9 Best Gay Bars In Austin Texas (2023)

9 Best Gay Bars In Austin Texas (1)

Happy Pride Month 🏳️‍🌈! Austin is one of the most gay-friendly cities in Texas and supportive of the LGBTQIA+ community. The gay nightlife in Austin is also unmatched as you can find various gay bars and clubs in the city.

SEE ALSO:2022 Ultimate Guide To Austin Bachelorette Parties

From dance clubs to drag shows to watering holes, here are the best gay bars in Austin Texas.

While the Pride Parade is postponed this year, Austin Prideis August 20, 2022 at 8:00 pm

9 Best Gay Bars In Austin Texas (2)

Table of Contents

(Video) Best Gay bar in Austin

1. Cheer Up Charlies

Featuring drag shows, live music, dancing and other activities, Cheer Up Charlies is one of the top gay bars in Austin. A huge crowd from the city joins in on the fun that the lesbian owners of the bar have set out. The nightclub has an amazing outdoor patio featuring live music, making it a great place for the LGBTQIA+ community to socialize. The bar showcases an amazing colorful décor featuring emojis and rainbow neon signs. At the bar, you will also find plenty of drinks as well as vegan food truck Arlo’s, kombucha, cocktails, beers, etc. Check out their event’s calendar for programming.

900 Red River St, cheerupcharlies.com

9 Best Gay Bars In Austin Texas (3)

2. Coconut Club

Located next to other gay bars on 4th St near the Colorado River, Coconut Club is also a favorite among the gay community. The open-air rooftop lounge features a modest-sized dance floor decorated with disco lights and other fun décor elements. Owned by the former employees of Cheer Up Charlies, the gay bar is especially popular for its carefree environment and the packed dance floor. So if you’re looking to dance your heart out, Coconut Club is the place to go.

It is a place that focuses more on having a good time than anything else. So just get drunk, dance, and socialize.

310B Colorado St

3. Oilcan Harry’s

Oilcan Harry’s or commonly called OCH is the OG gay bar in Austin on 4th street. It’s a popular landmark for gay parties and fun contests. As soon as you enter the bar, a few drag queens will welcome you in with a big dance floor waiting for you.
Opened in the 1990s before being openly gay was not normal, Oilcan Harry hosts weekly drag shows and other themed parties. If you get lucky, you might also find yourself there at Karaoke night.

Some special events also take place at various festivals. For instance, Wednesdays are for 80s-themed nights, whereas Fridays host male strip contests.

211 W 4th St, oilcanharrys.com

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9 Best Gay Bars In Austin Texas (4)

4. Rain on 4th

You can expect a wide variety of events and activities happening at Rain in 4th in the Austin gay Warehouse district. As one of the best gay bars in the city, it always has something fun going on for its visitors. The dance floor is epic, and you are bound to make some amazing friends among the drag queens.

Rain is a popular gay LGBTQ bar in downtown Austin that draws a huge crowd on all open days, and you might also find your friends from your state at this club. This is because the crowds are a blend of both locals and visiting tourists from around the country.
Make sure to visit any of their exceptional themed parties that include drag, karaoke, or bingo.

217 W 4th St, rainon4th.com

9 Best Gay Bars In Austin Texas (5)

5. The Iron Bear

The name ‘The Iron Bear’ may sound a bit intimidating, but that is not the case. In fact, it is one of those gay bars that have the most fun, welcoming environment for people with all types of bodies and belonging to any group or community.
Not to mention, the food at The Iron Bear is also incredible and worth giving the gay bar on Sixth Street a visit. If you’re planning to visit for a special event at the bar, make sure you walk in a little early to have some fantastic dinner.

Running for over 10 years, The Iron Bear holds many events such as drag performances, DJ parties, Karaoke nights, pool, tables, daily happy hour, and underwear nights, etc.

