Jimmy Valentine's Lonely Hearts Club — Restaurant in Washington

It is with great sadness that I recount my recent experience at Jimmy Valentine’s, a place where I have typically found joy during their goth nights. My wife and I attended this past Saturday, hopeful for another enjoyable evening, but instead, we were met with disheartening treatment.

As I approached the bar, I was repeatedly shoved aside by a white man who disregarded my presence in line. I chose to let it go and not escalate the situation, understanding that the bartender was busy. However, when it was finally our turn and my wife attempted to order, the same man pushed his way through again. The bartender began to take his order before we even had the chance to fully state ours.

When I tried to explain the situation to her, I was met with rudeness and dismissiveness. I felt compelled to mention that it seemed as if her actions were influenced by racism or homophobia, given that she was prioritizing the man who had physically pushed me aside. Instead of addressing my concerns, the bartender exploded with anger, openly cursing at me, then tauntingly announcing that she was now giving the man a free shot because I had confronted her about her behavior.

In a further display of unprofessionalism, she then turned her attention to the customer next to me, completely ignoring our presence. That customer, in disbelief, expressed sympathy for what I had endured. I decided it was best for my wife to remain silent, feeling painfully aware of the discrimination we were facing. When I reiterated my intention to write a review about this incident, the bartender aggressively told us we should leave if we were unhappy—and I expressed my love for the club, just not for her treatment of me.

In disbelief, I walked away, only to find that she had summoned security to remove us without any hesitation. The DJ, who had witnessed the incident towards the end, kindly reached out to understand what had transpired, showing genuine concern. It was incredibly upsetting to realize that a place I once thought would be inclusive and safe had turned hostile.

When the DJ spoke with security, they revealed that the bartender was already aware of the man’s actions toward me, further highlighting her unacceptable behavior. As a lesbian mixed woman, this encounter left me feeling deeply disheartened, especially knowing that the bartender was a Latina woman. It pains me to witness such treatment among women or anyone else for that matter.

I had hoped for a far better experience at Jimmy Valentine’s, and it’s truly disappointing to feel marginalized in a space I wished to call a sanctuary. This experience reflects poorly on both the club and the bartender, leaving me with a heavy heart and a desire to...

Great place, great service and inclusive atmosphere. I love the dark/funky vibe and DJ’s were great.

I recently went to the goth night party and feel compelled to share my experience. I had just arrived with my wife and went to an open space at the bar. I was surprised when I was shoved from behind by a girl attempting to get to the bar. It was rude, but I let it go. Then the girl said excuse me we’re standing here and I said “I’m aware and I was minding my own business. You just walked up behind me and shoved me out of nowhere?” Now I’m just confused and disheartened trying to process what is even happening. I was completely caught off guard and the interaction just made me feel uncomfortable. The bartender went to take their order and when they didn’t know what they wanted she asked me for my order. I’m a bartender and would have done the exact same thing. At that moment the two women started yelling at the bartender and accused she and I of being homophobic and racist. I don’t know who was more offended between the bartender and myself. The irony is I was there with my gay and queer friends. The aggressors were kicked out and the bartender handled it professionally. She bought me a shot after witnessing their actions which I really appreciated.

It was strange, their actions seemed like practiced behavior as if they were just looking for confrontation. It’s a shame when people throw around the words “racism” and “homophobic” so recklessly. It reduces its legitimacy and dehumanizes the people who suffer from its real effects.

If those two come across this review… you got kicked out not because of your gender, race or orientation, you got kicked because you were rude. Five stars for the bar and five stars for...

THE BEST dive bar in DC. Jimmy's (the same owner as Little Miss Whiskey's Golden Dollar on H & 11th Sts. NE) has the feel as well as the decor of a good dive bar. It's located four blocks off the popular and growing trendy H Street NE Cooridor but on a street (Bladensburg Rd) that hasn't been touched by gentrification. Fitting to its name, as the rebel older brother of its sister, Little Miss Whiskey, Jimmy's hides under the cloak of black-out bay windows and front door; you really have to look for it otherwise you may walk on by. Friday and Saturday nights offers various DJ's with sick spins. Unlike the more "hipster" dive bars, Jimmy's is still has a local neighborhood feel with friendly clientele happily chatting with strangers and dancing in close proximity to amazing music. Note, Jimmy's (like Little Miss Whiskey's) is CASH ONLY. There is an ATM on the premises. The large selection of quality craft beers are worth the hassle; no draft beers...