Houston is dwelling to a dynamic and storied queer historical past, which is sensible when you think about that town is dwelling to the biggest 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 giant, 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, however it solely has one which’s totally 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 frequently 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. Native drag legend and celebrated Tina Turner impersonator Roxanne Collins hosts among the greatest and hottest reveals at Barcode, so contemplate stopping by on Friday or Saturday for a kind of.
Crocker Bar
When you’re searching for the stiffest drink on the town, Crocker is the bar for you. The Montrose staple is thought for its chill ambiance, wraparound patio, and darkish and moodily lit inside. It’s a fantastic spot for these searching for a breezy comfortable 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 dwelling museum for town’s queer historical past. Greater than only a bar, the Eagle sports activities a recreation of the long-lasting 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 workers 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. When you’re a fan of sports activities and nation music—neither of which have the perfect 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 possible at JR’s. The bar has been a staple in Houston’s queer neighborhood 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 appeal—and loads of present tunes. The unassuming bar, open since 1998, is thought for its intimate nature, stay piano performances, and powerful cabaret vibes. Michael’s Outpost is dwelling to common drag reveals in addition to among the greatest firm you will discover in Houston.
Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon
We love a homosexual bar the place, as an alternative 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 frequently performs the sort of pop music you will discover at different LGBTQ+ spots round city, and hosts Latin Nights on Fridays. When you’re planning on two-stepping your manner via a night right here however aren’t that expert at line dancing, be sure you cease by on a Tuesday, when the bar provides free lessons.
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 among solely two in the complete state of Texas, and one among 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 when you come decked out in leather-based, sports activities gear, or one thing product of rubber.
South Seashore
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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 value it. With its vibey dance ground, 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 when you’re on prime of the world. Plus, when you’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 aspect. The Fourth Ward scorching spot is thought for its generously poured drinks, rowdy crowd, drag performances, and its novice strip competitions. You probably have some free payments burning a gap in your pockets, Tony’s Nook Pocket is a good place to place them to good use.
