Overall, I thought JR's Bar & Grill was a great and easy place for getting some adult drinks in the 'gayborhood'. *Wait, JR's has a grill?* I have to admit that I typically visit for post-brunch shenanigans on Sundays so the atmosphere might be a little different from primetime hours (e.g., Friday & Saturday nights). The prices of the cocktails are very reasonable for the area, and the bartenders are very friendly. Having visited JR's on a few occasions, I was happy to see a diverse mix of the bar's clientele (e.g., race, ethnicity, gender, and age). The two-level bar gives off the feeling of a dive bar with a touch of class. Also, it's awesome that the bar has two outdoor seating areas (with ample space in both areas) to enjoy beverages during the summer months. Like most gay bars, you can expect a lot of music from pop divas, but the music (for the most part) isn't so loud that you cannot speak to your company without shouting. read more

I adore JR's You must definitely make JR's part of your romp thru town. It has happy door people, very very funny and smart artists who are fantastic drag queens and high fun energy and smart. There is a great balcony where if you don't want to stand in the crowds one can take their newly found love up there to watch down on the antics of the show floor below. Their drinks are good but they strangely "don't do doubles" Which is the funniest and newest policy I have ever heard in a bar. LOL - thats ok though we still love you, JR and look forward o going to you nightly when we are back in District again! read more

Very friend atmosphere great bar to go to for all types of people very inclusive. They welcome everyone !! read more

JR's Bar & Grill - Right behind JR before getting drinks . - Gay Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Quiet laid back neighborhood bar in Dupont Circle. I remember when it was impossible to get into this place back in the day! It was always crowded. Think some of those guys were still here read more

Fun bar with great daily Themes and drink specials weekly. I always enjoy my time here with friends and loved ones when I'm in town. The service and staff are always helpful and friendly. The drink prices are great. read more

We LOVED our experience at JR's during pride. The staff and patrons are friendly and welcoming, and the prices are great (especially for DC)! I really enjoyed being able to dance, drink, and feel safe and welcomed at this bar. The inside atmosphere is a classic bar, while the outside (set up for pride) was well decorated and set with furniture. Even though it was a road/lot, it felt like we were getting a real experience. read more

a really fun and lively gay bar in a great neighborhood! on monday nights they have "show tunes night" where they exclusively play broadway (and disney) music! it's super fun and people really show out for it. it's a large bar but doesn't have too many places to sit, it's more of a dancing and standing/chatting kind of vibe. it's quick to get a drink though and the bartenders are super fun and very kind! drinks are a great price too, beer is $4 for a draft blue moon! read more

the general manager was not kind to our party. he assumed all of our members sexuality and told us to be quiet because we were "guests to a queer bar" not knowing that we are queer ourselves. no one else was in the bar and he told us to be quiet. he was very rude and aggressive. it was not kind and he was aggressive towards us. read more

I've never seen more rats all at once than a New York subway. Overpriced. Rum and Coke costs you $10. For what. Music is horrible. And the crowd is smelly like those rats. read more

See all

Fun night! Great bartenders and fun clientele. I'll definitely go again my next trip to DC.

The most welcoming of places! On the corner of entertainment and happiness - strong gin and whisky flowed in our drinks hand in hand with colorful conversation. JRs is a classic staple filled with PRIDE you have to experience to truly know it. read more

Came here on a Thursday at like 8:30 and it was dead! But, the bartender was super nice and we sat upstairs which had plenty of seating. I imagine it gets really crowded at night since the bar is narrow. We liked the music playing. Not sure if they have happy hour but the drinks cost normal bar prices. read more

JR's is a bar with a great atmosphere! It has 2 floors, monitors all over the venue, and the most festive gay bar in the DC area I've seen. The first floor has the bar area which can be a little narrow, though not at all too crowded. The second floor has an overview of the bar area, as well as a bit more seating space, as well as the restrooms. They also have games available for play on this floor too! They played Christmas Classics (came the week before X-mas) on the video screens that blared out quite nicely for a nice fanatastical type of pub experience. They even played a clip from Legally Blonde! A totally cozy aesthetic that I do appreciate. It wasn't hard at all to get the bartender's attention, and the drinks were moderately priced for the area. JR's is promoted as a "Bear Bar," I believe. And all of the patrons were a bit older than me, but it was still a welcoming environment. I'd recommend it for a friendly night with a few friends! read more