301 West 6th Street, theironbear.com

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9 Best Gay Bars In Austin Texas (6)

6. Barbarella

Barbarella may be the only dance club labeled as the ‘dance club for people who don’t like dance clubs.’ So if you know a friend who does not already like dance floors, make sure to take them along to Barbarella. Barbarella is a multi-floor club and video bar that easily has a nightclub spirit. Make sure to visit with your friends or alone if you’re looking to spend the entire night partying in Texas.

Tuesday is the most popular themed party at Barbarella, which happens every Tuesday. It is just the right activity for you if you enjoy pop, electro, and indie music.

611 Red River St,

7. Neon Grotto

As you would expect from the name, Neon Grotto is definitely a neon galore nightclub bar and popular Austin gay bar. You will find Neon Grotto right next to Coconut Club, so you can easily visit both the bars one after another and have a night of fun.

Neon Grotto features an incredible rooftop dance floor that all its regular visitors love. The neon signs and sexy pink couches offer a great opportunity to get those insta-worthy selfies.

318 Colorado St

9 Best Gay Bars In Austin Texas (7)

8. Highland Lounge

While marketed as an upscale lounge, the name is quite deceptive for the simple reason that Highland is no lounge.
In fact, it is a multi-level gay bar that lets you let down your hair and party. So, don’t let the bottle service and furnishing fool you into thinking that you can’t dance and party at Highland. Rather, it is the perfect nightclub in Austin, Texas, if you enjoy clubs with huge crowds, shirtless bartenders, and dance parties.

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Not to mention, some of the cocktails are really to die for. Featuring a light, twerk, and drag shows, the club is only open from Friday to Sunday. See upcoming events here.

404 Colorado St, highlandlounge.com

9. Violet Crown Social Club

Violet Crown Social Club is arguably the premier lesbian bar in Austin. The best thing about this nightclub is its exterior and interior design. After all, who would be able to resist a red barn-looking club that has an iconic crown painted on one of its sides?

The east-side lounge has everything that makes an iconic gay bar, from the best food to impressive interiors and beyond. Many people prefer visiting the club for its Detroit-style pizza and Orange Whips from the popular 313 food truck there.
You will also find an outdoor patio, benches, and tables to socialize with fellow gays and queers. Not to mention, the friendly staff also plays a huge role in helping you have the best night of your life.

1111 E 6th St

SEE ALSO:East Austin Neighborhood Guide (Updated For 2022)

10. Sellers Underground

Sellers Underground may be a popular modern-day gay bar, but it is best known for its killer 70s vibe. The Fourth Street gay club has been serving the LGBTQIA+ community with the best nights for four years now, and no visitor ever leaves disappointed.

If you’re ready to get drunk and have some fun, Sellers Underground is the place to visit. The subterranean dance floor is popular for its packed yet incredibly fun dance floors as well as the rotating drag shows. The Lesbutante and the Boss’ Monthly Ladies’ Night is one of the most popular parties here.

213 W 4th St,

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FAQs

What street is the gay Street in Austin? ›

Much of Austin's gay nightlife scene is clustered around 4th Street. LGBT activism groups Atticus Circle and Equality Texas are headquartered in Austin.

Where is the gay neighborhood in Austin? ›

Prior to the opening of the gay-owned Hotel San Jose (have a frosé and people watch by the pool), the streets around South Congress Avenue were not known for very much. Now the area is beloved by locals and visitors alike-with a wide range of restaurants, shops and people dotting South Congress Avenue.

Does Austin have gay bars? ›

Austin is one of the most gay-friendly cities in Texas and supportive of the LGBTQIA+ community. The gay nightlife in Austin is also unmatched as you can find various gay bars and clubs in the city. From dance clubs to drag shows to watering holes, here are the best gay bars in Austin Texas.

What is the main party street in Austin? ›

Sixth Street is distinctly Austin. With its colorful and bustling array of bars, restaurants and entertainment venues, it's a sure bet for experiencing local characters and the vibrancy of the city.

What is the dirty 6 in Austin? ›

Old 6th Street, sometimes fondly known as Dirty 6th, is the original entertainment section of the street including those venues between Congress Avenue (to the west) and I-35 (to the East).

