Marty's Live

If you like your gay bars friendly, unpretentious and full of local character, Hidden Door is a Dallas institution that's well worth seeking out. Tucked away on Bowser Avenue, this longstanding neighbourhood favourite has been welcoming gay men and their friends since 1979, with a particularly strong following among bears and mature visitors. The atmosphere is refreshingly relaxed, with reasonably priced drinks, friendly bartenders and plenty of opportunities to strike up a conversation. Darts and pool provide a little entertainment, while the spacious outdoor patio is a major attraction, particularly during the bar's legendary Sunday afternoon beer busts. Hidden Door is a great alternative to the louder Cedar Springs clubs, especially if you prefer somewhere sociable where making new friends comes naturally.

If you're searching for a proper neighbourhood gay bar where the drinks are affordable and everyone seems to know each other, Pekers is an excellent choice. Just a few blocks from the main Cedar Springs strip, this friendly Oak Lawn favourite is particularly popular with locals who come for relaxed afternoon drinks, happy hour and good company. The atmosphere becomes livelier at weekends when Totally Twisted Karaoke takes over, giving enthusiastic singers the chance to perform everything from classic show tunes to current pop hits. The regular crowd is welcoming, the bartenders are friendly and there's none of the pressure to dress up or join a crowded dance floor. Pekers is especially appealing for visitors who enjoy social, unpretentious bars and a little spontaneous entertainment.

If you love Latin music, a lively dance floor and cocktails with a tropical twist, Havana brings a welcome change of pace to Dallas's Cedar Springs nightlife scene. This energetic LGBTQ+ venue has a particularly strong connection to the city's Latino community, attracting a colourful crowd who come to dance, socialise and enjoy the entertainment. The soundtrack ranges from reggaeton, salsa and merengue to hip-hop and familiar pop favourites, with DJs keeping the atmosphere lively into the early hours. Drag performances and themed nights add plenty of sparkle, while the covered patio offers somewhere to relax between dances. Havana is particularly appealing for anyone who prefers Latin rhythms to the usual gay club soundtrack, and its central location makes it easy to combine with other Cedar Springs bars.

Wonderfully eccentric and proudly unconventional, The Grapevine Bar has been one of Dallas's favourite LGBTQ+-friendly hangouts since 1996. After nearly three decades on Maple Avenue, this much-loved dive bar moved to a larger home in the Medical District, bringing its colourful decorations, laid-back atmosphere and famously mixed crowd along for the ride. The new location has plenty of the character that made the original so popular, including mismatched furnishings, quirky artwork and an outdoor basketball court. Drinks are reasonably priced, the crowd spans different ages and identities, and the atmosphere is refreshingly free of attitude. It's particularly appealing for an afternoon drink, a casual date or an evening with friends who appreciate somewhere a little different. Don't leave without trying one of the bar's famously strong frozen Tangaritas.

For a different flavour of Dallas gay nightlife, Marty's Live combines energetic music, male dancers and drag entertainment with a refreshingly down-to-earth atmosphere. Located on Maple Avenue, away from the main Cedar Springs strip, this lively club is a longstanding favourite with Dallas's Black LGBTQ+ community and attracts a welcoming, predominantly local crowd. Expect hip-hop, R&B and party music rather than the usual gay-pop soundtrack, with performers and dancers providing plenty of entertainment throughout the week. Regular drag shows and talent competitions add to the fun, while the pool table and outdoor patio offer opportunities to take a break from the action. Marty's is particularly appealing if you enjoy discovering local LGBTQ+ venues with their own personality, rather than sticking exclusively to the big-name bars.

Cowboy boots, tight jeans and a dance floor full of handsome men: welcome to the Round-Up Saloon, one of America's most famous gay country-western bars. This sprawling Cedar Springs institution has been a Dallas favourite since 1980, attracting a wonderfully mixed crowd of locals and visitors who come for the music, atmosphere and plenty of Texas charm. The huge dance floor is the main attraction, with country line dancing and two-stepping taking centre stage alongside karaoke and themed parties. Free dance lessons on selected evenings make it easy for newcomers to join in, even if you've never danced a step in your life. With multiple bars, friendly regulars and an atmosphere that can be surprisingly welcoming to beginners, Round-Up is an essential Dallas experience, whether you're a country music fan or not.