See all

Post pandemic I haven't been in DC as much as I would like to be. However, I get so excited to try new bars, and see different things that DC has offer. However, after enjoying a lovely day at several different locations, when we stumbled upon yours, we were not even asked what we wanted to drink in the first ten minutes. It was very clear that people were being selective with who they served after patrons that walked in after my friend, and I were fully serviced. This is a bar that celebrates all walks of life apparently, and you guys literally did everything but that. So on that note ,I will not be attending this bar anymore. What is the point of going to a place that's supposed to be about inclusivity, and the bartenders clearly choose who they want to serve? I'll be down the street where my same green dollar that could have been spent will be appreciated. read more

They state on their website open til 0200 on Sundays. I took a $30 Uber ride to their establishment at 2200 and arrived to find they were CLOSED!! At 10PM!?!? WTF??? I love coming to this place when I'm in town and this is stupid. Thanks for a loss of $30 for no fun!!!! WTF?!? read more

The bar itself is okay for a Thursday night. But the barman had a personality of a lemon and when opening a tab they take your card without giving you a token or proof they have it. It's like being back home in the UK in the 80s. read more

When I moved to DC... A while ago... JR's was the perfect example of the pseudo macho-masculinity of the Gay scene in DC. It was not very welcoming if you identified as Queer, Lesbian or trans. This changed quite drastically, particularly since the new manager of the bar - I believe his name is Jesse - took the lead! This place is definitely ALL-INCLUSIVE and welcomes all of the colors of our rainbow flag! It is a true pleasure to see this happen to a bar in DC which had the reputation of not being so inclusive! Nowadays, you walk into JR's and you just feel good: People behind the bar and in front of the bar are all friendly! I really have to give props to this new manager, who seems to really know how to run a successful and welcoming business for all LGBTQ+. read more

.Hopping bar in the DC gayborhood. Nice bartenders. Video music. Friendly crowd. Upbeat.

Wow. And here I thought all of the men in DC were dorky, short, and overweight. This place is apparently one of those rare havens of cute boys. It was a little overwhelming to wade through a sea of shoulders and pecs in tight clothing. Not in a bad way, either. By the way, to the bartender who thought I was going to stiff him a tip because I ordered a Manhattan and three "waters" and only handed him a twenty: I apologize for apparently not enunciating well enough, because I really didn't ask for three "vodkas." Apparently the bill came out to $19 - I was really confused about why I was being charged so much for agua. Oh well - you got your tip. We got extra alcohol. It all worked out in the end. There's not much about the space - it's got two floors with the upper one looking down over the lower, more densely packed area with one long bar. Decent tunes. The TVs strewn about the place show music videos, with the exception of the one surreal moment when they showed a clip of SNL and -everyone- in the place stopped to watch. Bizarre. Good time with friends, but I don't see it as a place to go by yourself and meet people. It seemed a little too clique-y for that. Not really my scene. Note: If you're using plastic, there's a $25 minimum. read more

It's raining men! Eye candy that is. Even though I am not their type, eye candy = zero calories! Cute boys abound here, and I 'm okay with just looking. There was no way to handle the crowds downstairs, so up the stairs we went! Room to breathe, great pop videos with occasional classic video clips thrown in (SNL), patrons not minding we created our own dance floor and a place to throw our coats. The only down side is there is no bar upstairs. Boo! It was too much work to tredge downstairs and fight the crowds. Maybe if brushing up against a cute boy would led to something, but... no such luck for gals here! I still like this laid back place and would come back in a snap and a booty slap. read more

I came to JR's on a Saturday night with an empty cupcake courier in tow. Judging from the looks I got, most of the boys here thought I was toting around a small animal inside. Nope, just three dozen empty cupcake holders! I ordered a water and got a glass of vodka instead. And my, that made for such an interesting night! I mean, I couldn't very well waste a whole glass of vodka, now could I? I loved that, even on a Saturday night, most folks were in jeans and t-shirts. That sort of laid back, relaxed feel gave way to a very nice vibe. The scene wasn't super bitchy or cruisy - which was a nice surprise. It caused me to think, "Maybe I should hang out here more often!" Head up to the second floor, ditch your jacket on the covered pool table and get caught up on the pop music videos you've been missing. And if you've got the inclination (or the vodka in you) go ahead and dance! read more

