The Fireplace

Gay bar · Dupont Circle

The Fireplace

Gay bar · Dupont Circle

1

2161 P St NW, Washington, DC 20037

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Highlights

Gay bar institution with welcoming regulars and strong drinks  

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2161 P St NW, Washington, DC 20037 Get directions

fireplacebardc.com

$10–20 · Menu

Information

Static Map

2161 P St NW, Washington, DC 20037 Get directions

+1 202 293 1293
fireplacebardc.com
thefireplacedc

$10–20 · Menu

Features

wifi
payment cash only
reservations

Last updated

Aug 7, 2025

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Best Gay Bars in Washington, D.C. According to Eater Editors | Eater DC

"This laidback Dupont dive does, in fact, have an operating fireplace. Considered one of oldest D.C. gay bars, the Fireplace is splashed in red on the corner of 22nd and P streets NW and caters to a BIPOC crowd." - Evan Caplan

https://dc.eater.com/maps/best-gay-bars-dc-lgbtq
View Postcard for The Fireplace

Michael M

Google
The Fireplace is a gay bar institution in DC. It has been around for many years and I've been going there since 1989! The place has only gotten better with time. Nice looking and you can tell they did some upgrades that are perfect. The bartender was very friendly and talkative. We learned some interesting things from him. We went during Happy Hour on a Wednesday and it was not crowded at all. You could tell it has nice cozy neighborhood bar feel. One that just make you feel welcome as soon as you walk in. Love this place!

Jeffrey Randall

Google
Depressing! This used to be a hotspot with drink specials and a great happy hour. No more. The new owner has chosen to kill any sort of ambiance in the place as the lights downstairs are always turned way up and the bartender plays free internet radio with commercials and all. I was there last Saturday at 8:15pm and there were 3 ppl (4 if you include the owner). No music. All monitors were on TBS cable channel watching TV. Not the vibe I was looking for on a Saturday night. I feel like it’s become a tax write off. So much potential.

LaShawn Watkins

Google
Nice atmosphere, but small and crowded. Drinks were good, but I never tasted any alcohol. No parking, we had to walk for blocks to get there from where we parked.

Ava Rose

Google
AMAZING! best bar i went to in the DC area. it’s a little small but there’s two floors so don’t worry about that! the community here is tight-knit, strong, but WELCOMING. i felt right at home a thousand miles away from home. Ricky and Ed are the best bartenders in town and even if you show up just for happy hour, the regulars are the kindest people you’ll meet. no complaints- it’s what a gay dive bar should be. (DC Swamp Water pictured- get you one!)

J P

Google
The good: This place is still a typical gay bar with mostly gays, where the vibe is full testosterone in spite of an occasional fem bitchy (itchy) boy, not an issue and I love them. The music is great, the place has made some needed improvement such as newer bathrooms. Still the bars are the same as I remember from 10 years ago. THE BAD: I went there on 01/24 just past 8 pm and ordered a vodka soda, the bartender was nice and pleasant and charged $7 bucks, great price I though perhaps was happy hour or something. After sometime finished my drink and moved to second floor and was great, ordered a second vodka soda,, the bartender offered vodka options and I asked for Tito, he charged $11, I assumed was regular price and all good. The WORST: A hunky guy came by to talk, we had a time and he asked me to go downstairs where is more quite. We went down, the bar was empty as most people were upstairs, and he offered me a drink to which I accepted out of politeness because already hit my limit (2 drinks). He ordered 2 vodka sodas and the new bartenders, a lady in her 40s or so prepared the drinks. My new acquaintance, a very dashing lawyer, wanted to pay for both drinks but I insisted on paying my half. We both were shocked at the price charged, the bartender asked for each of us $17. We paid out of politeness as we were hitting so well and neither one of us wanted Io make a scene there. I have to believe we were overcharged big time, the price of drinks at other bars (Number 9, LGP, etc) are less, unless you get special drinks. Hope thia is not a common practice thinking that late at night the patrons will pay whatever the bartender wants to pocket extra. Hope the new ownership curtails this practice.

