Secret Pleasures Boutique

My wife and I took the oral methods class last night and the kissing class last summer. These people are amazing and the classes were empowering. They really know their stuff and present it all in a relaxed atmosphere. They are also great in answering all questions that come up – and believe me there are many. We will be attending all of the classes that we can make it to in the future. We have been married for 25 years. The tips, techniques, and knowledge we now have will allow us to have another awesome 25 years together! Thank you Secret Pleasures – we are spreading the word to our friends and as a result hope to save many marriages that would have otherwise failed due to boredom. Best, ATB

Knowledgable staff, high quality product, reasonable prices. This place as a decent variety of products and is worth the stop in if your in the market for some new fun;)

Minimal inventory geared almost exclusively to the female amateur/​beginner «50 Shades of Grey» titillation– with the exception of the unisex d-​do.
Men will find a dismal choice of c-​rings and a couple of boxed underwear with a male porn star model on the packaging, condoms and a choice or three of lube.
No well seasoned– well learned professional kink, fetish, S&M gear or supplies here.
No fetish wear for men– maybe a fuzzy bra for her, to match her fuzzy handcuffs.
BDSM second floor was so bare I became bored and began to notice the cool architecture thinking it would make a cool apartment.
Nothing much going on here but the rent.
I’ve seen gay men with linen closets that have more sex toys and gadgets in them than is available here.
In regard to the posters wanting to return sex toys and sex supplies– Are you kidding? Who in their right mind would shop at a business that returns sex toys? The very thought that there are people that think they should be able to return sex toys to a business is mind blowing.
Absolutely grotesque!- Come on people!- Come on «ladies». Unbelievable.

Absolutely love this place. Not because I’m a big sex fan or their selection is super amazing. But more so because of the staff. The woman was wonderful and helped me with all my «green» questions. As I’m new to exploration of sex. They had books and knowledge worth accepting.
I ended up with a vibrator that we talked about and a throw away cock ring.
Good shop, good knowledge.
SMILE!

Wish they had a wider variety. Beware they do not accept returns. Purchased a toy that I turned out not to like. It was $ 90. Found the same toy on Amazon for $ 53 free shipping and returns. I’d say the woman who helped us the most was moderately helpful, though very knowledgeable if you know what you’re looking for. Everything we purchased was grossly overpriced.

if you’re queer, a feminist, and/​or a fan of small, thoughtful businesses, than Secret Pleasures if the sort of establishment you should be patronizing. Housed inside two floors on a multi floored home that looks like it was built in the 1910s, the layout here is aesthetically pleasing. The butt plugs, dildos, vibrators, and other sex toys, which come in a variety of materials, ranging from plastics to silicon to breathtaking handblown glass, all look inviting instead of intimidating. As a wise consumer, and an environmentalist, I also appreciate how a list of the materials found in the products is listed on tags and print-​outs found throughout the store. Even the upstairs section, which features BDSM items, such as handcuffs, cock restrainers, and whips, many of which made of real leather (although I am sure that vegan alternatives would be available at an establishment like Secret Pleasures), felt courteously displayed, and navigable, even to complete kink novices, or those prone to embarrassment. In fact, it is the details, as well as the quality of the products that are sold at Secret Pleasures that make me such a fan. Features such as charts explaining which types of condoms and toys are compatible and incompatible with what types of lubricants, are highly convenient, and save consumers a lot of worry about how to best use the accouterments they purchase. I also appreciate the feminist porn films by auteurs such as Tristan Taormino, as opposed to the usual misogynist dreck found at typical sex shops, and the instructional books, and Cleis Press published compilation books by the likes of Rachel Kramer Bussel, found on their shelves. Choosing to sell items that cater towards feminist and feminist friendly customers, as well as shy novices looking to plunge into an exciting, but sometimes overwhelming world of sexual exploration, sets Secret Pleasures apart from stereotypical shady, sleazy smut shops. So far I have also attended a presentation by the transmale erotic actor, activist, and icon, Buck Angel, also held in the upstairs BDSM area, at Secret Pleasures, and plan on attending more events. Much like the philosophically similar establishments of Babeland in New York, and Good Vibrations in San Francisco, SP offer a sizable amount of educational courses on such topics as oral sex, rope bondage, and sensual message hosted by their sex educators, as well as workshops and lectures by such presenters as Ms. Kramer Bussel. So far my only complaint about Secret Pleasures has been that sometimes I will read about both new or classic/​older adult films, erotica or instructional books, magazines, or toys, and will be disappointed that SP does not carry the said item. I would rather patronize a locally owned institution that adheres to my values as SP, than
, so I am sometimes unhappy if I must acquire such an item elsewhere (although luckily Babeland, Good Vibrations, or another feminist and queer friendly sex shop may carry it). Similarly, I would like to see cages, slings, St. Andrew’s Crosses, and other, larger pieces of furniture for advanced BDSM play readily available in their store. Nevertheless, despite these minor complaints, I am very happy with Secret Pleasures, and I am more than glad that D.C. has such a business.