The charms of this place are lost on me but my best friend, who is half my age, loves it. So perhaps this comes down to personal taste more than objectivity and I don't wish to be unfair so I will state that such places are no longer my taste, if they ever were. I like to sit with friends, and meet some new ones, not stand and model. Except for upstairs, it is standing room only. I like to hear my friends talk, and not have to yell to be heard over the music. I like bar staff that are friendly and want my business and not entitled order takers. I have seen some great drag shows there and there is no doubt JRs is a stalwart in the community. It's location is obviously prime given its proximity to other gay and gay positive restos and bars. And it's certainly popular enough to be packed every time I go there. So as I say, personal taste. But to me, this is yesterday's bar. read more

What a nice little neighborhood bar! Located at the end of Church Street no less, stands a brick building with high ceilings, stained glass windows, a small second floor loft, with music videos of different genres pumping out tunes and the patrons singing along like a choir. A fairly big bar occupies one side of the place, and a long drink counter stands adjacent to it with views of the street. There are tables & chairs upstairs in the crowded loft. Not sure of a dance floor. Drink prices were average, about $5-$7 for bottled beer. No cover charge plus friendly staff equals a definite return in the future. read more

Visiting from San Diego, music was more 90s and felt trap. Door guy was friendly and bar staff was not. Went to one bartender and order a Stella and Heineken and was charged $15. And than got the second round with another bartender and was charged $12 with same two drinks. Not consistent with prices. Bartender made no effort in customer service. read more

I was gonna give this place 4 stars, but after reading some of the bitchy queen reviews, I'm giving it 5! It's a neighborhood bar with quite a number of hairless (on the face) men. I think Jack & I were the only ones with a beard except 2 others: one whom I saw on the way to their ecological non-flush urinals (do I really support this???), and another who found us playing video games (trivia whiz and photo hunt). The latter tasted really good (I licked his bald head), was short and dorky, and told me he had never, ever used deodorant. Woof! (Even I use it sometimes!) Unfortunately he disappeared, and I wanted to go eat dinner. Overall it's a pleasant neighborhood bar to sit with your friends/spouse(s), listen to broadway musicals (I sing the body electric...................... oh, how I loved FAME), and play tri-towers. read more

Okay, this is a fun place. The bartenders are friendly and fun. The actually talked to us and asked where we were from and offered some great places to visit. The drinks were priced well. The kickball teams had kind of taken over the small space but that made it more interesting. Generally speaking, the crowd and the bar setup made this a very fun experience. I'm a clean bathroom nut and I found it difficult to use the bathroom because it wasn't the cleanest. A little TLC to the facilities would be a nice suggestion. Great drinks, great service, good people, and great prices. This is a perfect little neighborhood bar. read more

Bartender could have cared less about our group that arrived after enjoying a lovely brunch to celebrate my friends mothers birthday. First guests in the place and being in the business I knew as soon as we walked in he was annoyed. On his phone the whole time, barely any interaction, including when he was getting us drinks. It's a shame, I remember when this place was amazing, maybe one day I will be able to update my review to 5 stars. read more

You would think on a Sunday night things would be pretty dead and only the brave souls venture out and drink up a storm. Wow oh wow was I wrong. Lots of guys here in kickball gear with color-themed shirt. We spotted some pink shirts, green shirts, and all around hotness (granted I do nothing for them). Drinks were decently priced, but the place was just really vibing. They have an upstairs area for beer pong and you can just look down and stare at all the lovelies. Never mind that they also play lots of popular dance music and we just couldn't help shaking it a bit...here's to a kick-ass Sunday night! I even got groped a bit. Fag hag FTW! read more

David Pirooza -- owner/bartender at JRs for tonight served some despicable drink! When you ask for a Long Island, who would imagined you get to pay $10 for a Cheap Long Island tea MIXED drink he pulled it out of somewhere. He would tell guest you've gotta pay for it to get the RAIL cheap Long Island tea. How much would that cost $15 dollars, on a Monday night. WTF! How much would it cost To get the the branded spirits for a Long Island tea, $20? It's ridiculous. I was flabbergasted with this annoying cheap tricks he is trying to pull for his customers. WORST Long Island drink from JRs from its very owner -- David Pirooza read more

JR's Bar & Grill - That's David Pirooza by the way. Worst bartender EVER! - Gay Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I've been coming to this place for many years on business to DC. Bartenders and clients are always fun. What I don't get is why prices vary so much. One bartender charges me 13$ for a bullet rye. Another charges me 9$. I alway pay the same in the long run. Bartender who charges me 13$ gets a dollar tip. Guy who charges me 9$ gets a five dollar tip. Pours are always heavy which is great but get it together guys. read more

