Houston is dwelling to a dynamic and storied queer historical past, which is sensible when you think about that town is dwelling 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. Today, 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 totally devoted to pull. While Barcode has had many names over its 50-year historical past, it’s remained one of many prime spots on the town to observe 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 dwelling to old-school-style reveals the place it’s all concerning the artwork of phantasm. Local drag legend and celebrated Tina Turner impersonator Roxanne Collins hosts among the finest and hottest reveals at Barcode, so contemplate stopping by on Friday or Saturday for a type of.
Crocker Bar
If you’re on the lookout for the stiffest drink on the town, Crocker is the bar for you. The Montrose staple is understood for its chill ambiance, wraparound patio, and darkish and moodily lit inside. It’s an amazing spot for these on the lookout for a breezy comfortable hour expertise or an area to let unfastened with some late-night dancing.
queer historical past. More 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. Known 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 workers in Houston.
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Eagle Houston
In some ways, Eagle Houston serves as a residing museum for town’s queer historical past. More 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. Known 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 workers in Houston.
George Country Sports Bar
Montrose’s pleasant neighborhood homosexual bar, George, presents true Southern hospitality with out the “bless your heart” passive-aggression. If you’re a fan of sports activities and nation music—neither of which have one of the best 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
Everyone remembers their first homosexual bar expertise, and if yours was in Houston, it was probably 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 presents an expertise that’s just a little extra low-key, with a piano bar brimming with attraction—and loads of present tunes. The unassuming bar, open since 1998, is understood for its intimate nature, reside piano performances, and powerful cabaret vibes. Michael’s Outpost is dwelling to common drag reveals in addition to among the finest firm yow 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’ll be able to spend your night line dancing. As Houston’s reigning nation and western-themed dancehall, Neon Boots holds a particular place in our hearts. Though the music right here is heavy on nation (simply the best way we prefer it), the bar commonly performs the type of pop music yow will discover at different LGBTQ+ spots round city, and hosts Latin Nights on Fridays. If you’re planning on two-stepping your means via 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
36 remaining in the entire nation. Located alongside Washington Avenue, the bar encompasses 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.
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At Pearl Bar, the dance flooring 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. Located alongside Washington Avenue, the bar encompasses 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 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.
South Beach
kings and queens of Houston strut their stuff.
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This Montrose favourite brings a contact of Miami to the gayborhood. Although there’s a canopy price 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 are feeling as should you’re on prime of the world. Plus, should you’re into drag, that is the place to be. Stop by on a Thursday for the membership’s “So You Think You Can Drag?” contest to have an opportunity to observe the kings and queens of Houston strut their stuff.
Tony’s Corner Pocket
Tony’s Corner 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 aspect. The Fourth Ward scorching spot is understood for its generously poured drinks, rowdy crowd, drag performances, and its novice strip competitions. If you may have some unfastened payments burning a gap in your pockets, Tony’s Corner Pocket is a superb place to place them to good use.
