Cobalt

Gay bar · Dupont Circle

Cobalt

Gay bar · Dupont Circle

1

1639 R St NW, Washington, DC 20009

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Cobalt by null
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Cobalt by null
Cobalt by null
Cobalt by null
Cobalt by null
Cobalt by null
Cobalt by null
Cobalt by null
Cobalt by null
Cobalt by null
Cobalt by null
Cobalt by null
Cobalt by null
Cobalt by null
Cobalt by null
Cobalt by null
Cobalt by null
Cobalt by null

Highlights

Cobalt is a vibrant multilevel gay club in Dupont Circle, featuring a lively atmosphere with delicious drink specials, eclectic music, and a mix of good vibes.  

Featured in Eater
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1639 R St NW, Washington, DC 20009 Get directions

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1639 R St NW, Washington, DC 20009 Get directions

$$$

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alcohol
cocktails

Last updated

Mar 4, 2025

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"Cobalt, a long-running nightlife hub for the gay community in Dupont Circle, has abruptly closed, owner Eric Little announced today. In posts to Facebook and Twitter, Little cited the recent sale of the building to developers, the rise of dating apps, and 'a slow decline in sales' as factors in the decision to shut down the multi-part business that housed a dance floor, the Level One restaurant, and the 30degrees lounge." - Gabe Hiatt

Vital Dupont Gay Bar Cobalt Is Closing After Two Decades - Eater DC
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S S

Google
This was my first time here and I liked the music and the drinks specials. The music included a few throw backs to the 90s ( I am young, sorry) and early 2000s, mainstream, and a lot of beyonce. The drink specials were Fireball for $4, beer was not too pricey and cocktails were reasonable. I didn't feel uncomfortable here. The guys were all nice and the staff was very fast at getting drinks. The cover charge was $5, which I didn't love but the drinks prices made up for it. Tonight, a Saturday, was a little dead. This is probably due to the holiday season. My friends and I had a nice night. There are a few stripper poles, if anyone wants to get naughty. The toilets were clean, mainly urinals and not too many bathroom stalls. There was a mix of straight and gay people. Primarily gay men and a few single ladies who just wanted to dance.

Omar

Google
It's cute or whatever. The people are nice and so was the service. Nice selection of "culturally relevant" music especially considering I came from LA where the music selection in clubs was close to polar opposite of my taste. The drinks are cool. Not as potent as other places but it gets the job done eventually. I'd come back with a friend or two

Jack Wellington

Google
I love this bar, the atmosphere is always real chill and the music is always on point. Everyone from Janet Jackson, Missy Elliott to Ariana Grande and Major Lazor is spun on heavy rotation and it's great. The drinks are fairly priced and the bartenders are always really friendly and will sometimes even make their own concoctions for you if you ask. I would recommend this bar to anyone, it is definitely one of the better ones in the city. On the plus side there is also a 7/11 and McDonald's in walking distance too if you or any of your friends want to grab something quick once you leave.

Darryl Crosby

Google
I had my phone stolen while dining in this place 2 years ago and I'm pretty sure it was someone who worked there. I went there again recently on a Thursday night for a drink with a friend. A Stoli Orange Cosmo and a margarita was $32. A huge ripoff even by DC standards! Then that same night my jacket was stolen while it was on the chair right behind me. If you want over-priced drinks, lousy service and have your personal items stolen, this is your place. I'll go back to my favorite bar, Number Nine, where the bartenders are nice (and cute), the drinks are good and reasonably priced.

nicholas brown

Google
Walked all around DC as a visitor from out of town. Really wanted to make this a stop to hopefully buy some merchandise likes shirts or whatever. The doorman was awesome, level one bartender was amazingly sweet telling me I should ask the managers upstairs. Went upstairs to the actual cobalt bar not knowing was separated and the guy behind the bar was so quick and rude and probably didn't even listen to me. I wouldn't come here if your from out of town they won't make you feel welcomed.

Matt

Google
I had a great evening at your establishment and ended my night there. When I went to shake the hand of Jo, the girl bartender I had been ordering from and tipping all night (I say girl because her actions at the end of the night were incredibly immature), she completely ignored and dismissed me. Granted she has every right to do so but to treat me in such a way after I've been tipping her generously, having my friends come on a weeknight, simply asking questions, just having fun, isn't right. Don't take advantage of people that you might think are drunk, they know what's going on. Being a nice person takes a hell of a lot less effort than being a mean one. Hopefully I just caught her on a bad night.

Rashaun Bennett

Google
Usually always had a great time at this spot for the past years. But this previous weekend I was denied entry from bouncer (short white/latina heavy-set woman) for apparently lying to her regarding how many drinks I had prior to coming to Cobalt. I was not drunk at all and of legal age, last time I checked its not a crime in the USA to drink if you're 21+. I had brought in friends to celebrate with from out of town and was embarrassed by my treatment at the door. Needless to say all 8+ of us left and spent our money elsewhere. Cobalt management I hope you address this situation so people aren't being arbitrarily turned away in the future.

Jules Casan

Google
The bartenders at this club are rude to young people and feel entitled to have customers there. It's empty most nights of the week, surprised it stays in business. To compensate they charge a cover that isn't worth it. On the so-called 18+ nights, it is never the crowd it promises to be. Maybe because they charge overpriced drinks, institute a $20 credit card minimum and cover for everyone, both old and young. No incentives for young, self-responsible, trendy people to go there. They'd prefer to make things easier for them than for you, the customer. I'd stay away.