Arts & Entertainment

Hank’s Oyster Bar debuts expanded space

Chef Jaime Leeds showed off the expansion of Hank’s Oyster Bar this week, which is now renamed Hank’s Oyster Bar and Lounge

Published

14 years ago

August 18, 2011

Peter Rosenstein

Lesbian chef Jaime Leeds opened an expanded lounge this week in Dupont Circle. (Blade photo by Michael Key)

Chef Jaime Leeds showed off the expansion of Hank’s Oyster Bar this week, which is now renamed Hank’s Oyster Bar and Lounge, 1624 Q St.

The new lounge features exposed brick, comfortable banquettes and cocktail tables in dark sumptuous colors.

Upstairs is the Charc Bar — named after the charcuterie — and a few steps above that is the Yacht Room. The Yacht Room and the Charc Bar can be rented out for private parties with dinner seating for about 30 or reception space for about 75.

Leeds said about these beautiful rooms, “They are perfect for special occasions like birthdays, retirements or even small weddings and I am always happy to work with non-profit groups in our community who may want to rent them to hold an upscale fundraiser here. Hank’s wants to continue to be a good neighbor and a positive addition to Dupont Circle.”

The expanded bar has a large selection of wines, beers, specialty drinks, freshly squeezed juices and a new bar menu. The lounge opened to the public on Aug. 16.

Up Next

Conscious: one woman’s HIV story

Don't Miss

LGBT activists meet with D.C. police chief

FUND LGBTQ JOURNALISM

Arts & Entertainment

Washington Blade’s Pride on the Pier returns bigger than ever with two-day WorldPride celebration

Published

1 day ago

April 15, 2025

Staff reports

The Washington Blade’s Pride on the Pier will be extended to a two-day celebration in honor of WorldPride coming to D.C. this year. Taking place on Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7 at The Wharf, this year’s event promises more entertainment, more community, and more pride than ever before — all set against the stunning waterfront backdrop of our nation’s capital.

With the addition of Friday, the party kicks off at 3 p.m., with the inaugural WorldPride Boat Parade at 7 p.m. As an Official WorldPride Partner event, the boat parade will feature 30 decorated boats parading along the Washington Channel. For information on signing up for the boat parade contact Stephen Rutgers at [email protected].

Saturday’s signature Pier Party kicks off at 12 p.m., featuring a drag show, DJ’s, streaming of the WorldPride Parade, and the iconic Fireworks Show Presented by the Leonard-Litz Foundation — one of D.C. Pride’s most anticipated spectacles.

“We’re expanding Washington Blade Pride on the Pier to reflect the excitement and momentum building for WorldPride in D.C.,” said Blade publisher Lynne Brown. “It’s a celebration of our community’s progress and a powerful reminder of the joy and visibility Pride brings to the heart of our city.”

Now in its seventh year, Washington Blade Pride on the Pier extends the city’s annual celebration of LGBTQ visibility to the bustling Wharf waterfront with an exciting array of activities and entertainment for all ages. The District Pier will offer DJs, dancing, drag, and other entertainment. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase for those 21 and older.

Pride on the Pier is free and open to the public, with VIP tickets available for exclusive pier access, hosted bars, and private viewing areas for the boat parade and the fireworks show. To purchase VIP tickets visit www.prideonthepierdc.com/vip.

Friday VIP: 5-9 p.m., enjoy an air-conditioned lounge, private bathroom, cash bar and complimentary drink.

Saturday VIP Session #1: 2-5 p.m., enjoy an air-conditioned lounge, private bathroom, catered food, and an open bar.

Saturday VIP Session #2: 6-9 p.m., enjoy the air-conditioned lounge, private bathroom, catered snacks and dinner, and open bar with a front-row view of the fireworks.

Event Details:

📍 Location: District Pier at The Wharf (101 District Sq., S.W., Washington, D.C.)
📅 Dates: Friday, June 6 & Saturday, June 7, 2025
🛥️Boat Parade: 7 p.m. (June 6). 🎆 Fireworks Show: 9 p.m. (June 7)
🎟️ VIP Tickets: www.PrideOnThePierDC.com/VIP

Event sponsors include Absolut, Capital Pride, DC Fray, Infinate Legacy, Heineken, Leonard-Litz Foundation, Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, Relish Catering, Washingtonian, and The Wharf. More information regarding activities will be released at www.PrideOnThePierDC.com