Decembray L

Google
Cool place but damn the music so outdated and that’s just unacceptable drinks cool tho

Victor

Google
OMG. Such a rude, inattentive bartender. Maybe they don't like foreigners here; I am one. I'm staying at Royal Sonesta and thought I'd support them... (4/18/2025 @6pm)

Jason Byrd

Google
Lame on top of lame. Small. ☑ Hot. ☑ Boring. ☑ UPDATE... I came back 2 years later, and it was good. They painted and did something to the downstairs. Upstairs was not hot. Only Bartender, but the drink was strong 💪🏾! I appreciate the going back and enjoying it.
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Jersey M.

Yelp
This is the last vestige of the original gay bars. It's tucked away in DuPont. Look for the warm and welcoming fireplace on the outside corner. This is everything you would ever want in a warm, welcoming gay dive bar. There's everything you need and plenty of kind patrons. The bar is a decent size and welcoming to groups of people as well as solo riders. The drinks are well worth it. You'll surely get plenty of bang for your buck here. Cash only, and they have a ticket dispensing key pad only ATM that not only works, it fascinates. Check it out!

Jeffrey R.

Yelp
Not sure what is happening here but I think the new ownership is trying to kill it! I have been there 4x's over the past year and the vibe is WAY off! The lights are turned all the way up downstairs all the time. No atmosphere at all. Usually the bartender at happy hour has internet radio on which music and commercials! My last visit was this past Saturday 7/19 between 8pm - 830pm and it was DEAD. There was no music as they had the TV on what I think was TBS channel. The owner was there also. If I wanted to watch TBS I would have stayed home. I stayed long enough to finish my drink and went to Green Lantern. Not sure what type of clientele are you trying to attract? Too many options in DC to keep going where they don't really care.
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Meg B.

Yelp
Left with a sour taste in our mouths after security yelled at me and my girlfriend for sharing a stall in the mixed-gender bathroom. As a woman in a space that, while a gay bar, is still overwhelmingly male, it's unsettling to be expected to navigate a bathroom where men are openly using the urinals right next to you. My girlfriend didn't feel safe going in alone, and frankly, I don't blame her. If this place wants to be welcoming to everyone, they need to consider the realities of women's safety. Lesson learned--ladies, stick to the upstairs bathroom. That said, the drink prices were solid.
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Lew H.

Yelp
The Fireplace is still a scary, dirty place. I went there - grudgingly - with a friend. MISTAKE! The place smells like old dirt and grease. It appears to never, I repeat, never have been cleaned. I cannot imagine why this place is still open. Stay away from the Fireplace!

Hon J.

Yelp
As a long term Patrol of The Fireplace (since 1997),I am prepared to give yo a TRUE & HONEST review. First off The Fireplace is going through a transition as of July 2025, &I for one couldn't be more pleased. Let me start by saying (I don't care what ANYONE else tells you.. THIS IS A GAY BAR!!!! ALL ARE WELCOME & SHOULD at least feel welcomed but KNOW that is is a GAY BAR & PROUDLY SO.) The STAFF IS always friendly and the drinks are EXCELLENT, especially when you taste the strength of the drink and the cost ratio, you will not find a better cocktail. There is no food served because AGAIN IT IS A BAR, NOT A SPORTS CLUB NOR A RESTAURANT. If you need a snack they have machines that dispense Nuts, and candy NO WINGS HERE LOL LOL. The Fireplace is going through some much needed upgrading. Lighting, painting, Plumbing, are being changed even as I write this review and it is about time because it was showing it's age. What I like so far is The Fireplace is remaining a CLASSIC BAR & I am hopeful that will NEVER change. Music is fine with me but again everyone is different so do not expect ALL HOUSE MUSIC, ALL R&B MUSIC, ALL OF ANY KIND OF PARTICULAR GENRE,as the customers are diverse and you cannot please EVERYONE ALL THE TIME. To sum it up. Great Bar, Excellent cocktails and prices, for the time being CASH ONLY, & no foolishness allowed because police will come and have no time for people upsetting the peace. Yes I am a 20t year Patron and I am not being paid. I just LOVE MY BAR!!!!!!. Dion.