Went to JRs after seeing that they offered hot apple cider. Perfect drink for the COVID, chilly climate. Employees were super friendly. The vibe is fairly unpretentious, something very difficult to achieve for a bar located in DC. I would recommend this place to anyone seeking a casual adult beverage in the DuPont area. read more

Fun vibe. Cheap drinks. I'm a woman, and while I think I was one of five in the whole place, no one gave me any weird looks. It's chill, the kind of place you'd hang out in all the time if you lived nearby. read more

JR's Bar & Grill - View from the top - Gay Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

I visited JRs after dinner on January 17th. I forgot my phone at first, but I did witness my partner, as well as another person getting in, showing only their covid booster card, and their ID. I went back to my car, to get my phone, and returned with my covid information. I first gave the young man at the door a photo of my booster card, and my ID, Much to my surprise, he asked to see my data for my other two shots, as well. I pulled up the file, showed him the pic for the 2nd vaccination, but was having trouble getting the flip side to show up. I mentioned to him that I couldn't have gotten the booster, without being fully vaccinated first. I also mentioned that I saw others admitted in, without having to show all 3 cards. He smarted off that it was his right, if he wanted to. I told him he didn't need to be an a$$h0le about it, to which he quickly told me to get off HIS property. I told him it wasn't his property, and demanded to see the manager. At this point he claimed to be the manager. Knowing that was a lie, I demanded several times to see the manager. At this point, he literally shoved me down the steps to the bar. I missed one of the steps, but still landed on my feet. I am 64 years old. It is miraculous that I wasn't seriously injured by this assault. So, why was I singled out? For my age? For my race? It doesn't matter. He had no right to touch me, much less throw me down the stairs. read more

I loved this little bar when I visit. Laid back and the bartenders even gave us a card for a free drink Which! It had Grace on it from will and Grace!! Worth the drop by read more

Visiting from out of town, went to two gay bars before that recommended this place on a Monday. Walk up and saw the "door guy" let's 4 guest in without ID or Vaccination cards until it was our turn. Looked us up and down then ID us and saw we were from Texas and required Vaccination cards because as he would say "every gay bar needs vaccination cards" & i know for a fact that isn't the case. Would like the same respect as everyone else and that man had no regard. So with that being said, it isn't such a "accepting" place as it's meant to be. Very rude about everything and will not be back. As of 10.11.21 ain't worth it. read more

One of DC's best. Strong drinks, good music, diverse crowd. Their late opening hours including during the week are a blessing. read more

Inconsistent treatment to patrons. The bartenders a nice when they want to be, if you catch them in a good mood. Otherwise they come off as if you're bothering them, not good enough for the bar. On occasions they talk about how they're tired and been there too long. Those things have nothing to do with guests and while guests understand someone who has worked a longer shift that doesn't mean it should be taken out on them. This last time with poor treatment I gave my undrank drink back and told them they could have my donation. They obviously need it more then I do. Service is important to me. read more

My friends and I were treated with so much disrespect here ! The caucasian bouncer asked us "do you speak any english" and attempted to talk to us in spanish. We brushed it off and asked him if there was an atm inside. He told us to walk down the street and use whatever atm because the atm wasn't working at the bar ! Once inside, we found out that the atm worked perfectly fine. I would've given a 0 star rating, based off of that interaction, but I'm unable to do so. read more

I've had good and bad times in this bar. The crowd can be okay, depending on the night, but tends to skew older, whiter, and less femme friendly than other locales. Some of my women and PoC friends markedly make a point of not going, because it makes them uncomfortable, especially given management's denial of wrongdoing this year when emails exposing evident racial bias were leaked to the press. That said, most of the staff is nice, and it certainly can be fun. Just kinda depends upon the night, and how good you feel about supporting a business whose management puts its white fragility before trying to create a safe space for the larger DC queer and trans community. read more

Stumbled in here late this afternoon for happy hour, and was pleasantly surprised. The happy hour deal was a steal. Popcorn was a perk too. Loved the warm and inclusive interior. Bartender was quick and pleasant. One critique - the gender neutral bathroom is great - but the stall needs a door for the ladies. read more

JR's Bar & Grill - Gay Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all