Gay bar austin
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Open daily from 8pm to 2am.
6. Cheer Up Charlies
Address: 900 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701
This iconic bar on Red River is a staple in the Austin gay scene. Oilcan is confirmed to relocate temporarily during the smash down but will return to its original spot once the 4th’s makeover is complete.
Located directly next door to Oilcan Harry’s, Rain on 4th is Austin’s upscale gay lounge sporting a brilliantly lit dance floor that is always on fire.
Plus, their themed event nights and drag shows add an extra flare to the fun. Don’t miss their signature Kale Lime Margarita, which is tastier than it sounds.
Every town has a gay bar that’s been around longer than most patrons, and Oilcan Harry’s is Austin’s (the bar opened in 1990, making it the oldest in town).
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The scantily clad boys of ATX dance for admirers every Thursday through Saturday from 11pm, and wannabes can strip off on Thursdays for cash prizes.
Padam Padam…Y’all are in selfie heaven when you enter the Neon Grotto, a tunnel of fluorescent lights, brightly colored couches, and strobe lights.
Neon Grotto also hosts excellent drag shows, karaoke fight club, and viewing parties of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
The home of the hirsute Iron Bear is Austin’s bear bar with nightly events geared towards those looking to leave their shirts at home. From drag shows and karaoke to weekly dance parties, there’s always something fun happening.
Let’s worry about Google Maps later. Austin’s still dancing, and you’ll find a small but mighty selection of gay bars to quench whatever y’all are thirsting for. Here are the best gay bars in Austin for queers and their awesome allies to live their best lives.
This guide was updated by Austin-based writer James Wong. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out.
With Fourth Street being bulldozed to make way for luxury apartments, the LGBTQIA+ community has been in limbo in recent years as to when the last hurrah will be. Self-described as "the best dance club for people who don't like to dance", Barbarella often hosts DJs and live music, making it a great spot to dance the night away or sit on the patio for cheap drinks.
Mainstays like Oilcan Harry’s, Rain on 4th, and the Coconut Club, are spilling in glitter, boys, and eyelashes like never before, and you know these queens will keep going till the cranes come in. Think leather, harnesses, and, um, more leather. Open daily from 2pm to 2am.
8. They offer a great selection of beer and cocktails and have a spacious patio perfect for people-watching.
This is also the top spot for drag, where local talent congregates. Grab a great deal on your hotel stay when you book via GayMapper!
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Owned by former Cheer Up Charlie staff, they bring a sprinkle of the tropics to downtown Austin. Open daily from 4pm to 2am.