Cheer Up Charlies

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.

Three different levels give Neon Grotto a bit more flexibility than the average nightclub: DJs and dancing downstairs, a more relaxed lounge above and an open-air rooftop looking across Downtown Austin. Regular drag, karaoke and DJ events keep the atmosphere firmly queer, with a mixed LGBTQ+ crowd rather than one particular niche. It forms part of the same nightlife complex as Coconut Club, so moving between the two is easy. From there, the established gay bars around West 4th Street — including Oilcan Harry’s, Rain on 4th and Highland Lounge — are virtually around the corner, making this a natural addition to a downtown gay bar crawl.

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.

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.

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

Coconut Club brings a younger, colourful queer crowd to its multi-level tropical-themed dance space, with DJs downstairs and a rooftop that regularly hosts drag shows and the popular Coco Cxnts drag brunch. Expect frozen drinks, dancing and considerably more party energy than quiet cocktails. It’s right beside the rainbow crossings around Austin’s main LGBTQ+ nightlife district. Sister venue Neon Grotto is next door, while Oilcan Harry’s, Rain on 4th and Highland Lounge are all only a few minutes away on foot. The crowd is broadly queer and mixed, with plenty of younger locals alongside visitors discovering the 4th Street scene.