Thurst Lounge

If you’re like me and enjoy the hip/hop, rap, pop kinda vibe with a somewhat diverse crowd then this is the place. Sometimes the crowd could be too good for dancing but not always. They can definitely use some Soca/AfroBeats/Amapiano in the mix for DJ’s to complete the vibe! Drinks are strong and worth it! The space is kind of a tight fit if it’s a big group you’re with because of how long and narrow it is.

We visited this spot for some drinks and hookah, and we quite enjoyed it. However, it was extremely crowded and bustling, making it a lively hangout spot with friends. Yet, if you seek a quiet place for a chat, this isn't the ideal spot due to the loud atmosphere during the early evening hours. The hookah was decent but not exceptional, probably a three out of five for a hookah enthusiast like me. The service was understandably busy, so they couldn't be attentive all the time. Nevertheless, the ambiance exuded immense joy and liveliness, making it a delightful place to socialize with friends.

I’ve been here a couple times and have had a bad experience with security every single time. Attitude at the door, a smug and unearned sense of superiority, and just general vibes that mar the entire experience. To be greeted with a shitty attitude upon entry colors the rest of the time you’re there, and when the attitude is just about you having a water bottle with nothing but ice in it, it’s hard to take any of it seriously. I had a security guard, after I’d already had the water bottle conversation outside, come up to me inside and take my bottle out of my bag without so much as a greeting first, and proceed to give me shit for getting into the club with an empty water bottle. The food is fine, the vibe inside is mostly alright, but the fact that their security doesn’t create a safe environment and mars the atmosphere from jump is enough to make me say I don’t feel the need to go back.

My wife and I had a great time checking out the new Thurst lounge. Even for a Thursday it was pretty packed. Although the vast majority of patrons were men we still felt welcomed and comfortable. Prices were reasonable and bathrooms were clean. We would definitely return.

My wife and I have been here a few times and we enjoy it! It’s always a vibe with good music. The food is also really good and fairly priced. The hookah is a little expensive but that’s DC for you lol. My only issue is that’s it always crowded with soo many men and never enough women but that’s no fault of the establishment. Us women are clearly just outnumbered 😂

Thurst Lounge is a whole grown azz vibe! Service was amazing, dranks were drankin and OMG, the music was giving “I’m trying to sit down but I can’t”! A great spot for after work HH, a low key hang or a full turn up moment. I’m so glad this place is here and can’t wait to come back. 💃🏽

Second time coming here while visiting and it’s a vibe! Food, drinks and hookah are decently priced and Kile is amazing! Looking forward to coming back again!

This place was my main reason for visiting DC on my birthday. I had a great time. I'm not sure if any areas were blocked off, but it was very small and narrow inside but I still had a good time. The chicken wings and shrimp were very tasty.

If there is a gay men's bar, Imma pop up! This space is curated with Black gay men in mind and I'm here for it! Came here with my a couple of my homies for a quick drink and this place is too cute. Small but spacious, dimly lit but not eerie or creepy and the bartender is NOT shy with the pours. Music was some early 2k r&b (who doesnt love that?) and its just... vibey! I know sometimes men can feel a little put off by women being in their space, lesbian or not, which I completely understand, but we felt welcomed! Two gentlemen even offered for us to sit at their table - so sweet. Even the security guards were sweeties so I can definitely see myself returning on a random night.

I decided to support this establishment over Halloween weekend -- my first time in D.C. supporting a Black gay event or venue -- and unfortunately, it turned out to be one of my worst experiences. While inside, the security guard (a light-skinned man) became aggressive, threatening me to move from an area that was too crowded to leave. Despite me explaining that I physically couldn't move due to the packed space, he began verbally attacking me, calling me out of my name and continuing this harassment all the way to the exit. His coworker had to step in to calm him down because of how unprofessional and threatening his behavior was. It was deeply disappointing and uncomfortable, especially at a place that's supposed to be welcoming and safe for our community. I won't be returning when I come back to D.C., and I strongly urge others to think twice before visiting until management addresses the behavior of their security staff and creates a safer, more respectful environment for patrons.

Two cramped they smoke hookah indoors, the music is too loud, but the service is OK I guess. But shout out to the LGBT community for making me feel welcome in that space.

Great environment to host a birthday party. There is the 1st floor where you can have a social gathering and there underfloor where you can dance the day/night away. The drinks are excellent .. Received excellent customer service from Tyger T.

Solo tripped to DC and Thurst was a blast. Welcoming, good hookah, and great drinks. Can't wait come back.

Thurst Lounge has great music, tasty food, smooth hookah, and friendly staff--all at a solid price. Perfect spot to vibe without breaking the bank! And no cover charge!

Thurst Lounge has become one of my favorite DC watering holes. My favorite time to visit is during happy hour from 6-8ish. The bartenders are kind and attentive, they do a great job with drink recommendations. Bella and Jessie are two of my favorites, Semaj is also pretty good. The ambiance is nice, it's always clean. The food is decent, nothing to write home about but it's nice having the option of putting something on your stomach before drinking. They also offer hookah if that's your thing. The owners were present a lot of the times I've visited. Both are friendly and seem to genuinely want to provide a good experience. The fact that it's black owned is icing on the cake. If you've never been, I highly recommend.

want anyone reading this to understand how serious and sincere this review is. I was treated very poorly by the security which was openly homophobic, aggressive and condescending. I'm sure the owner of the establishment truly welcomes and values all patrons. But the men he or she has chosen to ensure safety are abusive and disrespectful. My friend and I were smoking and rather than merely being informed that the establishment doesn't allow smoking the security guard forcibly took the blunt a put it out, making aggressive physical contact with me and making me for may safety. Rather than listening to what I had to say the guard's boss escorted my friends and I out for no reason whatsoever and attempted to patronize us with unsatisfactory explanations for why we had to leave when the situation was initiated by his unprofessional and homophobic subordinate. I would those currently patronizing this establishment to stop immediately, and for those who choose to continue to do so to be very careful.

Black, queer space! They just opened a few weeks back so all the men in the region are stopping by to see it and I'm enjoying the view. It's winter right now so the retractable roof is closed. The drinks are good and the staff is nice.

Thurst is a must do any day of the week! The vibe is " a good time" and drinks are amazing. This spot is a must do when looking for something to get into.

Updated due to the owner's reaching out to me to talk through what happened. I truly appreciate his willingness to hear me out and take action to repair the situation. I would love to check out Thurst the next time we are back in town - thanks Brandon!

I went to Thurst lounge this pass weekend, and I was an absolute blast! The atmosphere was great, the staff was friendly and courteous. The drinks was a 10!! It's the place D.C. needs! I highly recommend checking them out!

I have gone to this bar several times, trying to support a fellow Black business. Security always has an attitude as if the gay people coming in are less than. Rolling their eyes, saying nothing to greet customers, attitude of indifference to distain. Other gay bars ensure that their security has the right attitude, has both males and females as security, and are friendly and inviting. I refuse to go to a Black gay bar that's suppose to be my refuge and feel as though I'm being treated as second class at the entrance door. I expect more from a Black owned bar.

This place had good vibes, great music, and I will definitely be back! I danced all night!

There are reviews that state there is a cover charge. That is absolutely inaccurate! Part of the mission is to provide a space for queer folks with no cover and reasonable priced drinks. Unfortunately, you can't please everyone and some people are not honest. Please get to Thurst Lounge as fast as you can! It's a whole vibe, from the DJ's to the food and drinks!

Such a great vibe here! A real safe place for the LGBTQ community, friendly security and bartenders, surprisingly delicious food, affordable drinks and good music. I love going here!