Dupont Circle Bars and Nightclubs

By Rachel Cooper

Updated 07/27/18

Dupont Circle is a popular destination for nightlife in Washington, DC. There is something for everyone in this eclectic neighborhood. Here is a guide to Dupont Circle bars and nightclubs, ranging from casual restaurants and dive bars to lively dance clubs, listed alphabetically.

  • 01 of 15

    Bar Rouge

    Bar stools and TVs at a sports bar
    Public Bar

    1315 16th St. NW, Washington, DC (202) 232-8000. This sleek bar/lounge in Dupont Circle is known for its stylish décor and great cocktails.

  • 02 of 15

    The Big Hunt

    1345 Connecticut Ave., NW Washington, DC (202) 785-2333. A great place for beer lovers, the Dupont Circle hangout offers 27 varieties of beer on tap.
  • 03 of 15

    Buffalo Billiards

    Buffalo Billiards
    Mr.TinDC / flickr
    1330 19th St., NW Washington, DC (202) 331-7665. Buffalo Billiards is a pool lounge in Dupont Circle offering a variety of beers on tap and a menu of typical bar foods.
  • 04 of 15

    Café Citron

    Café Citron
    Bonnie Bogle / flickr
    1343 Connecticut Ave., NW Washington, DC (202) 530-8844. The two-level Latin lounge in Dupont Circle features salsa and international music. Flemenco dancers perform on Thursday nights.
    Continue to 5 of 15 below.
  • 05 of 15

    Cobalt Nightclub

    Cobalt Nightclub
    PROElvert Barnes / flickr

    1639 R St. NW Washington, DC (202)462-6569. The gay bar and lounge, located in Washington, DC's Dupont Circle neighborhood, offers a classy martini bar on the first floor and a dance club on the second floor.

  • 06 of 15

    Eighteenth Street Lounge

    1212 18th St, Washington, DC 20036. (202)466-3922. This is one of the hottest night spots in DC and one of the most exclusive. You have to dress appropriately to get in the door. The club is a restored mansion that was once the home of Teddy Roosevelt. It is a classy place with fireplaces, high ceilings and a dance floor.
  • 07 of 15

    The Fab Lounge

    1805 Connecticut Ave., NW Washington, DC (202) 797-1122. The upscale lounge in Dupont Circle attracts a laid back gay and lesbian crowd.

  • 08 of 15

    The Fox & Hounds

    1537 17th St., NW Washington, DC (202) 232-6307. This bar and lounge boasts a large outdoor patio and attracts a diverse crowd.
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  • 09 of 15

    The Front Page

    1333 New Hampshire Ave., NW Washington, DC (202) 296-6500. The restaurant and bar is known for good food at affordable prices.

  • 10 of 15

    JR’s Bar and Grill

    1519 17th St., NW Washington, DC (202) 328-0090. This is a popular Dupont Circle gay bar and restaurant.

  • 11 of 15

    Larry’s Lounge

    1836 18th St., NW Washington, DC (202) 483-1483. The neighborhood bar in Dupont Circle is a great spot for people watching.
  • 12 of 15

    The Lucky Bar

    1221 Connecticut Ave., NW Washington, DC (202) 331-3733. The Lucky Bar is best known as the home to Washington’s longest running salsa night. It’s also one of the best bars in the city to watch soccer.
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  • 13 of 15

    Madhatter

    1831 M St., NW Washington, DC (202) 833-1495. A popular happy hour spot, the Madhatter's theme is Alice in Wonderland. The longtime DC bar and restaurant features food, drink, music and dancing.
  • 14 of 15

    Public Bar

    1214 18th St., NW Washington, DC (202) 223-2300. The restaurant/lounge and sports bar is located in Washington's Dupont Circle neighborhood. The main floor has 31 TVs, common tables, and extra large booth seating. The upstairs lounge has comfortable couches and lounge table seating. There's also a roof top bar with cabana and high-top seating.

  • 15 of 15

    Topaz Bar

    1733 N St., NW Washington, DC (202) 393-3000. The upscale lounge, located in the Topaz Hotel in Dupont Circle, attracts a mix of locals and tourists.