Kenneth B.

Yelp
i went to this bat last year and it was such a vibe ! they have an upstairs part as well . i do want to visit again .
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Gregory M.

Yelp
I last visited the Fireplace during the summer of 2016, and boy what a night! In fact, I'm still in touch with a couple of people I met. I'm planning on a winter visit at the end of January; can't wait!
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Chaddrian C.

Yelp
Cheap drinks. Heavy pour. Good laid back environment. Cash only. Go have a good time!
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Leticia A.

Yelp
This place is the best Scott the bartender is the best he is very attentive and will get you whatever you ask for because he is just that good, great atmosphere, awesome music, and everybody is the bomb you definitely have to come here!!!

Darryl W.

Yelp
Great neighborhood bar. The drinks are strong and reasonably priced. Remember it is cash only.
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Marcus M.

Yelp
I e always loved the Fireplace Bar. Many night have been started with Scott in the upstairs room. I have "gotten my life" several times over and over again. Nonstop fun !
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Kristopher O.

Yelp
This is your standard fare bar. What makes it special is that it creates a space for older Black gay men. It's a no gimmicks, cash only place, and the drinks are just okay! It feels like a small town bar located in a major metro area. It's a bit dingy and you can smell the decades worth of smoking that has soaked into the walls and surfaces of the bar. Not the best, and far from the worst. And grateful this place exists for the community.
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Elena C.

Yelp
This place is something! Walked in thru the door and right into a whole other dimension. Where Cheers is gay. Where white wine is served with a straw. Where a friendly banter between a bartender and some regulars made us roar with laughter. We will definitely back

Jonathan J.

Yelp
great place to chill out an have a drink its been in the town for years
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Jesus F.

Yelp
There is something special about The Fireplace on the corner of 21st and P street NW, especially for locals like myself. Its a haven were gay men of color, their friends and admirers can just be fully themselves with no societal judgements. Side bar, I actually met the first guy I every kissed half a block up from their twenty-five years ago! They make good drinks at a good price. It is not a fancy place but that's not really a big deal, that's not why you go there. You go for the drinks and the folks! The staff are usually nice except for one bartender upstairs I am not sure of his name but he wares a signature platinum Anne Burrell haircut and he is the reason I am writing this review in the first place. For all intense purposes we will call him Joe. While I enjoy popping in from time to time to do some people watching. I absolutely hate engaging Joe but sometimes I must. I am a pretty even person, I come across a little shady but I am kind and polite because my mother taught me manners. I am a bit stand offish because I am shy and I don't like drama but always respectful. The first day I saw Joe bartending years ago it was a busy Friday or Sunday evening and the place was pretty busy, it was my turn to order a drink and Joe seemed pissed, I didn't let it bother me .... I ordered my drink, he couldn't hear me, I repeated it. He made my drink with the NASTEST ATTITUDE screamed out the price, took my money, gave me change, rolled his eyes and walk off. I tipped him and I know how to tip because I receive tips also in my line of business. I figured that whatever just happed between us two was not about me and went on with my night. Another time I came in on a weekday early maybe 5 pm, the place was slow maybe 8 people in the upstairs area most of the folks are at one end of the bar, talking to Joe. I walk in, hug a couple of guy I know and go sit at the other end of the bar. Joe walks over with the same nasty face and attitude, he ask what I want, I ask for a second. He walks away, goes back to his conversation, I waited for him to be finished with his conversation about ten minutes later he returns, I quietly as for my drink, the same thing happens again and realize that this is who this guy is. Over the years I have dealt with Joes horrible disposition and have had numerous conversations with other about the way he treats customers of the business. People like myself who have been long time supporters of The Fireplace. I wanted to write something a while ago but didn't want to be petty but this New Years Eve just went to far. I came from a wonderful show and late dinner with my partner decided to stop for a drink before heading home. Hoping to run into a few familiar face and celebrate the coming in of the new year. We get upstairs and Joe is at the bar, against my better judgement I walk up to order a drink, I order two, he begins making the drinks, rite as he begins pouring, I stop him and ask for top shelve, he walks away over to the dj booth looks me straight in the face and announces that the upstairs area is closed. I pissed, walked over to the booth, told him I didn't know why he acted like that and that I would be writing a letter. He told me, to get away from him before he called the police. I walked away very upset, it almost ruined my night. I went downstairs, ran into friends, order 4 drinks all top shelve, from a very busy must nicer bartender. I stated venting with my buddies and was told that they just stopped going to him to avoid any conflict but I don't think that we as paying customers who work hard for their money, should have to avoid an employee who is absolutely unpleasant on purpose. I am a business owner and I have over 20 years in customer service and I could never imagine acting toward or treating a guess in the way he treats customers. I would be out of business. I do have empathy for the fact that it is a hard job to do because he is working with people and alcohol but his vulgar temperament is unnecessary and classless. I am not sure why they keep him around. The reason I gave a favorable rating to the business is because I do truly enjoy The Fireplace every now and then but something really needs to be done about him.
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Luciano M.