Great knowledgeable staff and clean environment.

Went in here today and the two young ladies that helped me were very friendly. Immediately when I walked in, I felt welcomed. They greeted me with a warm smile. The place is set up really nice with books, toys, and lingeire. I was really impressed! I am satisfied with the product that I got. This place is near U street metro u have to walk up three blocks to get to it.

Definitely not appreciated that they don’t make their no-​returns policy clear at the time of purchase, even for unopened, unused merchandise. Not cool for an overpriced boutique store! The selection is good, however.

Secret Pleasures is, without any doubt, the very finest sex toy store in all of Washington, DC. It’s easily among my favourite five sexuality boutiques in North America, all of which are pretty much tied for the #1 spot. Here is why I love this store so much:
1. It’s flippin’ gorgeous inside! It’s classy, welcoming, tasteful without being prissy, fun to explore, romantic, and beautiful. Check out the pictures for yourself. It’s like walking into the sex boutique version of a luxury victorian B&B. You have to see it.
2. They provide customers with the information necessary to make great purchases that will work for us. The staff are actually trained sexuality educators and know their stuff, plus they are helpful without being pushy or badgering (they can take a hint and leave you alone, or be as helpful as you like). Plus they have this «education station» full of written info, if you’d rather look stuff up and read it for yourself.
3. They carry HEALTHY adult toys and stuff. Did you know that the cheap toys and lubes at mainstream sex stores (and websites) often contain stuff that is linked to cancer, bladder infections, yeast infections, tears in your vagina or anus, etc. I’m not kidding, there is published research on these dangerous chemicals and some have been banned in many countries. Don’t risk it — let your fun be fun and invest in healthy, happy, sex stuff.
4. In spite of carrying higher quality things, it’s clear that make an effort to have stuff here for a wide variety of prices.
5. DOZENS of kinds of lubes! YAAAY!
6. A whole floor of kink and leather gear! That’s right, you’ll find something awesome if you’re inspired by 50 Shades, or if you’re going to secret dungeon parties every weekend. They really have stuff for all levels, and even have staff with significant leather and kink experience (she is a recognized local presenter, etc.). But that said, it’s on the second floor so if you don’t want to mingle with that stuff you don’t have to.
7. Great books, lots of types of sex toys (yes, including rabbits), fun educational DVDs to follow along at home, big liberator cushions for new positions, etc.
8. They put your purchase in a little black plastic shopping bag with no logo that isn’t see through — very respectful.
9. Excellent workshops, all of which are held upstairs so the people shopping aren’t walking through. They have excellent workshop leaders there and a whole range of topics. Worth going to!
10. If you are just too shy to go in, they also have an online store.
Note: Store entry is up about 6 steps, due to being in an old building. It is not handicap accessible. I spoke to them about whether they’re working on other options, and I believe them when they said that they’re working on trying to figure out how to deal with this issue. They asked for any ideas I might have right away. There is no restroom there for customers.

I love that all of the staff are certified sex educators — great selection and we didn’t even go up to the bdsm floor.

