Austin - Guide for Gays, Lesbians and Queers

Most of Austin’s queer bars sit downtown, especially around West 4th Street. Oilcan Harry’s at 211 West 4th Street is the oldest gay bar still running in the city, with a dance floor, a patio and drag shows. Right next door at 217 West 4th Street, Rain is a dance club with several rooms and themed nights. Highland Lounge at 404 Colorado Street spreads across several floors, each with its own bar.

A short walk away, The Iron Bear at 301 West 6th Street is a laid-back bar for bears and the leather crowd. It sits somewhere between dive bar and nightclub, with smashburgers at the bar and a dance floor in the back. Cheer Up Charlies at 900 Red River Street is a queer bar and live music venue with a big outdoor area and frequent drag nights. Up in Northeast Austin, on Cross Park Drive, The Austin Eagle is a leather and Levi’s bar.

For something quieter, Neon Grotto at 318 Colorado Street is a small cocktail lounge run alongside Rain. Many people string several of these places together in one night, since 4th Street, Colorado Street and 6th Street are only a few minutes apart on foot. There is no confirmed gay sauna in Austin.

The community is most visible at two dates in the calendar. Queerbomb in June brings a resource fair, a rally and a march along 6th Street. Austin Pride in August combines a festival at Fiesta Gardens with a nighttime parade down Congress Avenue.