Yelp
I love this bar for it's neighborhood feel and strong drinks. Shout out to Bill and Scott.
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Jovan Z.

Yelp
This is the worst place I've ever seen!! Service is terrible! I went there once, visiting from NY. I ordered Grey Goose dirty martini, and I've been waiting about 15 min for it... I actually got olive juice in martini glass!! When I tried to complaint, an old bartender gave me such a nasty attitude and said "I ALWAYS MAKE IT FILTHY, THIS IS HOW IT SUPPOSED TO BE".... That was my worst experience ever! I've been a bartender for 4 years in midtown Manhattan, I know how DIRTY MARTINI supposed to taste. HORRIBLE PLACE!!! AWFULL!!!
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Alycia W.

Yelp
OMG! Out of all the Sunday's I've come here after brunch it was today that I got kicked out . My friends and I usually trek here after a hearty brunch in the surrounding area but today was different. Can't quite put my finger on it. But it was definitely something different. I wasn't ignorant, belligerent, or misbehaving. My friend and I were talking to to some of the patrons that we were familiar with. I tried to order a drink but he said he wouldn't sever me. Fine. Understandable. A fellow patron offered me a sip of his drink, something new. And the bartender came over and told my friends and I leave. Couldn't understand but we left with no struggle. We've been patrons for several years and this has been beyond our worst experience.
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Marshellena C.

Yelp
Went there last night had a great time very nice people I'm from Pittsburgh and they were very welcoming I am a straight female and this is a gay bar but it was so welcoming drinks were inexpensive and strong
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Isaac B.

Yelp
If you're looking for a gay dive bar with cheap drinks you've found it. This place has the cheapest strongest drinks in all of DC. END OF STORY... If you don't mind mingling with a mix of OLDER and younger people you'll love this place. Downstairs is typically where the white bread can be found and the wheat bread can be found upstairs. The bathrooms here are extremely small and unwelcoming. Tuesday's are tequila tuesday and they practically give the stuff away.If you're ordering a shot be prepared for it to be about 3 times the size of your typical bar shot. They have other drink specials but throughout the week. If you're going to tequila tuesday or any other work night be prepared to be hungover at work the following day or better yet call in sick the night before because this place is serious.
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Marianna P.

Yelp
Awful place, crowd is always wasted beyond reasonable, constant fights and screaming outside of the bar, and police gets called every other day. I really don't understand what is the deal with this place and how it is still open.
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Patrick I.

