We've taken nominations, suggestions, polled friends and experts around the world, and even done a bit of on-the-ground research. While we don't think the battle of the dance floor will be won anytime soon (and probably shouldn't even be fought), gay bars, even in the age of social integration and online communities, remain an integral space for LGBT communities the world over.Īs with any list, it's impossible to be definitive.
Now, most straight folks have little fear of homosexuality, and gay bars become their joint du jour-to the horror of many men and women who wish they still had their sacred space free of bachelorette parties (read Drew Droege's take on this phenomenon). The openly gay bar is a relatively new addition to the social space scene, and it became quite common quite quickly, perhaps, some say, too quickly. All other photos by Erika Lambreton.For decades, the first (and only) place where many men and women could meet other gay, lesbian, or transgender people was at a bar, mostly in the shadows. Sue Ellen's photo via the club's Facebook page. Plus, if you do want to dance (after a couple of drinks, of course), there is some room for you to do that, too. But if your aim is to get some drinks with friends and party with some go-go dancers, Tin Room will do the job nicely. If you're in the mood for dancing, Tin Room may not be the place you're looking for. It's also, we should note, the only gay western bar in Dallas. From karaoke to gay cowboys and cowgirls to line-dancing and the occasional Lady Gaga cameo, it's no wonder that this saloon is always packed on the weekends. If John Travolta's character in Urban Cowboy was gay (no, not Travolta his character) and lived in Dallas, Round-Up would definitely have been central to the film's plot. Since the place is also adjacent to S4, you can expect a lot of people to be hopping from there to here (and vice versa) on a given night, which definitely adds nicely to this spot's vibe. Not only does Jr's Bar and Grill offer a comfortable space in which to drink and dance, but it also offers some pretty decent food to boot. Those events have fallen somewhat by the wayside, but It'll Do remains a LGBTQ-friendly spot not on Cedar Springs, which is nice. Back in the fall, the bar catered itself to this community specifically by hosting its weekly Thursday night drag parties called “Queen,” which featured a different drag personality each week. Though not a traditional “gay” bar by any means, It'll Do is still very LGBTQ friendly. But the resulting crowd on these nights makes for some pretty choice mingling. The offer is simple - just some seriously cheap drinks is all. Usually just referred to as BJ's, this bar makes it on our list due to its “Tuesday Night Trash” events, which happen each Tuesday. Plus, it's one of the only good gay bars in town that offers live music shows with any regularity. With an always-polite staff and a cool crowd, this bar is definitely the right spot for a night out with the ladies. Say what you will about it being as stereotypical a gay bar as you can find in Dallas, but S4 really does have something for everyone.Ĭalling all lesbians: Sue Ellen's is your hangout.
The cherry on top at this spot is S4's Rose Room on the upper floor, where amateur and professional drag personalities perform almost nightly. The sheer size of the space allows for large crowds, multiple bars and a packed dance floor. Station 4, better known locally by its S4 nickname, is definitely the most well-known club on the Cedar Springs strip - and for good reason. These establishments all offer something unique to the scene - and, in most cases, just all-around excellent service, too. As with any bar, a good gay bar is as much determined by its patrons and the flavor that they provide the place as anything else.Ĭurious to check out the local LGBTQ nightlife scene for yourself? Here's a list of our favorite Dallas gay bars. As with everyone else in society, it's important for LGBTQ persons to have public places where they can interact in any way they choose.īut there's more to the constitution of a truly good gay bar than the services and open minds offered. Gay bars have been around for a long time - since the 1800s, at least - and they're a healthy, necessary addition to the nightlife landscape, to be sure. It's all about the atmospheres of acceptance that these places cultivate that makes them great. There's more to a “gay” bar than just having a large LGBTQ clientele frequenting it. These Establishments Guarantee a Gay Old Time.