Which side is dirty 6th Austin? ›

Coined the "original" night district in the city, "Dirty 6th," or the portion of East 6th that is west of I-35, has been a Friday night standard since Austin was just a sleepy college town and is often compared to Bourbon Street in New Orleans.

Does Austin have a large gay community? ›

Currently, 5.9 percent of the city's population identifies as LGBT, making it third in terms of large metropolitan areas in the United States, behind Portland and San Francisco. In real terms, this means that there are somewhere between 100,000 and 118,000 LGBT people in Austin and the surrounding areas.

Where do single men go in Austin? ›

To give you a head start, we've narrowed down the most friendly, social spots in town where you're likely to bump into someone new.
...
Best Austin bars for singles
  • Native Hostel. Hotels. ...
  • AFS Cinema. Things to do. ...
  • Group Therapy. ...
  • Small Victory. ...
  • The Roosevelt Room. ...
  • Whisler's. ...
  • Austin Eastciders. ...
  • Nickel City.
10 Mar 2022

What is the oldest gay bar in Texas? ›

Robert's Lafitte is Galveston's original drag show bar, and the oldest LGBT bar in the state of Texas owned by the same owner Robert "The Mouth" Mainor!

Can you be shirtless in Austin? ›

Going clothes-free in public is a quick way to get slapped with an indecent exposure charge. Adults simply walking around nude in Texas are considered to be committing indecent exposure in most cases. Texas law says the crime consists of exposing any part of one's genitals or anus to another in order to arouse them.

How much does a PI cost in Austin? ›

The price range for these services in Austin, TX may range from $375-$2500 or higher depending on depth of service requested by the client.

Is Austin good for single men? ›

If you're single, Austin reigns as one of the best U.S. cities in which to mingle in hopes of finding a new love. Personal finance website WalletHub ranks Austin fifth best for singles among more than 180 cities.

What part of Austin has the best nightlife? ›

1. Downtown Austin. Known for its legendary music scene, Downtown is arguably the one-stop-shop for Austin nightlife — no matter what type of music, venue, or experience you're looking for!

Where is the party scene in Austin? ›

Likely Texas' best known street, the seven block's of 6th Street between Congress and IH 35 are certainly Austin's entertainment center. With a little help from it's many like-minded sister streets, 6th Street is the heart of Austin's live entertainment scene and the capital of third coast music.

Where do famous people hang out in Austin? ›

To help you prepare for the inevitable sighting, here are 12 of the best places in Austin to spot celebs during the festival.
  • Austin Convention Center. An obvious selection, but an important one. ...
  • Dirty Sixth Street. ...
  • Moonshine. ...
  • Franklin Barbecue. ...
  • Whole Foods Market. ...
  • W Austin Hotel. ...
  • The Townsend. ...
  • Four Seasons Lobby Lounge.
10 Mar 2016

Why does it stink in Austin? ›

The odor from the oil fields can be smelled in the area when the south winds return after a cold, still night. The sulfur smell collects at the ground instead of dissipating like normal, so in the morning the wind brings up the smell and it spreads across the city, AFD says.

Why is 6th Street Austin closed? ›

The city doesn't plan to open Sixth Street to cars on weekends, according to a memo sent Monday by Austin Police and city leaders to the mayor and City Council. The idea was suggested after a mass shooting in June left one person dead and dozens injured in the downtown bar district.

Is there a dress code for 6th Street Austin? ›

No dress code, the atmosphere is rather “electric”… and have fun!

Are there Bloods in Austin? ›

Bloods (multiple sets) and Tangos (Austin and Orejon) had the highest number of arrests for homicide and sexual assault (inc. aggravated).” Austin Police document gang members in the city using the state's Code of Criminal Procedure.

What does Q2 mean in Austin TX? ›

On August 19, 2019, a site plan for the Austin FC stadium in North Austin was approved by the city of Austin, Texas. In January 2021, Austin FC entered a naming rights partnership with Q2 Holdings, a local online banking provider, resulting in the stadium formally being named Q2 Stadium on January 25, 2021.