Yelp
First off I love this place. *This is a no frills kind of bar that has a rough on the outside (and inside) but good with the drinks, people, conversations, music, etc.* The drinks are very cost effective and are STRONG!! I love coming here to pre-game (usually it ends up being the game as I admit defeat and head home earlyy) prior to a fun night. Word to the wise is to pace yourself because these drinks will sneak up on you.
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Daniel S.

Yelp
Just plain awful. Place was so gross and creepy. I sat by the fireplace and there was a strong odor of vomit. My mixed drink was so strong, and foolishly didn't ask for a top shelf. Rock gut rum. Terrible and couldn't drink it.
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Virgil W.

Yelp
I was very please with this place. Very strong drinks, Nice bartenders, Very eclectic scene and a extremely nice ambience.. my only issue was, there was too many, sloppy drunk young boys spilling drinks on people.. hats off to the bartenders, for doing your job well. Just don't give a 5'7, 150pound manboy multiple long island ice teas. They can't handle it.
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Renon G.

Yelp
Talk about dives... this bar in general is awful. Some of the bartenders aren't very nice, the bathroom is forever nasty(you can almost smell them as you walk out of DuPont metro station) and the bouncers act like they are actual law enforcement. Amusing, actually. It's only saving grace is that they make the drinks exceptionally strong. Which is probably just as well since it's not worth staying in there for any length of time. So by the time you've had four drinks, the so-called law enforcement, will likely throw you out. By that time, it's off to another bar/club to finish off your night out on the town.
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Hana S.

Yelp
A great dark gay dive bar with heavy handed bartenders. I have a lot of fond memories of the Fireplace. Yes, back in the day it had a certain sexy risqué reputation. ;). There is an equal mix of dark and white chocolate with maybe a little bit of caramel sprinkled around. A nice mix of eye candy for your pallet. The patrons can range from; catty-chatty,friendly, creepy and pretentious. It's all up to luck in fate and who you choose to surround yourself with. Give this place an open mind and venture down. Straights may be a little intimidated by the sexual tension and energy can be in the air. But hey that's why the fireplace is what it is. As for drinks,the bartenders can make some of the strongest Long Island Ice Tea's out there. If you like to drink that creeps up on you go for a "Zombie."
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Timothy H.

Yelp
If you're looking for a cool dive bar with heavy handed bartenders and a comedy show (some of the patrons), then the Fireplace is for you. I was here recently and had the best time. The drinks were definitely on point, and of course, if Scott is making the drinks you'll only need 2, maybe 3, before you're staggering. The upstairs still gets more packed than the downstairs, and on Saturday nights they have a $4 Bacardi special. Starting to love the Fireplace again.

Pentandra D.

Yelp
I love it!!! Great Bar with nice people. Everybody is welcome to visit and have a nice cold drink. They have two floors with nice music.
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Robert S.

Yelp
We stayed at the Marriott Residence Inn across the street, so this bar was very convenient to us. After dropping by on our first night in DC and having a great time, we knew we'd be back. The downstairs bartender, Scott, was hilarious and made us feel right at home. Plus, he gave us plenty of sightseeing tips and suggestions. We'd go back just to see him, but everyone was friendly and talkative. So, the second time we dropped by it was like walking into 'Cheers' with several people waving and greeting us. Definitely a lot of regulars in the diverse crowd here that appreciate a stiff drink at a reasonable price! We will be back on our next visit to DC.
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Whitney H.

Yelp
Visited this bar with my Black Gay male cousin. Let me just say I LOVE that there is BLACK SPACE for GAY BLACK MEN. When I tell y'all that ALL the BLACK BOY JOY was there... words don't do it justice. We spent our time upstairs it seemed as if an older more seasoned crowd was downstairs. I loved sitting up on the ledge checking out all the beautiful beings in the space. I was one of the only females but everyone I came in contact with made me feel welcome. For that I was grateful! The drinks are STRONG and the atmosphere is fun. NOW, when I say strong... y'all I couldn't even put a dent in my drink. 0_0
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Andy S.

