Houston is house to a dynamic and storied queer historical past, which is sensible when you think about that the town is house to the most important LGBTQ+ inhabitants in Texas. Montrose is the unofficial “gayborhood” of Houston, and it’s been on the nexus of queer tradition within the metropolis, in addition to the state at massive, because the ’60s. Right this moment, 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
Houston has many LGBTQ+ bars, but it surely solely has one which’s absolutely devoted to pull. Whereas Barcode has had many names over its 50-year historical past, it’s remained one of many prime spots on the town to look at drag performances. Barcode commonly hosts modern-style drag reveals, full with all of the acrobatics you’ll see in your common episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race. It’s additionally house to old-school-style reveals the place it’s all in regards to the artwork of phantasm. Native drag legend and celebrated Tina Turner impersonator Roxanne Collins hosts among the finest and hottest reveals at Barcode, so think about stopping by on Friday or Saturday for a type of.
Crocker Bar
Should you’re on the lookout for the stiffest drink on the town, Crocker is the bar for you. The Montrose staple is thought for its chill environment, wraparound patio, and darkish and moodily lit inside. It’s a fantastic spot for these on the lookout for a breezy pleased hour expertise or an area to let unfastened with some late-night dancing.
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Eagle Houston
In some ways, Eagle Houston serves as a dwelling museum for the town’s queer historical past. Greater than only a bar, the Eagle sports activities a recreation 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. Recognized for attracting a leather-loving crowd, the Eagle comes full with a retailer to purchase merchandise and intimate put on. It additionally has among the friendliest employees in Houston.
George Nation Sports activities Bar
Montrose’s pleasant neighborhood homosexual bar, George, provides true Southern hospitality with out the “bless your coronary heart” passive-aggression. Should you’re a fan of sports activities and nation music—neither of which have the most effective historical past of welcoming the queer group—that is the place to go to take pleasure in your favourite groups and tunes, possibly even shoot some pool or throw darts.
JR’s Bar & Grill
Everybody remembers their first homosexual bar expertise, and if yours was in Houston, it was doubtless at JR’s. The bar has been a staple in Houston’s queer group for many years. The expansive house sports activities a number of dance flooring, an space to play pool, loads of house for karaoke and go-go dancers, and an enormous courtyard that comes full with a fountain and loads of seating.
Michael’s Outpost
Michael’s Outpost provides an expertise that’s a little bit extra low-key, with a piano bar brimming with allure—and loads of present tunes. The unassuming bar, open since 1998, is thought for its intimate nature, dwell piano performances, and robust cabaret vibes. Michael’s Outpost is house to common drag reveals in addition to among the finest firm you’ll find in Houston.
Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon
We love a homosexual bar the place, as a substitute 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 commonly performs the type of pop music you’ll find at different LGBTQ+ spots round city, and hosts Latin Nights on Fridays. Should you’re planning on two-stepping your method by means of a night right here however aren’t that expert at line dancing, be sure to cease by on a Tuesday, when the bar offers free courses.
Pearl Bar
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At Pearl Bar, the dance ground is your oyster. It’s the one devoted lesbian bar in Houston, one in all solely two in the complete state of Texas, and one in all simply 36 remaining in the entire nation. Positioned alongside Washington Avenue, the bar contains a pleasant crowd, full of life music from rotating DJs, a sprawling again patio, and heaps of enjoyable with common occasions like bingo nights, queen karaoke, steak nights, single mixers, and crawfish boils. Pearl additionally places on fundraisers for LGBTQ+ causes.
Ripcord
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+ group, which implies by default that it’s open and welcoming to all—particularly if you happen to come decked out in leather-based, sports activities gear, or one thing made from rubber.
South Seaside
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This Montrose favourite brings a contact of Miami to the gayborhood. Though there’s a canopy payment to get in and probably a line, we promise it’s all price it. With its vibey dance ground, ice jets, LED lighting results, crystal chandelier, and loads of areas for picture ops, this 10,000-square-foot nightclub will make you are feeling as if you happen to’re on prime of the world. Plus, if you happen to’re into drag, that is the place to be. Cease by on a Thursday for the membership’s “So You Suppose You Can Drag?” contest to have an opportunity to look at the kings and queens of Houston strut their stuff.
Tony’s Nook Pocket
Tony’s Nook Pocket is the Houston homosexual bar equal of Lola’s Depot, an analogy that ought to make good sense to anybody who likes their bars on the very divey facet. The Fourth Ward sizzling spot is thought for its generously poured drinks, rowdy crowd, drag performances, and its newbie strip competitions. If in case you have some unfastened payments burning a gap in your pockets, Tony’s Nook Pocket is a good place to place them to good use.
