Houston is house to a dynamic and storied queer historical past, which is smart when you think about that the town is house to the biggest LGBTQ+ inhabitants in Texas. Montrose is the unofficial “gayborhood” of Houston, and it has been on the nexus of queer tradition within the metropolis, in addition to the state at giant, for the reason that ’60s. Right now, the neighborhood nonetheless retains its hallowed standing as Houston’s premier LGBTQ+ stomping floor, and that’s largely due to the assortment of each historic and new homosexual bars within the neighborhood and its surrounding areas.
Barcode
montrose
Houston has many LGBTQ+ bars, but it surely solely has one that’s absolutely devoted to tug. Whereas Barcode has had many names over its 50-year historical past, it has remained one of many high spots on the town to observe drag performances. Barcode usually hosts modern-style drag exhibits, full with all of the acrobatics you’ll see in your common episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race. It’s additionally house to old fashioned–model exhibits the place it’s all concerning the artwork of phantasm. Native drag legend and celebrated Tina Turner impersonator Roxanne Collins hosts a number of the greatest and hottest exhibits at Barcode, so take into account stopping by on Friday or Saturday for a type of.
Crocker Bar
montrose
In the event you’re searching for the stiffest drink on the town, Crocker Bar is the spot for you. The Montrose staple is understood for its chill environment, its wraparound patio, its darkish and moodily lit inside, and its killer DJ music. It’s a terrific spot for these searching for a breezy joyful hour expertise or an area to let free by way of some late-night dancing. Crocker Bar’s handy location within the coronary heart of the town’s gayborhood additionally supplies patrons with quick access to a number of of the realm’s different nice LGBTQ+ bars. Come for the vigorous environment, and keep for the aptly named photographs, just like the Blue Ball and the Mexican Sweet.
Eagle Houston
montrose
In some ways, Eagle Houston serves as a residing museum for the town’s queer historical past. Greater than only a bar, the Eagle sports activities a re-creation of the enduring mural that was as soon as affixed to an exterior wall of the now-defunct Mary’s Naturally, in addition to a salvaged door from that historic bar. Identified for attracting a leather-loving crowd, the Eagle comes full with a retailer to purchase merchandise and intimate put on. It additionally has a number of the friendliest workers in Houston.
George Nation Sports activities Bar
montrose
Each metropolis wants a homosexual cowboy bar, and Houston is lucky sufficient to have George Nation Sports activities Bar. George’s flaunts main City Cowboy vibes in addition to a crowd that skews on the older facet. It’s a terrific spot to observe a recreation, down Jell-O photographs, play some darts, shoot some pool, or throw some tunes on the jukebox. George’s rainbow flag–adorned lined patio can be among the finest locations within the neighborhood to individuals watch because it borders Fairview, which serves as the primary pedestrian thoroughfare for the gayborhood.
JR’s Bar & Grill
montrose
Everybody remembers their first homosexual bar expertise, and if yours was in Houston, it was seemingly at JR’s. The bar, which just lately celebrated its fortieth anniversary, has been a staple in Houston’s queer neighborhood for many years. The expansive area sports activities a number of dance flooring, an space to play pool, loads of area for karaoke and go-go dancers, and an enormous courtyard that comes full with a fountain and loads of seating. Because it has a stacked schedule of drag exhibits, it’s additionally a good suggestion to deliver a invoice or two with you in your go to.
Michael’s Outpost
montrose
Michael’s Outpost gives an expertise that’s a little bit extra low-key, with a piano bar that’s brimming with attraction—and loads of present tunes. The unassuming bar, open since 1998, is understood for its intimate nature, its stay piano performances, and its robust cabaret vibes. Michael’s Outpost is house to common drag exhibits in addition to a number of the greatest firm you could find in Houston.
Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon
spring department
We love a homosexual bar the place, as an alternative of getting to attend in line to get in, you may spend your night line dancing. As Houston’s reigning nation and western-themed dancehall, Neon Boots holds a particular place in our hearts. Although the music right here is heavy on nation (simply the best way we prefer it), the bar usually performs the form of pop music you could find at different LGBTQ+ spots round city, and hosts Latin Nights on Fridays. In the event you’re planning on two-stepping your approach by way of a night right here however aren’t that expert at line dancing, ensure you cease by on a Tuesday, when the bar provides free lessons.
Pearl Bar
washington ave
At Pearl Bar, the dance flooring is your oyster. It’s the one devoted lesbian bar in Houston, considered one of solely two in your entire state of Texas, and considered one of simply 32 remaining in the entire nation. Positioned alongside Washington Avenue, the bar contains a pleasant crowd, vigorous music from rotating DJs, a sprawling again patio, and heaps of booze-fueled enjoyable: the bar hosts common occasions like bingo nights, drag exhibits, steak nights, taco nights, pace courting, and crawfish boils. Pearl additionally places on fundraisers for LGBTQ+ causes.
Wealthy’s Houston
midtown
As soon as referred to as ReBar, Wealthy’s Houston is new and improved. With an eclectic vibe, a enjoyable dance space, and loads of area for an outside hangout, you’ll make sure to end up having the time of your life. However this bar is rather more than a nightlife expertise. It additionally gives meals like birria grilled cheese, pizzas, jumbo lump crab truffles, hand-shaved charcuterie, and extra. And for all who like to get their day drink on, cease by on a Sunday at 11am, 1pm, or 3pm to take pleasure in a drag brunch.
Ripcord
montrose
If Tom of Finland is your required homosexual bar aesthetic, look no additional than Ripcord. The leather-based bar, one of many oldest in Texas, has been open since 1982, and has seen extra bears enter its doorways than you’ll see in any of the nation’s nationwide parks. Ripcord is the reigning bar for kinksters in Houston’s LGBTQ+ neighborhood, which suggests by default that it’s open and welcoming to all—particularly should you come decked out in leather-based, sports activities gear, or one thing made from rubber. Whereas there, take into account taking part in some pool, getting your boots shined, watching a drag present, being a spectator on the occasional flogging (completed with consent, after all), or just move your time in deep dialog on the spacious again deck.
South Seaside
Montrose
This Montrose favourite brings a contact of Miami to the gayborhood. Though there’s a cowl charge to get in and presumably some lengthy strains to attend in, we promise it’s all price it. With its vibey dance flooring, ice jets, LED lighting results, crystal chandelier, and loads of areas for photograph ops, this 10,000-square-foot nightclub will make you are feeling as should you’re on high of the world. Plus, should you’re into drag, that is the place to be. Cease by on a Thursday for the membership’s “So You Assume You Can Drag?” contest to have an opportunity to observe the kings and queens of Houston strut their stuff.
Tony’s Nook Pocket
Fourth ward
Tony’s Nook Pocket is the Houston homosexual bar equal of Lola’s Depot, an analogy that ought to make excellent sense to anybody who likes their bars on the very divey facet. The Fourth Ward scorching spot, identified for its generously poured drinks and rowdy crowd, is house to nice drag performances and a daily schedule of novice strip competitions. When you’ve got some free payments burning a gap in your pockets, Tony’s Nook Pocket is a good place to place them to good use.