Yelp
While in DC, we had to check out some night life. DuPont Circle is a trendier area of town. It is also home to some nightlife in DC, including quite a few gay bars and clubs. One of G's friends wanted to meet at this place called The Fireplace. It is cash only, but they have a sort of ATM. You scan your card, get a receipt, and then go to the cashier to get your money. It's two levels. The first floor charged me $4 for a drink, while the 2nd floor charged me $3. Both prices are cheap, especially considering their pours. These drinks are STRONG. They basically give you a cup of alcohol. The drink I had was straight whiskey on the rocks, and the tall glass was almost full. If you want to drink on the cheap and get a good buzz from one drink, this is the place. My only negative thing was this place had a bit of a dank smell. It was better upstairs. I had an awesome time at this place.
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sam w.

Yelp
I'm really surprised that this place doesn't have a lot of reviews, but then again, its kinda like a low key place where you go, but its not mentioned. lol at least that's what my gay guy friends would say, bless their souls. Okay so this place has really changed and i haven't been in a long time, but I have to give my review on it- i have had too many good memories here. Now its a cover charge- 5 dollars I think. Think- a dive bar with two floors, where the downstairs floor is like "Cheers" and the upstairs floor- anything goes. If you like music, dj'ing, hard drinks that will knock you out and mingling with strangers while occasionally being hit on, than head upstairs. I have never had a dull moment in this place and it gets packed in the summer. bathrooms are filthy but what do you expect? Guys are pretty friendly. Majority of the music hip hop, reggae.
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Eduardo G.

Yelp
This place was pretty good. Came here as out of towners in need of a cocktail fix after doing all the monuments. For the most part it feels like a daddy bar at happy hour but I'm that changes at night. Drinks are VERY strong. So strong I was tipsy with one! If I had more I'd be somewhere else. No need to front on that. Definitely will come back when I'm in DC. It's a cool bar.
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William B.

Yelp
Always a cool place to go and have a nice drink and listen to great music. Very friendly staff

Vulnavia P.

Yelp
The good: If you are of a certain age, this place will make you nostalgic for a time when Dupont Circle was an actual gayborhood; today, the neighborhood hardly counts as even a theme-park version of one. The drinks are pretty good for the price. Once, I asked where people go to meet African-American gay men 50+, and this bar was unanimously named. The bad: Getting past the bouncer can be difficult, especially if there is anything at all about you that makes him not like you. The service is hit or miss, but mostly miss. The ugly: The downstairs bathroom is revolting. It reminds me of the trash compactor on Star Wars, complete with monster.

Kevin G.

Yelp
The Fireplace is epic! I've been loving this place in its various iterations for more years than I care to admit. When I first started spending time and money at The Fireplace I lived only four blocks away, so it was a no-brainer as my favorite neighborhood bar. But even when I moved from the neighborhood the Fireplace remained a favorite. Over the years I've kept coming back for dependably good food, and the consistently great waiters, great bartenders and great patrons. Wherever you live, The Fireplace can be your "neighborhood" bar.
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Amanda S.

Yelp
The downstairs bar at the fireplace is a pretty decent place to stop in and have a beer with your friends. Not too terribly crowded, nice bar and tables, large windows looking out on the street. It's dark and smoky and loud and everything you expect from a hang out bar. The bartenders are really nice and make strong drinks. They're quick, clean, and always friendly. The customers in the downstairs bar mostly keep to themselves, just sitting back and enjoy a beer with friends and watching the video screens. Upstairs is another story. Hidden up a frighteningly narrow staircase, the upstairs literally thumps with techno music, with an overly crowded dark dance floor where I've definitely seen more than I ever wanted to see. Unless you're into that scene, the upstairs can definitely be beyond overwhelming. Overall, it can be a little too loud, and if you're not a gay man, or comfortable hanging around them, you may find this place slightly uncomfortable. But if you're just looking to grab a beer or two with a friend without the hassle of crowded dance clubs, the downstairs bar is decently nice.
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Joshua H.

