Nellie's Sports Bar
American · Mexican · Washington, DC
About
Some recent Saturday nights draw more U Street college kids than the mixed gay crowd regulars remember, but Nellie's still hosts drag bingo, trivia, and summer movies on the roof. This two-level spot has three bars, including one on the expansive rooftop deck, and enough screens to catch every game.
The food goes beyond typical sports bar fare with customizable portions and lighter options. Owner Doug Schantz named the place after his great-grandmothers, whose welcoming spirit is meant to carry through. Weekday evenings are quieter and draw more locals.
Located in DC's U Street Corridor, Nellie's is a bit of a walk from the main gay neighborhood but draws a crowd from all over.
Features
- ✓Rooftop deck with its own bar and city views
- ✓Drag bingo, trivia, and poker tournaments
- ✓Customizable food portions for one or a team
- ✓Three bars plus stadium-sized screen
Cuisine
Good for
Practical
Best nights: Tue, Fri, Sat
What people say
Rated from 610 reviews. 457 community ratings. View this venue on Yelp
From the community
“Not for gays anymore”
A mixed gay/straight crowd? Not what we saw. It was all young straight people getting drunk. This isn't a gay bar anymore. If it once was, it has changed. We walked out after five minutes and won't come back.
A visitor · Over a year ago
More than a year ago. The music was bad.
A guest · Over a year ago
More than a year ago. I'm not sure what changed. This place is no longer gay, and it's not really a sports bar either. I visited on a Saturday night and found it packed with the same drunk college students you see in every bar on the U Street corridor. It's disappointing. This used to be a relaxed, fun bar for gay people of all ages. Not anymore. – unappealing and loud.
A recent visitor · Over a year ago
It's a fun small bar. Head upstairs to enjoy the great weather with your friends.
A local visitor · Over a year ago
“not sure its gay”
This is a decent bar, but it's become mostly straight clientele. Not really my thing.
A visitor · Over a year ago
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nellie's Sports Bar LGBTQ+ friendly? +
Yes, Nellie's is a gay sports bar with a mixed gay/straight crowd, regular drag shows, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Does Nellie's have a rooftop? +
Yes, Nellie's features an expansive rooftop deck with its own bar.
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