The Little Gay Pub, a beloved D.C. spot known for its sophisticated vibe and queer-centric decor, is officially open for business.
It’s been a while since a new gay bar has opened in Philly’s iconic Gayborhood. But that changes today. The Little Gay Pub, located at 102 South 13th Street on the corner of Drury Street, is an elevated bar from Washington D.C. The three friends behind the venture — co-owners Benjamin Gander, Dusty Martinez, and Dito Sevilla — just announced they’ll be opening their Philly location with a few local twists added to the decor and menu.
Among them, a crafted banana daiquiri. The drink nods to “The Father of Modern Philadelphia,” Edmund Bacon, who had a thing for the rum-based cocktail. One of the owners learned that when Edmund’s son, Kevin Bacon (yes, of Footloose fame), ordered the drink from him more than a decade ago. It’s just one of many cultural Easter eggs planted around The Little Gay Pub.
The bar’s existence — even more than its menu — is the big news for the local community. The kind of visibility a queer space brings is vital, and with LGBTQ+ bars like Level Up and Cockatoo closed in 2024, those spaces are dwindling in the City of Brotherly Love.