JR.'s Bar

Gay video bar · Washington Dupont Circle

On 17th Street since 1986: JR.’s is one of Washington’s most enduring gay bars, with music videos on every screen, a long happy hour and its legendary show-tune Mondays.

• ★ 4.2 on Google (236)
• Since 1986
• Show tunes on Mondays
• Drag on Fridays

Address

1519 17th St NW
Washington, DC 20036

Opening hours

Mon–Thu 4 pm–2 am
Fri 4 pm–3 am
Sat 1 pm–3 am
Sun 1 pm–2 am

Crowd

mostly men, mixed ages, regulars from the neighbourhood, locals and tourists

Flirt factor

medium to high

Programme

“Musical Mondays” with show tunes every Monday (draught beer $4), repeated on Saturday afternoons
“Flashback + Goldilocks” music video quiz every Tuesday from 8 pm
“Vitamin C” drag show with Citrine every Friday from 10 pm
Drink specials all day Sunday

Getting there

Dupont Circle Metro (Red Line), 5-minute walk

What makes JR.’s special

JR.’s is on 17th Street, the traditional queer nightlife strip around Dupont Circle. Since 1986 the video bar, with its big window onto the street and a terrace, has been a regular meeting point: downstairs the screens show music videos, and upstairs there is a smaller room.

It is famous for show-tune Monday, when the whole bar sings along to musical clips. On Tuesdays there is a music video quiz, and on Fridays the “Vitamin C” drag show with a changing theme. It is busiest at happy hour and from Thursday to Saturday.

Atmosphere and crowd

The crowd is mostly male, with many regulars from the neighbourhood, political and office types after work, and out-of-town guests. Guests describe the bar as a fun, friendly place for an evening with friends.

Contact

Editorially researched, as of October 2026. Sources: Washingtonian, Out x Out, GayOut, Google reviews (4.2 stars, 236 reviews). Opening hours, prices and programme may change, please check before visiting.