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Austin Gay Bars

There are plenty of queer bars and clubs in Austin to suite any taste, and most of them can be found in the East of the city. Close to the bustle of Downtown, this gaybourhood is full of energy and all sorts of different people looking for a party. Austin is well-known as a live music capital of the world, so expect loud and vibrant music clubs alongside the more traditional drinking spots. The vibe on a night out here will be unpretentious with plenty of drinks and simply a focus on good times.

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Bar and Club Suggestions

Highland Lounge

Highland Lounge

Cocktails, Dancing, Outdoor Seating

This two-story club in the heart of Downtown Austin really holds nothing back. It's loud, it's camp, and always throwing a party complete with flashing lights and everyone's favourite tunes. Themed nights such as Noche Latino all draw different crowds and keep you coming back every week. For those looking a more laid-back night out, you can head out to the patio where you'll find comfy seating and space to enjoy your favourite cocktails.
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The Iron Bear

The Iron Bear

Bear, Dancing, Karaoke

As the name suggests, The Iron Bear is primarily a place for Austin's bear community, but its doors are open to anyone. It's a space to relax and make friends with no drama or attitude, as laid-back staff create a welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy cold beer on tap and chat with butch guys at the bar or join the (often topless) crowds on the dance floor. Live DJs make sure there's always something going on for you to enjoy
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Barbarella

Barbarella

Dancing, Younger Crowd

Barbarella is most commonly a meeting place for a young and alternative crowd. Their Tuesgay event is obviously most popular with the local gays, but you'll find queer people here every day of the week getting fashionably tipsy and dancing to a great set of music. If you're into indie electronic tunes and a quirky crowd, this is the place for you. The bar space is reliably packed by midnight, serving cold draft beers and drinks specials.
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Oilcan Harry's

Oilcan Harry's

Outdoor Seating, Drag

Oilcan Harry's is Austin's oldest and most famous LGBTQ+ bar. Since 1990, this venue has provided a fun and safe environment for all sorts of people to get together and enjoy themselves. Providing entertainment from drag shows to male dancers, and with live DJs keeping the party going on the dance floor, everyone can have a fun night here. The bar serves classic draft beer, which you can enjoy out on the patio or alongside a performance on the stage.
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Cheer Up Charlies

Cheer Up Charlies

Cosy, Cocktails, Outdoor Seating

There's a place for everyone at Charlie's, which unsurprisingly attracts a diverse and slightly hipster crowd. The bar is located in a colourful cabin and serves vegan food alongside fresh organic juice cocktails and a selection of local beers. Behind the bar you can find a large outdoor music venue, where events are hosted nightly and you can enjoy a drink in the shade of an afternoon. There are also regular movie screenings and storytelling events.
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Rain

Rain

Dancing, Dancers

Rain on 4th is Austin's upscale gay lounge, located in the historic Warehouse district. The space plays hosts to a great range of entertainment in a super social atmosphere, including drag shows, comedy, and all your favourite dance music. Friendly staff serve a menu of high quality drinks including wine, beer, and spirits, and strive to make your night one to remember. Rain knows that professional service is integral to the perfect night out.
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Tours & Experiences in Austin

Austin likes to keep things a little weird, which is part of the appeal. Visit the Texas State Capitol, explore Lady Bird Lake or eat your way through the city’s barbecue and taco scene before diving into the music, bars and wonderfully mixed crowd after dark.

Gay friendly hotels in Austin

Austin’s main concentration of gay bars is right downtown around West 4th Street, making the Warehouse District and surrounding centre particularly convenient if nightlife is the priority. Staying downtown also puts live music, restaurants and many of Austin’s attractions close at hand, while South Congress offers more of the city’s distinctive local character. GayMapper’s recommended gay-friendly hotels include quirky Austin originals, good-value choices and smarter downtown stays, so you can combine the city’s LGBTQ+ scene with everything else that keeps Austin wonderfully weird.

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