Austin gay bars- downtown

Home / gay topics / Austin gay bars- downtown

Fancy some eye candy? 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). Whether you're looking for a dance club to let loose, a bar to enjoy a drink with friends, or a lounge for a more relaxed evening, you'll find it all in Austin, TX.

Download Lex to connect with LGBTQ+ friends and queer community in Austin.

The Top 8 LGBTQ+ Bars in Austin

1.

There are actually six bars in total, so you need not worry about being caught in line all night, and if you are, then the go-go boys will surely keep everyone entertained.
It hosts nightly free or donation-based shows featuring local and touring acts and drag extravaganzas. Red River St Karaoke at Swan Dive

Address: 615 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701

If you're in Austin, you have to hit up Red River St Karaoke at Swan Dive. Look out for Saturday underwear nights, where the dress code needs no explanation.

Plus, their themed event nights and drag shows add an extra flare to the fun. Think again, my friend.

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

🙌
Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing!

The drag here is worth a whirl; it is a staple hangout of local gal Basura and her friends, who turn up for fun times such as drag karaoke and pride pageants. (The bars keep having ‘farewell parties’, but they’re like Cher tours and they keep coming back.)

The good news is that relocation is in the works, so they needn’t head to the breweries yet (phew).

Open daily from 4pm to 2am.

2. From the iconic Cheer Up Charlies on Red River with its drag shows and themed events, to the relaxed vibes of Iron Bear on Colorado St, there's a bar, or dance floor, for every mood.
Dance the night away at Barbarella on 4th St, a popular gay club with a pulsating dance floor and late-night entertainment.

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 open-air rooftop lounge has a dancefloor laden with twinkly disco lights, and you’ll find it packed to the edges on weekends. Every Tuesday of the week Barbarella hosts TUEZGAYZ, a local LGBTQ+ tradition, where they blast the best gay anthems all night long.

Open daily from 8pm to 2am.
6. 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. Really. With a diverse range of lesbian and gay bars and nightclubs, there's something for everyone in this queer-friendly city.

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. Think again, my friend.

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.