Nellie's Sports Bar
Category: Sports Bars, Gay Bars, Karaoke Bars
Neighborhood: U Street
Price: $$
Address: 900 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001
✨ Vibe
Nellie’s is a high-energy, inclusive U-Street staple that perfectly blends the spirit of a classic sports bar with the electric, welcoming flair of a top-tier drag and dance venue.
🍸 Best For
Drag brunch, late-night dancing, karaoke enthusiasts, strong cocktails, and Sunday Funday sessions.
🔥 Highlights
- Legendary Drag Brunch: A high-energy weekend staple featuring a delicious buffet and charismatic performers who keep the crowd laughing and the drinks flowing.
- Dynamic Weekly Events: The calendar is packed with interactive fun, including Tuesday night Karaoke, Trivia, and "Xavier Thursdays" featuring live DJs spinning the best in Hip-Hop and R&B.
- Exceptional Hospitality: Guests consistently rave about the friendly, attentive staff and professional security team that ensure every visitor feels safe and welcome.
ℹ️ Need to Know
- Visit for "Sunday Funday" from 6–10 PM to enjoy the "Sunday & Chill" menu with exclusive deals on Casamigos and Hennessy Margaritas.
- Street parking is limited in the busy U Street corridor, so arriving via rideshare is highly recommended for a stress-free experience.
🔄 Weekly Events
💃 Friday Night DJ
Live DJ sets to kick off the weekend.
🎤 Karaoke Night
Hosted by Derrick and Kevin of D&K Sounds. Belt out your favorite tunes from hundreds of hits.
🍳 Nellie's Drag Brunch
The ultimate brunch experience with a two-hour drag spectacle and All-You-Can-Eat Buffet.
🎵 Nellie's Weekend DJs
Live DJs spinning late into the night.
🧠 Out of Bounds Trivia
Weekly trivia night featuring competition and beer bucket specials.
🎧 Saturday Night DJ
Live DJ spinning hits late into the night.
☀️ Sunday Funday
Xavier Entertainment live DJs spinning Hip-Hop & R&B with a special Sunday & Chill Menu.
🎱 Tuesday Night Drag Bingo
Hosted by Deja Diamond, Jamaceye, and Sapphire AA Blue. Free to play with prizes and a mini drag show.
🎧 Xavier Thursdays
Xavier Entertainment takes over the heated rooftop with live DJs spinning the best in Hip-Hop & R&B.
Nellie's DJ
Happy Hour
$15 Buckets of Bud, Budweiser, or Michelob Ultra.
📰 In the News
A Year After a Gay Bar Was Protested for Racism, Activists Say It Hasn’t Changed
Nellie's Sports Bar in Washington D.C. faced significant protests and calls for accountability following a 2021 incident where a Black patron was allegedly mistreated by security. Despite pledges for diversity training and inclusion, local activists argue the establishment has failed to implement systemic changes or meet community demands for equitable treatment. The ongoing controversy highlights broader tensions regarding anti-Blackness and gentrification within the city's LGBTQ+ nightlife scene.
Nellie’s To Pay $5,000 Fine, Face Seven-Day Suspension For Pride Week Assault
Nellie’s Sports Bar was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and serve a seven-day liquor license suspension following a 2021 incident involving the assault of a patron by private security. In addition to the penalties, the bar agreed to implement mandatory conflict de-escalation training for staff and submit a formal security plan to city regulators.
Protests to boycott Nellie’s Sports Bar created summer-long ‘joy space’ for Black LGBTQ community
Nellie's Sports Bar became the focal point of a summer-long boycott and protest movement in 2021 following an incident involving the mistreatment of a Black patron by security. These demonstrations transformed the sidewalk outside the venue into a community 'joy space' dedicated to celebrating and protecting the Black LGBTQ community in D.C.
Nellie’s Sports Bar attempts to reopen one month after security dragged a Black woman down the stairs
Nellie’s Sports Bar faced intense scrutiny and organized boycotts following a 2021 incident where security personnel were filmed dragging a Black woman down the establishment's stairs. In response to the backlash, the venue implemented de-escalation training and appointed community engagement leadership, though local activists remain critical of the bar's handling of systemic anti-Black racism.
Video shows security drag woman down stairs at Nellie's Sports Bar, investigation underway
Nellie's Sports Bar terminated its contract with an independent security vendor after viral video footage showed a woman being dragged down the establishment's stairs by her hair. The incident sparked significant community protests and led to an investigation into the conduct of the bar's security personnel.
Recent Reviews from Google
I want to start off by saying thank you to Shayla, a manager at nellies. I went through an experience that i truly didn't think anyone would care about, but she listened and continued communication...
Great music, staff, and drag brunch! We came on a Saturday night and had so much fun, we just had to return the next day to check out their drag brunch…and we are so happy we did! The queens not only...
My first time here and I can truly say that it was an experience! Let me start with the service - excellent!!!! The performers - I fell in deep like I just met my future best friends!!!! Now the...
Tuesday night Karaoke is a great time for sure! Drink prices back up they're amount with strong taste giving off n amazing buzz from 1 drink! Definitely worth what you pay! Almost everyone that grabs...
Great brunch buffet! Love the staff family and the queens. Everyone is super friendly!