Like a mini Good Vibrations (San Francisco’s heralded sex shop) in DC! This is a really cute, clean, organized, sex-​positive sexytime boutique up a few stairs in one of U Street’s rowhouse shops. The staff (ladies, when I was in) are available to answer any of your questions, but also hang back and give you privacy to peruse if you don’t have any questions or if you’re feeling awkward. Which you shouldn’t, because they’re totally chill and down to answer personal questions without blinking an eye.
They have tame gifty stuff like soaps and lotions and candles and oils, instructional books and literotica, bachelorette trinkets, games for parties and couples, some lingerie and costume items, billions of vibes and other standard bedroom toys, BDSM and other kink items, and lots more. They can really fit a lot into a small space! (That’s what she said.)
And as other’s have noted, make sure you use your check-​in offer for a discount, or free sample, or whatever they have going at the moment!

I LOVED LOVED LOVED this place… Great service! Attention to detail! ALL OF THE HOT ITEMS… I just wished they had a little more variety in terms of items and prices…

DC doesn’t have a lot of shops like this, at least that I think are very good or that I would actually want to go into. This surprises me. But anyway, I found this place on Unilocal and decided to check it out. It’s pretty small but the staff (two women) were great and they had a little bit of everything. I think it’s on the pricey side, although at least for the things I know, the prices weren’t double what you’d find online. They were more, but that’s generally true with bricks and mortar vs. online. I liked this shop, it was sort of out of the way for me and I have to go there right after work («sorry boss, I have ‘errands’ to run») to catch it open during the week, but I liked it.

I now understand better why so few sex stores still exist. This one carries some higher-​end vibrators, but at double the prices you will find online, with much less selection. They have a very modest selection of all the different products you’d expect, with the added complication that you have to be seen in this kind of store.

Stopped by to pick up some goodies for a friend’s bachelorette party this weekend. Although small, the boutique had a good selection to choose from (oils, lubes, candles, games, lingerie, bondage items, bachelorette party goodies, etc., etc.). I liked how the two ladies working offered assistance when needed and weren’t pushy or overbearing. I left with a few items I’m sure my friend will enjoying for her honeymoon.
FYI-don’t forget to check-​in on Unilocal to get your free sample!

I really like Secret Pleasures. I felt totally comfortable and the friendly staff was definitely willing to share favorite items and advice, which is much appreciated. It is small, but unless you are looking for something super specific, I would imagine you’d be able to find what you need here. The BDSM section had some great picks. Plus, you get a free sample for checking in on Unilocal or Foursquare, so that was nice.

this is the only halfway decent «adult novelty» store in the District of Columbia. there is no competition. if you’re looking for anything other than, like, penis-​shaped pasta for your bachelorette party, this is where you should come.
it’s small, but VERY well-​stocked. they’ve got a little bit of everything: lots of toys, some lingerie, a few books and DVDs, a tiny penis-​shaped-​pasta-​type section, and even a decent-​sized BDSM department! and the $ 20-​for-​$ 10 Unilocal deal can’t be beat. sex toys are expensive, so take advantage of that.
don’t even bother with the Pleasure Place or that Night Dreams joint out in Bethesda. this, as far as I’m concerned, is the end-​all be-​all of respectable adult toy establishments in our stuffy old city.

Friendly, approachable and knowledgeable staff with a respectable assortment of toys and accessories. I live in the neighborhood and have shopped at Secret Pleasures on occasion. When I was planning a silent auction for charity in May, I asked the manager if she would be willing to donate a gift card for the auction. She generously obliged. I was impressed at their desire to support the community and it definitely kicked them up a couple notches in my book. I will be back for sure.

I had to find a gift for a friend’s birthday and stumbled across this lil’ gem on U Street. The girl working the front desk was so sweet and helpful. I even wanted to host my friend’s party at the location which I should have since you can host parties here for like 50 bucks! I believe they opened in October of 2009, so give them a minute to set up their inventory, work out any kinks etc. They also have a nice website if you don’t want to purchase items in-​store. Really cute place. Did I mention the bags were adorable and inconspicuous with cute tissue paper like any boutique should have!
I will be going here for all my bachelorette party and birthday needs. If they start serving bubbly, i would find a way to add a sixth star lol