Yelp
You'll get buzzed really quick!! Friendly staff and heavy handed is an understatement lol
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Marcus P.

Yelp
Let's face it, you can count the gay bars/clubs that cater to black folk in this town on one hand--and if that hand has at any time been exposed to The Fireplace, you may wanna dip it in bleach for a minute or two. Now don't go sayin' I said I've never had a good time here...I didn't say that. There's always a need for a place you can just pick-up and go to without having to worry about all the hassles of preening or shaving or brushing your teeth. Just your average dive-bar from which you expect nothing but a strong drink, a good laugh (usually, unfortunately, at someone's expense) and maybe a tiny bout with dysentery--but, hey, what better way to drop those last few pounds before heading out to the real club, eh? TO BE FAIR, the guys I've met here have been much nicer than those at many other bars in this city--very down to Earth...which may explain some of the dirt stains I've noticed on many of the patrons knees. Ok, enough of that...let me get serious now *clearing throat*. The Fireplace, a split-level entertainment facility (Blacks upstairs, whites/snow-queens downstairs *sigh*...although, if I'm being totally honest, the upstairs portion can be quite intimidating for the uninitiated; even I've clutched my pearls a few times when venturing up there, and I've been black for most of my life!) is THE spot for the strongest drinks in Northwest DC--real talk. Combine that with some of the Districts most eligible bachelors (I didn't say WHY they were eligible--just that they ARE eligible) who stop here to meet up with friends before going to larger, more swanky destinations; some of the latest, hottest music around (when the deejay is upstairs--otherwise, they're just playin' someone's outdated iPod over the speakers and showing public access on the tellie; downstairs they play Cher and those of her ilk); and you have the recipe for one of D.C.'s oldest and most consistently reliable pubs for gay men. Sure, at times this place can feel like you're in the waiting room at any urban ICU U.S.A. (complete with trannies with crooked wigs wearing hospital tags around their wrists...again, real talk); but there is NO better bar to dash in and out of on those nights when your self-esteem needs a little jolt. Believe me, if you come here and DON'T feel better about your life or current situation, then go ahead and shoot yourself, chile, cuz it ain't gonna get much better. Cheers!
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Kirkland G.

Yelp
More like firehazard. This place is quite the dive bar, along with the sticky floors and tables. But lord that little old lady bartender was heavy with the liquor!! I swear that drinks made by that woman (and other bartenders) were 87% alcohol. I loved watching the people freely hanging outside the bar, a vibe you would not get in NYC. You get a nice variety of black men coming in which you don't get other places. Worth a visit for sure.

James N.

Yelp
Staff here are rude. Plus I waited about 20 minutes for a drink, then got tired of waiting and left. No bartender downstairs despite a mob of people. I guess he was talking to the police or something.
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Little W.

Yelp
Another DIVE BAR in the city with a putrid smell but it's free entry, the drinks are strong and cheap! Great place to start a night of partying. Bartenders are all pretty cool, they have upstairs and downstairs. Upstairs host more blacks and young-ins with Jango playing in the background, downstairs more whites and mature folks with tv's showing videos. But always a very diverse crowd of gays. I like the place because after a few drinks, everybody becomes your friends. It's sorta like Cheers.
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Liz N.

Yelp
1) i'm straight.. ok lets get to the review. The place as an awesome architecture from the outside. it looks bright and rustic... but the moment you go through the door.. i'd def call it a dive. They had happy hour on Sunday so this is why we stopped here after our museum walk. $3 rails and $3 domestic beers (1pm till close) and I saw a sign for $3 sminoffs from 8-11... what else could a girl ask for?? The crowd was nice and the bartender was nice.. there were no "eyes" or "whispers".. I also saw another guy order jack on the rocks and a glass of wine (both served in plastic pint glasses...) and he was charged $9 bucks!!!! crazy! All in all.. def a good spot to stop by for an afternoon booze for cheap.
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Tom B.

