as you are. DC
Recently named the "Best Neighborhood Bar" in the 2025 Best of LGBTQ D.C. awards, As You Are is a vibrant, multi-level community hub on Barracks Row that seamlessly transitions from a welcoming all-ages café by day to a high-energy dance club and lounge by night.
✨ Vibe
An exceptionally inclusive and welcoming "home away from home" that prioritizes safety, enthusiastic consent, and queer joy through its diverse, community-focused atmosphere.
🍸 Best For
Late-night dance parties, community meetups, casual daytime co-working, inclusive karaoke, and specialty themed nights like "Trans Night" or Survivor watch parties.
🔥 Highlights
- Unmatched Accessibility: A leader in inclusive design, the venue features ASL interpretation for performances, strobe-free lighting, and a permanent entrance ramp.
- Day-to-Night Versatility: Enjoy a "chill" first floor perfect for board games and coffee, then head to the second floor for high-energy DJ sets and "Dance Church."
- Elevated Bar Fare: A menu of satisfying favorites highlighted by massive portions of signature nachos and spirit-forward cocktails.
ℹ️ Need to Know
- The venue is open to all ages during the day but transitions to a 21+ establishment daily after 9:00 PM.
- Look for late-night happy hour specials on the dance floor from 1:00 AM to 2:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.
🔄 Weekly Events
🤠 Diva Hoe-Down
High-energy dance floor event.
🎤 Greetings From Queer Mountain: Open Mic
Open mic event. DM @gfqmdc on IG for info.
☕ Lil' Coffee Chat
Casual community coffee gathering.
📚 Queer Reading Night
A dedicated space for reading and community.
🚿 Shower Karaoke
Weekly karaoke session.
🏳️⚧️ Trans Night
Weekly community night for the trans community.
Dance Church
register here
Wine Down Wednesday
ALL DAY
Happy Hour
Late night happy hour on the dance floor.
📰 In the News
Best of LGBTQ D.C. 2025
As You Are has been named the "Best Neighborhood Bar" in the Washington Blade's 2025 Best of LGBTQ D.C. awards. Owned by Jo McDaniel and Rach "Coach" Pike, the venue operates as a welcoming café and nightclub that serves as a dedicated safe space and community hub for the queer community in Southeast D.C.
Inclusive DC Bar Invites Patrons to Come ‘As You Are’
As You Are is an inclusive Washington, D.C. bar and Pride destination founded by Jo McDaniel and Rach “Coach” Pike to provide a safe space for all identities and cultures. When rising costs threatened the business with closure, the local community rallied to support the venue and ensure its mission of inclusivity continues.
Queer bar invites you to come 'as you are' for WorldPride in DC
As You Are is a queer-owned cafe and bar in Capitol Hill, Washington D.C., that focuses on community, safety, and inclusivity. The venue features a relaxed daytime cafe with games downstairs and a high-energy dance floor with DJs upstairs, offering a "choose your own adventure" experience for the LGBTQ+ community. Owners Jo McDaniel and Rach 'Coach' Pike founded the space to de-center alcohol and provide an authentic environment where patrons can express themselves freely.
A Guide to DC’s Best Gay and Lesbian Bars
As You Are is a highly accessible Eastern Market venue that functions as an all-ages coffee shop and workspace during the day before transforming into a 21+ bar and dance club at night. The space features ASL interpreters for performances, a chill downstairs area, and an upstairs level with karaoke, dance parties, and video games.
The Queer Capital: Historic LGBTQ Spaces in Washington, DC
as you are. DC is a vital LGBTQ+ social hub in Washington, D.C., that functions as a coffee shop and cafe by day before transitioning into a bar and dance floor at night. The venue is celebrated for its commitment to providing an inclusive, safe environment for the queer community and fostering local connections in the capital.
Recent Reviews from Google
Any bar that hosts a Survivor premiere party is good in my book! It shows that they are committed to safe spaces for different communities. Along Barracks Row, as you are is in a larger building with...
Such an awesome spot. Great music, great service, solid happy hour & good bar food. We played monopoly deal and just vibed. Will definitely be back.
Not the gay bar refusing to play Reneé Rapp. The DJ played music for themselves. Literally not a single person was dancing but the two people in the DJ booth. Food and drinks were good though.
I am so freaking happy that they finally opened! And the food! Is. So. Good! Real simple menu but my gosh, the portions! The small bites are entrees and the sandwiches, didn't have one but they looked...
One of the most fun bars I’ve been to in a long time! First floor is open table seating and serves food. We did not eat while we were there though. Music was fantastic, drinks were appropriately...
