The second you walk into Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant, you’re instantly filled with positive energy and the good vibes of Freddie Lutz’s kindness and colorful soul. It overtakes you no matter who you are, as shown by his diverse clientele — young and old, black and white, transgender and cisgender, lesbians and “gay boys” (as Freddie calls them), and straight people all alike. Freddie proudly declares, “We have the most diverse clientele of any bar I have seen in my life. It’s really quite amazing.”

Nestled on 23rd Street’s “Restaurant Row” in Arlington, Virginia, Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant has been a beacon of inclusivity and a safe haven for the LGBTQIA+ community for over two decades. Freddie Lutz, the visionary behind this vibrant establishment, has been a fixture on this street for nearly 50 years. From his early days as a waiter at Portofino and his role as Maitre D’ at Cafe Italia, Freddie’s journey led him to create a unique space that combines his love for art, his colorful personality, and his dedication to creating a welcoming atmosphere for all.

Freddie’s inspiration for the beach bar concept came from his own little travel trailer in Rehoboth, complete with a courtyard, tiki bar, and an eclectic mix of decor. He thought, “Why not bring a touch of the beach to Crystal City?” With his extensive Barbie collection (which he’s been collecting since he was a “little girl”) and his eye for vibrant design, Freddie transformed the space into a one-of-a-kind destination.

One of the most significant aspects of Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant is its proximity to the Pentagon and its role as a safe space for the LGBTQ+ military community. Even before the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” Freddie’s welcomed service members with open arms, providing them a place to be themselves without fear of discrimination. Over the years, notable figures such as Amanda Simpson, the first openly transgender presidential appointee, Kristen Beck, a former Navy SEAL who transitioned, Godan Tanner, former Chief Counsel for the Air Force, and Eric Fanning, former Army Secretary under Obama have graced Freddie’s with their presence. 

Adam Sasso, a dedicated physician within the honor guard from 2017 through 2020, devoted eight months alongside a bespoke doll company to meticulously sculpt Freddie’s likeness into a custom doll. This remarkable gift not only mirrors Freddie’s appearance but also mimics his voice, flawlessly performing the opening number for the bar’s weekly drag show, an act traditionally reserved for Freddie himself on Saturday nights. Alongside his spouse Sean, Adam made history as the first same-sex couple to lay a wreath at Arlington Cemetery. You can see Freddie’s look-alike doll above the bar as soon as you walk in.

Upon entering Freddie’s, one cannot help but notice a proud display of the American flag mounted on the wall. This symbolic tribute was graciously flown by Tammy Smith, the esteemed Brigadier General, who courageously came out as the first openly gay officer in the Army. Tammy flew this flag over Boreham AirField in honor of Freddie on the monumental occasion of the repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” legislation. In a touching moment, Tammy presented the flag to Freddie on stage at the bar, embodying the spirit of unity and progress.

Freddie’s has been the backdrop for countless memorable moments and milestones. From the celebration of the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” to the heartwarming stories of people finding love and acceptance within its walls, Freddie’s has left an indelible mark on the lives of many. The bar’s partnership with Amazon to serve meals to first responders during the pandemic showcases Freddie’s commitment to the community beyond its colorful walls.

When asked about his favorite cocktail, Freddie admits he doesn’t drink in the restaurant to set a good example, but if he did, it would be a Maker’s Mark Manhattan. For those looking to indulge, Freddie’s offers a wide array of signature cocktails and delectable menu items. Patrons can enjoy events like Beach Blanket Bingo, Karaoke, and the fabulous Freddie’s Follies drag show every Saturday night at 9PM.

At the heart of Freddie’s success is its unwavering commitment to maintaining a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all patrons, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Freddie and his team lead by example, treating everyone with friendliness and respect. “We are a business that wants to make people happy,” Freddie explains.

For Freddie and his sidekick Tony, the most rewarding aspect of running Freddie’s is witnessing the transformative experiences people have within its walls. “Seeing people come out of their shells, watching them arrive scared and leave feeling happy — that’s what keeps us motivated,” Tony shares.

As a prominent figure in the Arlington LGBTQ+ community, Freddie’s advice to young entrepreneurs looking to create inclusive spaces is simple yet profound: “This is not a restaurant or bar — it’s a seven-ring circus!” he jokes. “But in all seriousness, I love it most of the time, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.”

For now, Freddie remains focused on creating an unforgettable experience for everyone who walks into Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. As Tony perfectly sums it up, “We are a lot of fun — there’s always something exciting happening at Freddie’s. It can’t be explained; it’s something you have to experience for yourself.”

So, whether you’re a long-time local or a first-time visitor to Arlington, make sure to stop by Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, enjoy a signature cocktail, and become part of the diverse tapestry that makes Freddie’s an irreplaceable gem in the heart of the community. Follow Freddie’s on Facebook to stay up-to-date on all the latest events and happenings — you won’t want to miss out on the fun!