Yelp
Hell's waiting room, complete with a constantly blazing.....fireplace. Bring your own hand sanitizer. Don't wear loafers or flip-flops in here; the floors are so sticky you may have to surrender them to the decades-old layers of bar ooze. There's a narrow, twisting staircase to get upstairs; drunken patrons coming down frequently tumble dangerously into those trying to ascend, resulting in hilarious hoots, catcalls, and diva spats. I've got several good friends who love this place, but I just don't get it. Terrific location and they've been in business forever, so something must go right here. The pours are simply vast and there's always some kind of "special" so that could be the draw, but even the cheapest drinks can't chase away the smell of urinal cakes that desperately need to be changed.
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Courtney D.

Yelp
I come here with one of my friends, who is a regular. All of the staff are very friendly. The customers are all friendly too so it's a great environment. The drinks are strong and priced well. This place is honestly one of my favorite places to chill, listen to music, and relax.
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Bilal A.

Yelp
The drinks are strong, Judy is the best bartender shes the old white lady on the 1st floor. The guys there are trolls. Only go there to pregame never dedicate your whole night there unless youre pathetic and a troll.
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Karim H.

Yelp
This place was strange. Really, really, really strange. I tried asking one of the patrons where a good spot to head for a drink might be, and got ranted at in what seemed to be Swahili. There were several tragic gheys around, and I think the bathrooms are used to sniff cocaine. The patrons are creepy and though the drinks are strong, the whole place just sort of gives you the heebie jeebies!
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Natalie M.

Yelp
This place is funny. So that's a weird way to describe a bar, but it's really all I can come up with. We came here because our friends didn't want too walk far and we had dinner just down the street. Generally, I'd say I like dive bars just fine- they can be a fun, low-key place to go and have a drink, so we decided to check this place out. We tried to find a seat upstairs, but it was packed and definitely a lot more lively, we settled in downstairs, near the fireplace. I ordered a vodka soda, which was good- can one mess up a vodka soda? The bartender was nice enough, I wouldn't say she was full of personality, but that's fine and she's definitely heavy handed because when I stood up I really felt just that one drink. This isn't a place I see myself returning to, ever, but it was an interesting experience.

Obinna U.

Yelp
I was here on Memorial Sunday 5/25/13 with four friends who where visiting from NY and this was an awful experience. For the pro's , cheap cover and cheep drinks and for the cons... here u have it 1. Parking - this was a MAJOR problem and hassle, looking for parking spot was hectic. I'd recommend should you decide to go here, PLEASE use the metro system, and walk to the bar. Next proceed to the Bouncers upon entry 2. The bouncer was actually RUDE, though I understand their job entails safety and security, but don't overdo it. Like I previously stated, we were five of us in a group, and though the bar was to its max capacity, four of us was allowed and the last person wasn't. However, the way he rudely intercepted my friend and asked him to stop and actually moved to close the door on him. I thought that was VERY PETTY. Furthermore 3. Environment - if I were to rate this place on sanitary levels, this is a -5. I'm so certain that there were SEVERAL health code violations at this club. - The bathroom was just NASTY... eww - The floor was STICKY, yes you heard me, the floor was very sticky. It was like each time I raised my foot, there was a little resistance. This was how BAD it was. - The upper floor stunk with bad awful ooze that really upset us, we had to leave the upper floor for the lower one. A nice air freshener will suffice for the upper floor. - The floors had loose napkins/paper towel littered right from the entry of the stairs, on the stairs and past it. There's no telling how and where this papers could have come from, It was an awful experience. - Seeing cups on the floors, YES I was skeptical about ordering anything. A Corona beer worked just fine for the evening. 4. Social activities - the music was again off note. There was nothing really entertaining. The videos featured on the screens where unknown and DRY. The humor was very unpleasant. Lot's of divas, and uncontrolled drunks everywhere. To sum it all up, it was awry, and I just did not get it. I'd recommend that anyone looking for good class to avoid this place like a plague. The sanitation down right to customer service SUCKED.