There are few places more sacred than gay bars. These beloved neighborhood watering holes are often where we hang out with friends, connect with community members, and yes, partake in drunken shenanigans. Step into our favorite spots, and we can point out our biggest highs and lows, which often occur in the same night!
While the plight of gay bars is well-chronicled, many are still thriving, and new ones keep opening up. And in a world of algorithms and AI, recommendations from real human beings are increasingly valuable. That’s why you should always check out Gay Cities… and read today’s Queerty Query!
This week, we asked Queerty readers to name their favorite gay bars, and explain why. Here’s what they had to say…
How about we take this to the next level?
Subscribe to our newsletter for a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
Subscribe to our Newsletter today
Stateside
Big Bar. It is an amazing gay space in the heart of the Highlands neighborhood in Louisville. Just a great vibe and even better bartenders. The patio got me and my friends through 2020 for sure and they expanded to make it even better. — Jason in Louisville, Kentucky
We love starting off with a bar in a city that isn’t a major metro. Many red states have vibrant queer scenes, and Louisville is certainly one of them. As a Midwestern transplant, I am learning that valuable lesson. I can’t wait to check out Big Bar in my travels.
Robert’s Lafitte, the oldest gay bar in Texas, operating since 1969. The bar has recently run into hard times, owing back taxes, permit fees, and code compliance. The community has rallied with $20,000 donated via a GoFundMe campaign. The bar manager, Tiffany De La Vega, has been working hard to fund repairs and keep this community hub active and alive! The bar occupies prime Galveston real estate and is always at risk of being snapped up for another tourist trap or parking lot. However, it serves as a thriving hub of LGBTQ+ and ally activity, community engagement and philanthropy. It would be a shame to lose it to history. — Michael in Galveston, Texas
On that note, we received several replies about Robert’s Lafitte in Galveston. The city’s original drag bar, it successfully raised $20,000 this year for needed repairs. But then last week, a suspicious fire was started in the apartment above. Robert Lafitte’s narrowly escaped major damage, according to the Houston Chronicle. When we talk about gay bars being sacred spaces, Robert Lafitte’s is what we mean.
Neighbours. It was the first gay bar I ever went to and I wound up working there for 10 years as the coat check. — Scotty in Burien, Washington
OZ in New Orleans. On my first trip to NOLA, I went to OZ on a Friday night. The music, the crowds, the people and the drinks were all amazing. It’s part of the reason I’ve been going back for over 30 years. Bringing friends with me, Sunday Drag Bingo, Go Go Boys and just all around fun. — Chaz in Cleveland, Ohio
PINT, downtown Jersey City on Warren near Grove. Monday $5 martinis, but more because it is a fendly place to meet and have conversation. — @gallgherdonald
Jersey City may be only eight miles from Manhattan, but sometimes, you want a drink in your own backyard! $5 martinis sound tough to beat…
Uptown in San Diego Hillcrest area. Why? Great food and wonderful service and cute bartenders. — @dianemcollard
Tracks in Washington D.C.! Best since the ‘80s! — @daknfla2165
The Hole In the Wall Saloon in San Francisco for the DJs, the raunch, the lights, and the guys. It will ruin you for other gay bars. — @drew_from_dauphine
As someone who was just in SF, I can attest: Hole in the Wall is the perfect neighborhood dive bar–with a salacious side of raunch. The vibes in Folsom and the Castro are very, very different…
Moby’s in SF. It’s the locals’ gay bar. — Christopher in San Francisco
Sadly, I did not make it to this longtime Castro spot. Next trip!
Piranha Las Vegas 
(It’s a bar, it’s not offensive, Instagram!) — @bryanlopuck
Licht Cafe and Bar in Washington D.C.! My absolute favorite bar in all of D.C.! It’s located right on the 14th Street and U gay strip, but it’s so hidden and calm here, and the drinks and bartenders are lovely and know how to make a good drink! The espresso martinis are SO GOOD HERE! The vibes, the atmosphere, the energy, the friendliness and it’s never packed/crowded. I always come here! — Juan in Alexandria, Virginia
There’s this hidden and super cozy gay bar called Licht in DC that has the friendliest bartenders, who makes hands down the best cocktails in all of D.C. I always come here to start my night before heading down to other bars down U street. — Justin in Silver Springs, Maryland
If somebody sends one more glowing review about Licht Bar, it will no longer be “hidden!” Keep that in mind…
Sidetrack, because the staff is amazing, the variety of drinks meets everyone’s desires and the programming is fun. There are great videos and music, special programs, and it’s safe all the time. — Travis in Chicago
Like every good gay Chicagoan, I love Sidetrack! Pro tip: order the vodka and vodka with a splash of frosé. You still get all of that wonderful sugary flavor, but it’s not overpowering.
Gym Sportsbar in NYC. You will not find a more diverse crowd in age, shapes, sizes and ethnicities. The staff is amazing and the drinks are strong. Plus, who wouldn’t wanna watch a bunch of sweaty hot guys playing sports and dance to Beyoncé and Madonna at the same time! — Keith in NYC
Eagle, Flaming Saddles, Industry in NYC and Fire Island bars. — @bpyyc_
Julius’ in Greenwich Village! It has great burgers, and is the first gay bar I’ve ever been to. — Peter in NYC and LA
The Ritz Bar and Lounge in Hell’s Kitchen! Used to be my hangout when I was a twink at NYU and STILL my hangout today when I’ve elevated to a twunk. — Matias in Brooklyn, New York
Twink is just a state of mind, Matias! Though in Hell’s Kitchen, anyone over 25 is probably considered a “twunk.” Don’t sweat it! 
International
Related
Hitting the bar, adopting “gay grandchildren” & scaring twinks back into their dingy hotel room: Gays dish on how they deal with ageism
There are many ways to combat ageism…
Jailhouse in Copenhagen. Chill atmosphere and friendly staff and guests. — @alwaysmarcus
The one where no German “Schlager” Music by Helene Berg or Andrea Fischer or Cologne based Carnival Music is played on repeat. — @louisriole
It sounds like someone isn’t a circuit fan…
Obar in Manila. Bar none. I’ve traveled a lot and the performers and talent are truly next level. I sometimes wish I can fly home for a weekend just to enjoy being there with friends. — @dontchewknowaton
If you’re looking for a travel mate, let us know!
The Laird Hotel here in Melbourne. It’s men-only, and offers a place for gay men to be themselves. — Andrew in Melbourne, Australia
We check out their socials… they offer a “spit and polish.”
Rosa Bonheur Buttes Chaumont on Sundays. Best memories ever
— Ramon in France
I’m a bit greedy here. I’ve got two favorite gay bars: Polo Lounge for its drag acts and A X M for its nice and easy vibe. — Mark in Kirkintilloch, Glasgow
Tom’s Leather Bar in Mexico City. Hot dancers, dark room and great drink specials. — Peter in Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Sounds like a great time to us!
Any gay bar with a bathroom where you can lock the doors
— @heatedrivalry_fanboy
Exactly 
Related
What’s your all-time favorite gay love story?
With Heartstopper Forever debuting Friday, we’re all getting ready to say “awe!” But Kit Connor and Joe Locke have warned us it will be a bit grittier than the original. In interviews, both actors said the sequel features a lot more sex, a time-tested topic of gay movie discourse. In fact, Connors even said that […]
Sign up for the Queerty newsletter to stay on top of the hottest stories in LGBTQ+ entertainment, politics, and culture.
