For its second location, D.C.’s common cocktail bar Little Homosexual Pub appeared exterior its capital hometown – up I-95 to Philadelphia. This newer, larger Little Homosexual Pub (generally recognized by its initials, LGP), opened its doorways in late Could in time for Satisfaction month.
Positioned within the coronary heart of the Gayborhood, LGP brings its cheeky contact to a brand new two-story house that’s twice as giant as the unique.
Co-owners and longtime buddies Dito Sevilla, Benjamin Gander, and Dusty Martinez are all adorned D.C. hospitality veterans. Sevilla spearheaded a subterranean cocktail den under Italian restaurant Floriana, Gander managed a number of native LGBTQ+ bars (Nellie’s, Quantity 9) for greater than decade, and Martinez has performed a number of roles at bars, from go-go boys to common supervisor at Commerce. Popping out of the pandemic in summer season 2022, the trio teamed as much as fill a void they are saying was lacking within the D.C. bar scene: “an area the place we ourselves needed to hang around,” says Sevilla. Little Homosexual Pub was born later that 12 months in Native Circle.
Its sophomore location in Philadelphia isn’t any completely different (102 S. thirteenth Road, Philadelphia). “Whereas we consider there’s extra room to develop in D.C. ultimately, we thought, how we might increase the model, and Philadelphia is a metropolis we love, has an awesome homosexual neighborhood, and made probably the most sense,” says Sevilla.
n D.C., the artwork and LGBTQ historic memorabilia make up an vital aspect of LGP; practically each sq. inch of wall house is a suggestive print, historic archive, political notice, or popular culture sign. It’s made sufficient of a splash to draw native celebs like Nancy Pelosi.
They frolicked pondering by means of how the bar would welcome in the area people. Numerous nods to the town, some extra express than others, pepper the house. Numerous brass eagles across the bar honor the town’s reigning Superbowl LIX champs, as does a playful portrait of Princess Diana sporting an NFL Eagles jacket.
“It’s one thing to have fun the town, its historical past, and its icons,” says Sevilla.
Equally, the cocktail menu is a mirrored image of Philly, constructing on the D.C. drink choices. The espresso martini, now a homosexual bar mainstay, is a prime vendor, as is {the summertime} perennial Aperol spritz. Gander notes that “a enjoyable discover for us is that Philly loves tequila, so we’ve a number of extra tequila choices.” See: the “Huge Homosexual Margarita,” an enormous pint glass of a margarita common on the primary flooring of the bar. New for LGP on this second spot is the beer-and-shot combo, additionally referred to as a boilermaker; in addition to the Tailspin, a tackle the Paper Aircraft and nod to Philadelphia’s aquatic aircraft shipyard. Even the glassware is Philly-specific (it’s additionally on sale).
For eats, the D.C. LGP has change into recognized for its baskets of tater tots in addition to “dino bites,” or nostalgic hen nuggets formed like dinosaurs and served on cheese boards. These menu gadgets are additionally round in Philly, although Sevilla guarantees that native choices are within the works, together with doubtlessly a cheesesteak roll.
Little Homosexual Pub can also be notorious – Insta-infamous – for its bogs. The 2 stalls have change into so common for his or her selfies, they impressed a viral Instagram deal with (@royal_flush_lgp) devoted to reposting mirrored selfies in entrance of quirky and suggestive brass finishes.
Martinez says that “In Philly, we’re fortunate as a result of we’ve extra toilet house.” One toilet is trendy, “hypergreen” with a chandelier, and swan faucet; “the selfies are going loopy,” he says. The second-floor restroom affords a “Hollywood regency vibe, reflecting the English backyard environment of the bar house. It’s a pink model of the inexperienced toilet. We’re impressed that the selfies are a factor.”
As in D.C., the aim of LGP is to not compete however complement. As followers of the Philly Gayborhood for years, they’re excited to have the ability to contribute to a beloved neighborhood – particularly as another native bars have just lately closed.
In accordance with the house owners, Little Homosexual Pub – whether or not in D.C. or Philly – is imbued with intentionality. Martinez says that LGP is “inclusive, a welcoming house for everybody within the LGBTQ neighborhood. It’s multigenerational, it’s a spot to each begin or finish the night time, and a neighborhood vibe.”
The design course of took effectively over a 12 months to get the inviting environment proper.
The primary-floor space is “broody, nearly masc,” says Martinez. Upstairs, nevertheless, speaks extra to the identify of the bar, with “echoes of an English Backyard.”
Two months after opening, Martinez says that it’s “humbling to listen to how completely satisfied our prospects are. We see completely different aspects of the neighborhood. LGP is just not clubby, dancey, or loud, however simply an inclusive house.”
