Trade

Tonight Mar 14 2026 I had one of the most disrespectful experiences I’ve had at a bar in Washington, DC. I was at Trade, a place that claims to be welcoming and inclusive. The bar was extremely crowded. A security guard came behind me and asked me to move. I was already trying to make space when he repeated the request again — this time in an aggressive tone. All I said was: “Can you give me a moment to move?” For simply asking for a second to step aside in a packed bar, I was immediately told to leave. Let that sink in. Not for being drunk. Not for causing a scene. Not for being disrespectful. Simply for asking for a moment to move in a crowded space. What made the situation even more frustrating was speaking with the manager afterward. I explained what had happened, hoping for some level of accountability or concern. The response I received was simply: “Ok… sorry.” That was it. No attempt to understand the situation. No real explanation. No effort to handle it professionally. Being treated this way in a place that markets itself as a welcoming community space is extremely disappointing. Respect should go both ways — especially from staff whose job is to manage situations calmly and professionally. Experiences like this should not happen.

The bar's security staff is extremely disrespectful, and the manager doesn't care. My friend was treated like trash yesterday at the bar despite being sober and celebrating his birthday. He was kicked out by two bouncers simply because he couldn't move out of the way the instant one of them asked to pass; they didn't even wait five seconds for him to step aside before they started acting completely rude and demanding that he leave the bar.

I spent a nice time inside but as soon as I headed towards the exit I realized my friend was missing. I took one step outside, When I went to turn back in to find him a man grabbed the back of my jacket and thrusted me around saying “show your id!”. I understand that you want to follow rules but putting your hands on a customer in that regard is extremely disrespectful and I was so shaken I will not be returning.

Fun spot - great atmosphere, good service and good drinks! I’ll be back!

Layout is great, staff is friendly and drinks are good. The main issue is this nasty air freshener they pump through. It’s still all I can smell the next morning. It’s like a hotel lobby times 50 just assaulting the senses. I had an allergy attack and needed to spend most of the evening outside in the freezing smoker’s area, which frankly smelled better than the bar.