Houston is house to a dynamic and storied queer historical past, which is smart when you think about that 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, for the reason that ’60s. At this time, 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, however it solely has one which’s totally devoted to tug. Whereas Barcode has had many names over its 50-year historical past, it’s remained one of many high spots on the town to look at drag performances. Barcode repeatedly 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-school-style exhibits the place it’s all in regards to the artwork of phantasm. Native drag legend and celebrated Tina Turner impersonator Roxanne Collins hosts a few of the finest and hottest exhibits at Barcode, so think about stopping by on Friday or Saturday for a type of.
Crocker Bar
If you happen to’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 an awesome spot for these on the lookout for a breezy blissful hour expertise or an area to let free with some late-night dancing.
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Eagle Houston
In some ways, Eagle Houston serves as a residing museum for 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 a few of the friendliest employees in Houston.
George Nation Sports activities Bar
Montrose’s pleasant neighborhood homosexual bar, George, gives true Southern hospitality with out the “bless your coronary heart” passive-aggression. If you happen to’re a fan of sports activities and nation music—neither of which have the most effective historical past of welcoming the queer neighborhood—that is the place to go to get pleasure from your favourite groups and tunes, perhaps 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 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.
Michael’s Outpost
Michael’s Outpost gives an expertise that’s just a little 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 powerful cabaret vibes. Michael’s Outpost is house to common drag exhibits in addition to a few of the finest firm you will discover 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 repeatedly performs the sort of pop music you will discover at different LGBTQ+ spots round city, and hosts Latin Nights on Fridays. If you happen to’re planning on two-stepping your means via a night right here however aren’t that expert at line dancing, ensure you cease by on a Tuesday, when the bar offers free lessons.
Pearl Bar
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At Pearl Bar, the dance flooring is your oyster. It’s the one devoted lesbian bar in Houston, certainly one of solely two in the complete state of Texas, and certainly one of simply 36 remaining in the entire nation. Positioned alongside Washington Avenue, the bar includes 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+ neighborhood, which suggests 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 manufactured from rubber.
South Seashore
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This Montrose favourite brings a contact of Miami to the gayborhood. Though there’s a canopy charge to get in and probably a line, 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’re feeling as if you happen to’re on high 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 Assume 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 excellent sense to anybody who likes their bars on the very divey facet. The Fourth Ward scorching spot is thought for its generously poured drinks, rowdy crowd, drag performances, and its newbie strip competitions. When you have some free payments burning a gap in your pockets, Tony’s Nook Pocket is a good place to place them to good use.
