Neon Grotto

318 Colorado Street, Austin, TX 78701

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.

Dancing, Drag, Outdoor Seating

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Popular Bars in Austin

The Austin Eagle

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Highland Lounge

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.

Coconut Club

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.

Oilcan Harry's

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.

Neon Grotto

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.