What is the famous street in Austin? ›

Sixth Street is a party steeped in history. A destination for locals and tourists alike, the rollicking bars, live music venues and fabulous restaurants have seen a lot over the years, and they all have a story to tell.

Where is the largest gay community in Texas? ›

Houston has a large and diverse LGBT population and is home to the 4th largest gay pride parade in the nation. Houston has the largest LGBT population of any city in the state of Texas.

Where do the wealthy men hang out in Austin? ›

Steiner Ranch is the wealthiest ZIP code in the Austin metro area, according to a recent study. If you want to find where the richest people in the Austin area live, zip on over to Steiner Ranch in West Austin.

How do I get a hookup in Austin? ›

Our favorite spots to find Austin hookups
  1. Drinks Lounge is one of the best clubs to get laid in Austin.
  2. AFF is the easiest way to find a hookup we've found (try it free)
  3. Crown & Anchor Pub has lots of single girls looking to meet guys.
  4. Seven Grand has an extensive whiskey collection to enjoy.
14 Sept 2022

What is the male to female ratio in Austin? ›

Austin, TX Demographic Statistics
NumberPercent
Male261,58339.8
Female247,43137.7
21 years and over465,69770.9
62 years and over52,5108.0
116 more rows

What was the first gay bar called? ›

The very first gay bar in Europe and probably in the world was the Zanzibar in Cannes on the French Riviera. The Zanzibar was opened in 1885 and existed for 125 years, before it was closed in December 2010.

What is the oldest gay bar in America? ›

Cafe Lafitte in Exile is a bar in New Orleans' French Quarter that has operated continuously since 1933. It claims to be the oldest continuously operating gay bar in the United States (along with White Horse Inn in Oakland, California which has also operated since 1933).

What is the oldest bar in Austin? ›

Austin – Across the Lone Star State there are roughly 8,000 bars but one of them has one heck of title. With over 150 years of history, Scholz Garten in Austin claims to be the oldest bar in Texas but that's not the only reason you'll want to raise a big ol' stein!

Can you walk around Austin with alcohol? ›

Effectively, yes, KUT reports. An Austin police officer told the station that city law does in fact allow for residents to walk around with an open container in “most neighborhoods.”

Can you smoke in public in Austin? ›

The Smoking Ordinance prohibits smoking in most public places and work places unless listed as an exception in the Smoking Ordinance. The Environmental Health program is responsible for enforcement of Austin's Smoking in Public Places and Minor's Access to Tobacco ordinances.

Do the bats come out every night in Austin? ›

Each night from around mid-March to early November, the Austin Bats emerge from under the bridge to blanket the sky as they head out to forage for food.

How do I hire a spy? ›

Read on to learn the best tips for hiring a private investigator.
  1. Request an In-Person Meeting. ...
  2. Ask to See Their Private Investigator License. ...
  3. Check for Insurance. ...
  4. Ask About Qualifications and Experience. ...
  5. They Should Engage With Professional Organizations. ...
  6. Get Testimonials & References. ...
  7. Ask to See a Work Sample.

Is it legal to hire a private investigator in Texas? ›

At a minimum, the investigator should have a Class A (investigatons only) or a Class C (investigations or security) license from the Texas Department of Public Safety- Private Security Board.

How much is a PI for a week? ›

How much do private investigators cost? On average, private investigators charge $105 per hour. Most people pay between $99 and $150 per hour for private investigation services.

What salary do you need to live in Austin? ›

Typical Expenses
1 ADULT
0 Children1 Child
Required annual income after taxes$26,982$54,927
Annual taxes$4,374$8,905
Required annual income before taxes$31,357$63,832
7 more rows

What percent white is Austin? ›

Table
Population
Persons 65 years and over, percent 9.4%
Female persons, percent 49.2%
Race and Hispanic Origin
White alone, percent 69.4%
54 more rows

What is a livable salary in Austin Texas? ›

In Austin, the study found that a single adult would need to be making $55,186 after taxes. If you were in a couple and only 1 adult worked, you would need to make $87,314. The income increases per child and per partner situation.

