Crush Dance Bar
Category: Dance Clubs, Nightclub, LGBTQ+ Bars
Neighborhood: U Street
Price:
Address: 2007 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, United States
✨ Vibe
A vibrant and sleek LGBTQ+ inclusive sanctuary where high-energy dance floors meet a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere in the heart of the 14th Street corridor.
🍸 Best For
Late-night dancing, inclusive celebrations, expertly crafted cocktails, vinyl DJ sets, and hosting private parties.
🔥 Highlights
- Diverse Multi-Level Layout: Enjoy a dynamic nightlife experience across several unique spaces, including a high-energy dance floor with nonstop bangers, an intimate tucked-away upstairs lounge, and a stylish outdoor back patio.
- Exceptional Drinks & Hospitality: Highly regarded for its attentive staff and top-tier bar program, Crush is celebrated for its strong pours and what many locals call the best espresso martini in the city.
- Eclectic Event Programming: The venue keeps the energy high with a rotating calendar of drag bingo, ballroom parties, and the popular monthly "Grizzly Happy Hour" featuring beer specials and vinyl DJs.
ℹ️ Need to Know
- The venue operates as a dedicated safe space for the LGBTQ+ community, maintaining firm security protocols and a highly responsive staff to ensure all patrons can celebrate freely.
- Table reservations are available for groups, and the venue is a prime choice for booking private holiday parties or celebratory weekend gatherings.
🔄 Weekly Events
🎧 Nightly DJs
Dance the night away with resident DJs.
Drag Bingo Wednesday 🎡
Hosted by Lena Lett & Tula with DJ Jason Royce at 9PM. Win big prizes!
Hot Dog Sunday 🌭
Free wieners while supplies last! DJ Matt Bailer starts at 4PM.
Karaoke Tuesday 🎤
Hosted by Regina Jozet Adams. Sing your heart out all night.
Throwdown Thursday 💥
Every 2nd and 3rd Thursday hosted by Venetian.
Weekend Daytime DJs 🎧
Live DJ sets to soundtrack your afternoon.
Happy Hour
$7 Absolut, Bacardi, Cazadores, Beefeater, and Evan Williams; $9 Craft Cocktails; $5 Draft Beer and Wine.
📰 In the News
The year in photos
Crush Dance Bar was featured in a 2025 year-in-review for hosting several high-profile events, including a speaking engagement with the cast of 'Queer Eye' and the Washington Blade’s Best of LGBTQ D.C. party. These milestones highlight the venue's role as a prominent gathering space for the District's LGBTQ community.
D.C. LGBTQ bars ‘hanging in there’ amid tough economy
Crush Dance Bar is navigating a challenging economic climate in D.C. characterized by federal government shutdowns and decreased consumer spending. Co-owner Stephen Rutgers noted that the venue is implementing creative strategies to maintain its weekend crowds despite a broader downturn in the city's nightlife and tourism.
Trump’s authoritarian DC crackdown is hurting the district’s LGBTQ+ nightlife
Crush Dance Bar in Washington, D.C., reports significant revenue losses and a sharp decline in foot traffic following an intensive federal police presence and checkpoints in the 14th and U Street corridor. Co-owner Mark Rutstein characterized the impact as unsustainable, noting that the venue experienced its worst night of business since opening due to the surrounding security crackdown.
D.C.’s Bar & Restaurant Industry Suffer After Trump City Takeover
Crush Dance Bar in the U Street area has reported a significant decline in sales following a federal takeover of D.C. law enforcement and the placement of checkpoints near the establishment. Co-owner Mark Rutstein noted that the heavy presence of militarized police and immigration officials has deterred patrons, resulting in some of the bar's lowest revenue figures since its opening.
'The worst Friday in history' | DC bars report financial hit after federal takeover of MPD
Crush Dance Bar reported its worst week of sales in August 2025 following a federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department, which resulted in checkpoints and a heavy security presence directly outside the 14th Street venue. Co-owner Mark Rutstein noted a loss of over $15,000 in a single Friday night as the increased federal activity significantly deterred foot traffic and regular customers.
Recent Reviews from Google
We got married on a Friday and wanted to have a few spots lined up for any guests sticking around in DC that weekend. Stephen the owner reserved a couple of tables for us in the front room...and we...
have to start off with a HUGE shoutout to Michael the bartender, he is so sweet and deserves the world. I had so much fun here though, probably a little too much fun because I temporarily lost my...
Me and my friends came here for a night out and it did not disappoint. The music was on point all night—nonstop bangers that kept us on the dance floor. The vibe was fun, welcoming, and high energy...
If you're searching for the perfect spot to dance, look no further than Crush Bar! This vibrant venue has revitalized the DC bar and dance club scene, offering an experience that's hard to beat....
Upstairs was great. Good vibe, good cocktails, good music. I really liked the little lounge tucked away at the top of the stairs. Unfortunately, I had to dock this place a few stars because when we...
