Licht Cafe

Licht Cafe

Licht Cafe logo

✨ Vibe

Licht Cafe is a warm, European-inspired boutique lounge featuring gold-and-wood decor, edgy sensual artwork, and an intimate "Cheers" atmosphere that serves as a cozy hideaway from the bustle of U Street.

🍸 Best For

Date nights, LGBTQ+ gatherings, craft cocktail enthusiasts, intimate conversations, espresso martini aficionados.

🔥 Highlights

  • Expertly crafted cocktails with a focus on classics, including a fan-favorite espresso martini and a signature aviation described by guests as "tops."
  • A unique, art-filled interior modeled after a Mannheim coffee house, offering a bright and inclusive 600-square-foot space with a warm, welcoming glow.
  • A sophisticated menu of boutique snacks, including traditional German flammkuchen (flatbreads), artisanal cheese boards, and premium nuts and chips.

ℹ️ Need to Know

  • Located on the second floor directly above Big Planet Comics, this hidden gem offers a relaxed, upscale alternative to the neighborhood’s high-energy dance clubs.
  • Enjoy exceptional value on Sundays and Mondays, when the venue is known for offering particularly great prices on its high-quality drink menu.

📰 In the News

Eater DC Jun 3, 2025

The Best Gay Bars in D.C.

Licht Cafe is an upscale, 600-square-foot European coffee house-style bar on U Street NW that features classic cocktails and edgy art pieces. Modeled after a gay cafe in Mannheim, Germany, its cozy and intimate atmosphere makes it an ideal destination for date nights and small groups.

Thrillist Jun 1, 2023

The Best Spots for LGBTQ+ Nightlife in Washington DC

Licht is a chill queer café and cocktail bar located in the U Street Corridor, positioned directly above Big Planet Comics. This venue provides an intimate setting ideal for dates or a relaxed evening, serving as a quieter alternative to the neighborhood's high-energy dance clubs.

www.them.us Sep 13, 2022

The Queer Bar Isn’t Dead. It’s Just Evolving

Licht Cafe is an art-filled coffee shop and cocktail lounge located in Washington, D.C.’s U Street queer corridor. The venue is part of a new generation of inclusive, community-centered spaces designed to evolve the traditional queer bar experience.

Washingtonian Jun 1, 2022

3 Recently Opened LGBTQ+ Bars to Check Out

Licht Cafe is a low-key LGBTQ+ spot on U Street modeled after European coffeehouses, featuring a menu of well-crafted cocktails and snacks. The venue's gold-and-wood decor creates a warm glow complemented by an impressive collection of sensual artwork.

Metro Weekly Feb 12, 2022

Licht Cafe offers a chill new spot for the LGBTQ community

Licht Cafe is a boutique LGBTQ+ lounge on U Street in Washington, D.C., offering a relaxed, European-inspired atmosphere for professionals to gather and socialize. The venue features a menu of classic cocktails, intimate seating, and alluring art, providing a low-key neighborhood alternative to high-energy nightlife.

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