Look for locals and outsiders at a cocktail bar or on a dance floor, and you'll have a night out as fun and enjoyable as in any other major American city. But don't think that means 'boring,' as the city has quite a number of attractive venues, in both style and atmosphere. Pretty much anywhere you go you'll find well-dressed crowds, more restrained and less edgy than at similar places in New York or Los Angeles. In most cases it was their careers that brought them to DC, and you'll see mostly young professionals at the most sophisticated bars and restaurants. You'll find that a large number of the people you meet is not originally from the city. It traditionally hangs out around the Dupont Circle area, home to gay and gay-friendly bars, clubs, and restaurants. The American capital has a sizable gay and lesbian community.