Houston is house to a dynamic and storied queer historical past, which is sensible when you think about that the town is house to the biggest LGBTQ+ inhabitants in Texas. Montrose is the unofficial “gayborhood” of Houston, and it’s been on the nexus of queer tradition within the metropolis, in addition to the state at massive, because the ’60s. Immediately, the neighborhood nonetheless retains its hallowed standing as Houston’s premier LGBTQ+ stomping floor, and that’s largely due to the assortment of each historic and new homosexual bars within the neighborhood and its surrounding areas.
Barcode
Houston has many LGBTQ+ bars, but it surely solely has one which’s absolutely devoted to pull. Whereas Barcode has had many names over its 50-year historical past, it’s remained one of many prime spots on the town to observe drag performances. Barcode repeatedly hosts modern-style drag exhibits, full with all of the acrobatics you’ll see in your common episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race. It’s additionally house to old-school-style exhibits the place it’s all concerning the artwork of phantasm. Native drag legend and celebrated Tina Turner impersonator Roxanne Collins hosts a few of the greatest and hottest exhibits at Barcode, so think about stopping by on Friday or Saturday for a kind of.
Crocker Bar
For those who’re searching for the stiffest drink on the town, Crocker is the bar for you. The Montrose staple is understood for its chill environment, wraparound patio, and darkish and moodily lit inside. It’s an important spot for these searching for a breezy completely satisfied hour expertise or an area to let unfastened with some late-night dancing.
Eagle Houston
In some ways, Eagle Houston serves as a dwelling museum for the town’s queer historical past. Greater than only a bar, the Eagle sports activities a recreation of the long-lasting mural that was as soon as affixed to an exterior wall of the now-defunct Mary’s Naturally, in addition to a salvaged door from that historic bar. Recognized for attracting a leather-loving crowd, the Eagle comes full with a retailer to purchase merchandise and intimate put on. It additionally has a few of the friendliest employees in Houston.
George Nation Sports activities Bar
Montrose’s pleasant neighborhood homosexual bar, George, provides true Southern hospitality with out the “bless your coronary heart” passive-aggression. For those who’re a fan of sports activities and nation music—neither of which have the most effective historical past of welcoming the queer group—that is the place to go to take pleasure in your favourite groups and tunes, perhaps even shoot some pool or throw darts.
JR’s Bar & Grill
Everybody remembers their first homosexual bar expertise, and if yours was in Houston, it was probably at JR’s. The bar has been a staple in Houston’s queer group for many years. The expansive area sports activities a number of dance flooring, an space to play pool, loads of area for karaoke and go-go dancers, and an enormous courtyard that comes full with a fountain and loads of seating.
Michael’s Outpost
Michael’s Outpost provides an expertise that’s just a little extra low-key, with a piano bar brimming with appeal—and loads of present tunes. The unassuming bar, open since 1998, is understood for its intimate nature, reside piano performances, and powerful cabaret vibes. Michael’s Outpost is house to common drag exhibits in addition to a few of the greatest firm you could find in Houston.
Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon
We love a homosexual bar the place, as a substitute of getting to attend in line to get in, you possibly can spend your night line dancing. As Houston’s reigning nation and western-themed dancehall, Neon Boots holds a particular place in our hearts. Although the music right here is heavy on nation (simply the way in which we prefer it), the bar repeatedly performs the sort of pop music you could find at different LGBTQ+ spots round city, and hosts Latin Nights on Fridays. For those who’re planning on two-stepping your approach by a night right here however aren’t that expert at line dancing, be sure you cease by on a Tuesday, when the bar offers free lessons.
Pearl Bar
At Pearl Bar, the dance ground is your oyster. It’s the one devoted lesbian bar in Houston, one in every of solely two in the complete state of Texas, and one in every of simply 36 remaining in the entire nation. Situated alongside Washington Avenue, the bar includes a pleasant crowd, vigorous music from rotating DJs, a sprawling again patio, and heaps of enjoyable with common occasions like bingo nights, queen karaoke, steak nights, single mixers, and crawfish boils. Pearl additionally places on fundraisers for LGBTQ+ causes.
Ripcord
If Tom of Finland is your required homosexual bar aesthetic, look no additional than Ripcord. The leather-based bar, one of many oldest in Texas, has been open since 1982, and has seen extra bears enter its doorways than you’ll see in any of the nation’s nationwide parks. Ripcord is the reigning bar for kinksters in Houston’s LGBTQ+ group, which implies by default that it’s open and welcoming to all—particularly in the event you come decked out in leather-based, sports activities gear, or one thing product of rubber.
South Seashore
This Montrose favourite brings a contact of Miami to the gayborhood. Though there’s a canopy payment to get in and probably a line, we promise it’s all price it. With its vibey dance ground, ice jets, LED lighting results, crystal chandelier, and loads of areas for photograph ops, this 10,000-square-foot nightclub will make you’re feeling as in the event you’re on prime of the world. Plus, in the event you’re into drag, that is the place to be. Cease by on a Thursday for the membership’s “So You Suppose You Can Drag?” contest to have an opportunity to observe the kings and queens of Houston strut their stuff.
Tony’s Nook Pocket
Tony’s Nook Pocket is the Houston homosexual bar equal of Lola’s Depot, an analogy that ought to make excellent sense to anybody who likes their bars on the very divey facet. The Fourth Ward sizzling spot is understood for its generously poured drinks, rowdy crowd, drag performances, and its beginner strip competitions. If in case you have some unfastened payments burning a gap in your pockets, Tony’s Nook Pocket is a superb place to place them to good use.
