community
Mr. Henry’s celebrates 60 years of proud inclusivity
By Evan Caplan at Washington Blade
· July 9, 2026
· 4 min read
America’s 250th isn’t the only milestone birthday D.C. is celebrating this year. Beloved D.C. restaurant Mr. Henry’s, that Capitol Hill staple, celebrates its Diamond Jubilee all year long. Named for its original owner Henry Yaffe, the restaurant opened on a warm day 60 years ago in the summer of 19
Key takeaway Named for its original owner Henry Yaffe, the restaurant opened on a warm day 60 years ago in the summer of 1966 and has never looked back.
Why this matters
Mr. Henry's 60-year milestone highlights the significance of inclusive spaces in the LGBTQ+ community, particularly in a city like Washington D.C. where national politics and policies often intersect with local culture. The restaurant's enduring presence as a welcoming venue for people of all backgrounds is a testament to the vision of its founder, Henry Yaffe, who sought to create a safe and inclusive environment in 1966, a time when such spaces were rare. As the national landscape for LGBTQ+ rights continues to evolve, establishments like Mr. Henry's play a crucial role in fostering a sense of community and belonging, especially in the face of ongoing challenges and uncertainties. The fact that Mr. Henry's has been able to adapt and thrive over the years, hosting a wide range of events and patrons, speaks to the power of intentional inclusivity and the importance of preserving such spaces for future generations.
About this story
Original reporting by Washington Blade . LGBTQ News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: community ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: Washington Blade ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? America’s 250th isn’t the only milestone birthday D.C. is celebrating this year. Beloved D.C. restaurant Mr. Henry’s, that Capitol Hill staple, celebrates its Diamond Jubilee all year long. Named for its original owner Henry Yaffe, the restaurant opened on a warm day 60 years ago in the summer of 19
When was this published? This article was first published on July 9, 2026 by Washington Blade and curated for LGBTQ News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Evan Caplan at Washington Blade. To learn more about how LGBTQ News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more community coverage from LGBTQ News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .