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Best Gay Bars in Austin

Austin's nightlife is a lively symphony of inclusivity and vibrance, echoing the city's core values. This live music hub serves up a variety of experiences, wrapping each visitor in a warm embrace of fun and freedom. Let's dive into 7 of the top LGBTQ+ friendly bars that you should try out in Austin!

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Oilcan Harry’s

211 W 4th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

+1 512 320 8823

Oilcan Harry’s: Located in the heart of Austin's 4th Street, Oilcan Harry’s delivers a mix of high-energy party vibes and laid-back hangout. Known for its dance nights and special performances, the club ensures your evenings are far from mundane. Coupled with inviting drink specials, Oilcan Harry’s provides a true Austin-style night out.

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<h2>Glen Morris</h2>

<p>Rating:5</p>

<p>Friendly space to go and hangout or see a show. Great atmosphere, performers, and drinks! Staff was very friendly and helpful as well!</p>

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<h2>Lindsay Thyme</h2>

<p>Rating:5</p>

<p>I originally arrived on Friday for the stoplight meetup and drag show, of course a little nervous this being my first gay bar visit - I’m happy to say I had a blast! While it was small, the diversity was THERE and a testament to how much Austin loves OCH’s. While it was small, there are several rooms including an outdoor patio with heaters. You can really tell the staff cares about everyone’s safety, while being very courteous and inclusive.</p>

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<p>Rating:5</p>

<p>This was my first time visiting Austin's LGBTQIA area and I loved it! The vibe of this place was amazing and the Drag Queens were so good! Drinks were on point! I'll be visiting again and again.</p>

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Highland Lounge

404 Colorado St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

+1 512 649 1212

Highland Lounge: Highland Lounge radiates an upscale charm, with its stylish interiors and bustling dance floor. On any given night, you can expect drag shows that dazzle and DJ sets that make you move. They've also curated a tantalizing drink menu that keeps patrons coming back for more.

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<h2>Giselle Sillero</h2>

<p>Rating:5</p>

<p>This is my go to club in Austin. I never pass a night up here. It’s very spacious and everyone is so friendly. Nick has definitely became my favorite bartender here.</p>

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<h2>Traveling Goose</h2>

<p>Rating:5</p>

<p>Me and some friends stopped in for a drag show and it was such a good time! The energy here was absolutely splendid and the show was so fun! Definitely give this place a visit if you want a great night out!</p>

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Rain on 4th

217 W 4th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

+1 512 494 1150

Rain on 4th: Offering sleek interiors and a consistently upbeat vibe, Rain on 4th is a must-visit. The dance floor is an epicenter of energy, fed by top-notch DJ sets and dynamic drag performances. Their diverse drink menu, featuring creative cocktails, is always a crowd-pleaser.

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<h2>Kyle Antel</h2>

<p>Rating: 5</p>

<p>The food was great! I had the Burger and was very impressed with the quality and portion size. My partner had the BBQ wrap and also really liked it. The drinks were appropriate in strength. The outdoor patio is absolutely wonderful. If I had to give any constructive feedback, I would say the music is played slightly too loud. It’s hard to hold a conversation with the music at such a high volume.</p>

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<h2>Agravier Thymaster Libertine</h2>

<p>Rating: 5</p>

<p>Was pleasantly surprised by this place, staff was nice food was great atmosphere was cool, not too loud but you couldn't have a conversation but nice variety of music that you can dance to, plus don't let the exterior fool you the place is huge, with 2nd floor and an outdoor area when the weather is nicer.</p>

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<h2>Alba Tellez</h2>

<p>Rating: 5</p>

<p>Great food and good beer at a good price. The atmosphere is not so lovely but is ok. The kitchen is open late.</p>

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The Iron Bear

301 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

+1 512 482 8993

The Iron Bear: The Iron Bear stands as a beacon of body positivity and acceptance. Known as a gathering spot for bears, cubs, otters, and those who admire them, it's a place where you can let loose. The laid-back atmosphere makes it a favorite among those seeking a more relaxed night out.

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<h2>Marcel Westerdiep</h2>

<p>Rating:5</p>

<p>What a great bar! I was for work in Austin and loved unwinding in this place. In the weekend loads of people just expressing themselves whether it's leather, pups or just bears and handsome bigger guys. Super relaxed atmosphere and a staff that made me feel welcome.</p>

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<h2>Tanner Vanover</h2>

<p>Rating:5</p>

<p>The Iron Bear is the best gay bar in Austin, Texas! I always stop by when visiting Austin. The entire staff (bartenders, security, floor staff, and DJs) are always so welcoming. Good drinks and friendly vibes! Definitely check it out if you haven't.</p>

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Cheer Up Charlie's

Cheer Up Charlie’s

900 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

+1 512 431 2133

Cheer Up Charlie’s: Cheer Up Charlie’s, sitting snug in East Austin, is a haven of diversity. Eclectic live music and inventive cocktails satisfy a wide range of tastes. Its inviting outdoor space, adorned with local art, encourages spontaneous conversations.

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<h2>Katalina Inzunza</h2>

<p>Rating:5</p>

<p>Super fun and upbeat place with awesome music! The DJs were great both nights we were there while visiting Austin. Everyone was super friendly and the vibe was fun. One night they had an artist on the stage painting while the music played. Super fun and cute place! They also have a great food truck right outside with amazing vegan burgers and hotdogs. A super fun place to hang out in Austin.</p>

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<h2>Karly H (Exploring the lakes!)</h2>

<p>Rating:5</p>

<p>New favorite bar ever!! I am for Minneapolis and we don’t have a bar like this at all!!! Great drinks, people and variety of areas. Number one place for me to check out when I am back.</p>

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<h2>Sarah Kennedy</h2>

<p>Rating:5</p>

<p>My favorite gay bar in Austin! The atmosphere is absolutely unbeatable and the drag performances are better than anything you’ve ever experienced. Recommend for anyone wanting to meet someone new, get drinks with friends, or just watch a band perform!</p>

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Neon Grotto

318 Colorado St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Neon Grotto: Neon Grotto, a luminous karaoke bar with a Miami Vice 80s decor, is your ticket to the spotlight. Belt out your favorite tunes as you bask in the friendly ambiance and quirky decor. Regular themed nights keep the excitement levels high, making every visit a fresh experience.

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<h2>MayaW</h2>

<p>Rating:5</p>

<p>We had a blast here. Great service, fun vibes and the dance floor in the back is super fun. Gotta go up to the roof too! Great dance party up there.\n\nWe also came one night for RuPaul dragshow watch party and they had three drag queens hosting live and it was super fun</p>

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<p>Rating:5</p>

<p>It’s so hard to find a straight club where people are there to dance! Reasonable cover, yummy drinks and everyone dancing on and off the floor. Each of the three levels has a different genre of dance music and the DJs are outstanding. Will definitely come back next time I’m in town.</p>

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Coconut Club

310B Colorado St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Coconut Club: It’s always an island party at Coconut Club. This venue lures you in with exotic cocktails and a dance floor that pulses with tropical rhythms. Let the festive decor transport you to a beach-side cabana, right in the heart of the city.

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<h2>Tyler M</h2>

<p>Rating:5</p>

<p>I came here on a weekday for the first time and I was very impressed on the size of the open floor. This would be a great place to go when it's busy and the weather outside is nice. Definitely need to come back on a weekend.</p>

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<h2>Hernan Flores</h2>

<p>Rating:5</p>

<p>Really cool and fun place. Definitely coming again. Went for the drag show and so I did have to wait a long time outside but that's on me for not buying tickets before.</p>

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