Whether you’re there to hit the dance floor, grab a drink, or just meet a new queer cutie, Highland Lounge is a perfect hangout spot.
3. Open Thursday-Saturday from 9pm to 2am.
5. Open daily from 2pm to 2am.
4. 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.
The Grotto is the perfect spot for those who want to chill out while enjoying great drinks. Perhaps it’s drag brunch with a heavy helping of Texan sausage, pop diva dancefloor showdowns a la Gaga and Grande, or if kink’s your thing, there’s that too. Trust me, you’ll love it.
7. Open daily from 4pm to 2am.
Tips for Visiting LGBTQ+ Bars in Austin
- Check the bar websites for happy hour specials and upcoming events.
The drinks are great, the energy is high, and it’s the perfect spot to meet new queer friends or just let loose and people watch. Rain is one of the most popular and mainstream gay venues downtown, welcoming a mixed crowd of patrons. Oilcan Harry's
Address: 211 W 4th St, Austin, TX 78701
This bar on Colorado St is a classic gay bar with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
One of the Coconut Complex bars, head up to the rooftop for views over Fourth Street’s rainbow-painted crossing and dance to cool beats from local DJs who spin late into the night. Fancy some eye candy?
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. Look out for Saturday underwear nights, where the dress code needs no explanation.
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Been there, done that? Owned by former Cheer Up Charlie staff, they bring a sprinkle of the tropics to downtown Austin. The RuPaul stars also make regular appearances. On Saturdays, Ritzy Bitz presents ‘The Best Drag Show Ever,’ a high-energy comedic set with plenty of lip-synching and chances to join the stage, and on Sundays, Cupcake and Lady Grackle bring their bingo balls.
However, for those who prefer to keep their garms on, The Iron Bear also hosts excellent drag shows, competitions, and brunches alongside Musical Mondays (another one that needs no explanation) when the happy hour is all night long.