Is Rainey Street better than 6th Street? ›

If you're not into the overly boozy atmosphere that is Sixth Street, Rainey Street is a much better option. Locals and visitors come here to kick back, have fun, and soak in the live music Austin is famous for, with quality food and drinks.

What is the best side of Austin? ›

South Congress is possibly the best-known neighborhood in Austin—they call it SoCo. It's filled with locally-founded boutique stores, shops, diners, coffeehouses, and bars. California-style food trucks started in this area of town and spread all over Austin quickly after.

What is the biggest party city in Texas? ›

Texas Nightlife: Austin. Austin, or the party hub of Texas, hides experiences for all kinds of night crawlers ranging from music fanatics to dance lovers to foodies.

What are the hot spots in Austin? ›

Top Attractions in Austin
  • Texas State Capitol. 7,948. Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings. ...
  • Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail. 2,727. ...
  • Barton Springs Pool. 2,765. ...
  • Mount Bonnell. 1,631. ...
  • LBJ Presidential Library. 3,462. ...
  • Bullock Texas State History Museum. 2,751. ...
  • The Driskill. 1,835. ...
  • Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Watching. 4,151.

Where is Sandra Bullock's home in Austin? ›

Sandra Bullock actually owns a few properties around town with her main residence being a large 5,000-square-foot home located off of Lake Austin. She first came to the city back in 1998 to film the romcom “Hope Floats,” which was partially filmed Austin, and ended up putting down some more permanent roots.

Where are cougars in Austin? ›

Best Cougar Dens Near Me in Austin, TX
  • Sponsored Result.
  • Topgolf. 9.2 mi. 824 reviews. ...
  • All "Cougar Dens" Results in Austin, TX. Showing 1-10 of 10.
  • The Grove Wine Bar & Kitchen. 4.5 mi. 584 reviews. ...
  • Shangri-La. 3.2 mi. 315 reviews. ...
  • Cedar Street Courtyard. 2.7 mi. ...
  • Steiner Ranch Steakhouse. 9.0 mi. ...
  • Cherrywood Coffeehouse. 2.6 mi.

What is 6th Street in Austin known for? ›

Sixth Street is a party steeped in history. A destination for locals and tourists alike, the rollicking bars, live music venues and fabulous restaurants have seen a lot over the years, and they all have a story to tell.

What is Rainey Street Austin known for? ›

Once a sleepy residential area, the Rainey Street district has become an entertainment hot spot of bungalows-turned-bars, high-end hotels and live music venues in a tucked-away corner of Downtown Austin.

Where are the party streets in Austin? ›

Likely Texas' best known street, the seven block's of 6th Street between Congress and IH 35 are certainly Austin's entertainment center. With a little help from it's many like-minded sister streets, 6th Street is the heart of Austin's live entertainment scene and the capital of third coast music.

Is Rainey Street or 6th Street better? ›

If you're not into the overly boozy atmosphere that is Sixth Street, Rainey Street is a much better option. Locals and visitors come here to kick back, have fun, and soak in the live music Austin is famous for, with quality food and drinks.

Where does the older crowd hang out in Austin? ›

West Sixth Street

Often referred to as the "Market District," this district is Sixth Street fun with the more mature crowd.

What is the cool neighborhood in Austin? ›

Downtown. The heart of Austin beats in the Downtown area, home to live music venues, historic theaters, museums and trendy 2nd Street District boutiques. Find hotels in Downtown Austin. Rows of cute bungalows have been transformed into Rainey Street, a lively scene of restaurants, bars and food trucks.

What is the most popular street in Austin? ›

Sixth Street (Austin, Texas)
Sixth Street Historic District
U.S. Historic district
Historic buildings lining Sixth Street
Wikimedia | © OpenStreetMap
LocationRoughly bounded by 5th, 7th, Lavaca Streets and I-35, Austin, Texas
9 more rows

What drink is Austin famous for? ›

Mexican martini is Austin's most famous drink, and here's the recipe.

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