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
🏀 AYA Pick-up Outdoor Basketball
Pick-up basketball games at Watkins Rec Center.
👢 Boots! Ego Boost Pride Dance Party!
A Pride-themed dance party with DJ Bite Back. There is a $5 cover charge at the door.
🎙️ Crackin' Up Queer Comedy Open Mic
Queer-focused comedy open mic night.
🤠 Diva Hoe-Down
High-energy dance floor event.
💘 Femmes v. Mascs: Singles Mixer
A singles mixer hosted by Diyanna Monet.
🕸️ Fishnets & Feelings presents: Scene Night
21+ event featuring scene culture, fishnets, and feelings.
🎉 Frat: A Queer House Party
Queer house party featuring DJ Muse(o)Fire. $5 cover at the door.
🎤 Greetings From Queer Mountain: Open Mic
Open mic event. DM @gfqmdc on IG for info.
✏️ Kink 'n Draw
An interactive artistic event. Tickets are required.
☕ Lil' Coffee Chat
Casual community coffee gathering.
🏝️ Love Island Watch Party
Watch party for Love Island on the 2nd floor.
📚 Queer Reading Night
A dedicated space for reading and community.
🚿 Shower Karaoke
Weekly karaoke session.
showers🎤 Shower Karaoke
The weekly Sunday night karaoke session.
🔥 Slow Burn: Slow Jam R&B Night
A night of slow jam R&B music.
🤝 THE PRE-GAME: A DC Friend Making Mixer
A social mixer designed for making new friends in the DC area. RSVP required.
🏳️⚧️ Trans Night
Weekly community night for the trans community.
Dance Church
register here
DANCE PARTY 21+ 💃🕺
Late night dance floor vibes. Must be 21+.
Electric Euphoria: Neurodivergent Open Mic ⚡
A neurodivergent-friendly open mic night.
Mystics Game Watch Party 🏀
Watch the Washington Mystics game.
Queer Reading Night 📚
A quiet space for community reading.
Queer's Just Wanna Have Fun: 80s Night 🎸
21+ 80s themed dance party.
SPIRIT Game Watch Party ⚽
Watch the Washington Spirit game with the community.
Throwback: Brat Summer 💚
21+ dance event on the dance floor.
Trans Masc Pleasure: a class for us and our partners 🏳️⚧️✨
An educational class focused on pleasure; tickets required.
Watch Party w/ Coach Jackie and Nic! 📺
Community watch party event.
Wine Down Wednesday
ALL DAY
Happy Hour
Happy hour drink specials available on the dance floor.
📰 In the News
20 LGBTQ+ Bars to Check Out in Washington, DC
As You Are is a welcoming Eastern Market cafe that transforms into a lively lounge and dance floor dedicated to LGBTQIA+ expression and connection. The venue features an eclectic events calendar including themed karaoke, drag shows, and maker markets, while maintaining a safe environment through strict consent policies and mandatory bag checks.
D.C. queer bar As You Are raises thousands to prevent closure
As You Are, a queer bar and community space in Washington D.C., successfully raised thousands of dollars through a community fundraising campaign to prevent its closure. The venue remains a vital inclusive hub for the LGBTQ+ community, offering a safe space for nightlife, daytime coworking, and local events.
Essential LGBTQ+ Experiences in Washington, DC
As You Are is recognized as an essential LGBTQ+ destination in Washington, D.C., specifically highlighted as a top spot for dancing. The venue is featured for its role in the District's vibrant queer nightlife and inclusive community atmosphere.
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...
