sexual experimentation might be a questionable mixture, but we're all adults and I think prospective members would value the ability to hang out at the club, have a few drinks while observing the play of others. Finally, the club should offer an opportunity for prospective members to visit on a regular (non-101) night before making the commitment to join. In summary, the Crucible is a dated adult playground that has a lot of potential. We will definitely give it another chance. read more