Houston is home to a dynamic and storied queer history, which makes sense when you consider that the city is home to the largest LGBTQ+ population in Texas. Montrose is the unofficial “gayborhood” of Houston, and it has been at the nexus of queer culture in the city, as well as the state at large, since the ’60s. Today, the neighborhood still retains its hallowed status as Houston’s premier LGBTQ+ stomping ground, and that’s in large part because of the assortment of both historic and new gay bars in the neighborhood and its surrounding areas.
Barcode
montrose
Houston has many LGBTQ+ bars, but it only has one that is fully dedicated to drag. While Barcode has had many names over its 50-year history, it has remained one of the top spots in town to watch drag performances. Barcode regularly hosts modern-style drag shows, complete with all the acrobatics you’ll see on your average episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race. It’s also home to old school–style shows where it’s all about the art of illusion. Local drag legend and celebrated Tina Turner impersonator Roxanne Collins hosts some of the best and most popular shows at Barcode, so consider stopping by on Friday or Saturday for one of those.
Crocker Bar
montrose
If you’re looking for the stiffest drink in town, Crocker Bar is the spot for you. The Montrose staple is known for its chill atmosphere, its wraparound patio, its dark and moodily lit interior, and its killer DJ music. It’s a great spot for those looking for a breezy happy hour experience or a space to let loose through some late-night dancing. Crocker Bar’s convenient location in the heart of the city’s gayborhood also provides patrons with easy access to several of the area’s other great LGBTQ+ bars. Come for the lively atmosphere, and stay for the aptly named shots, like the Blue Ball and the Mexican Candy.
Eagle Houston
montrose
In many ways, Eagle Houston serves as a living museum for the city’s queer history. More than just a bar, the Eagle sports a re-creation of the iconic mural that was once affixed to an exterior wall of the now-defunct Mary’s Naturally, as well as a salvaged door from that historic bar. Known for attracting a leather-loving crowd, the Eagle comes complete with a store to buy products and intimate wear. It also has some of the friendliest staff in Houston.
George Country Sports Bar
montrose
Every city needs a gay cowboy bar, and Houston is fortunate enough to have George Country Sports Bar. George’s flaunts major Urban Cowboy vibes as well as a crowd that skews on the older side. It’s a great spot to watch a game, down Jell-O shots, play some darts, shoot some pool, or throw some tunes on the jukebox. George’s rainbow flag–adorned covered patio is also one of the best places in the neighborhood to people watch since it borders Fairview, which serves as the main pedestrian thoroughfare for the gayborhood.
JR’s Bar & Grill
montrose
Everyone remembers their first gay bar experience, and if yours was in Houston, it was likely at JR’s. The bar, which recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, has been a staple in Houston’s queer community for decades. The expansive space sports multiple dance floors, an area to play pool, plenty of space for karaoke and go-go dancers, and a huge courtyard that comes complete with a fountain and plenty of seating. Since it has a stacked schedule of drag shows, it’s also a good idea to bring a bill or two with you on your visit.
Michael’s Outpost
montrose
Michael’s Outpost offers an experience that’s a little more low-key, with a piano bar that is brimming with charm—and plenty of show tunes. The unassuming bar, open since 1998, is known for its intimate nature, its live piano performances, and its strong cabaret vibes. Michael’s Outpost is home to regular drag shows as well as some of the best company you can find in Houston.
Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon
spring branch
We love a gay bar where, instead of having to wait in line to get in, you can spend your evening line dancing. As Houston’s reigning country and western-themed dancehall, Neon Boots holds a special place in our hearts. Though the music here is heavy on country (just the way we like it), the bar regularly plays the kind of pop music you can find at other LGBTQ+ spots around town, and hosts Latin Nights on Fridays. If you’re planning on two-stepping your way through an evening here but aren’t that skilled at line dancing, make sure you stop by on a Tuesday, when the bar gives free classes.
Pearl Bar
washington ave
At Pearl Bar, the dance floor is your oyster. It’s the only dedicated lesbian bar in Houston, one of only two in the entire state of Texas, and one of just 32 remaining in the whole country. Located along Washington Avenue, the bar features a friendly crowd, lively music from rotating DJs, a sprawling back patio, and heaps of booze-fueled fun: the bar hosts regular events like bingo nights, drag shows, steak nights, taco nights, speed dating, and crawfish boils. Pearl also puts on fundraisers for LGBTQ+ causes.
Rich’s Houston
midtown
Once known as ReBar, Rich’s Houston is new and improved. With an eclectic vibe, a fun dance area, and plenty of space for an outdoor hangout, you’ll be sure to find yourself having the time of your life. But this bar is much more than a nightlife experience. It also offers food like birria grilled cheese, pizzas, jumbo lump crab cakes, hand-shaved charcuterie, and more. And for all who love to get their day drink on, stop by on a Sunday at 11am, 1pm, or 3pm to enjoy a drag brunch.
Ripcord
montrose
If Tom of Finland is your desired gay bar aesthetic, look no further than Ripcord. The leather bar, one of the oldest in Texas, has been open since 1982, and has seen more bears enter its doors than you’ll see in any of the country’s national parks. Ripcord is the reigning bar for kinksters in Houston’s LGBTQ+ community, which means by default that it’s open and welcoming to all—especially if you come decked out in leather, sports gear, or something made of rubber. While there, consider playing some pool, getting your boots shined, watching a drag show, being a spectator at the occasional flogging (done with consent, of course), or simply pass your time in deep conversation on the spacious back deck.
South Beach
Montrose
This Montrose favorite brings a touch of Miami to the gayborhood. Although there is a cover fee to get in and possibly some long lines to wait in, we promise it’s all worth it. With its vibey dance floor, ice jets, LED lighting effects, crystal chandelier, and plenty of spaces for photo ops, this 10,000-square-foot nightclub will make you feel as if you’re on top of the world. Plus, if you’re into drag, this is the place to be. Stop by on a Thursday for the club’s “So You Think You Can Drag?” contest to have a chance to watch the kings and queens of Houston strut their stuff.
Tony’s Corner Pocket
Fourth ward
Tony’s Corner Pocket is the Houston gay bar equivalent of Lola’s Depot, an analogy that should make perfect sense to anyone who likes their bars on the very divey side. The Fourth Ward hot spot, known for its generously poured drinks and rowdy crowd, is home to great drag performances and a regular schedule of amateur strip competitions. If you have some loose bills burning a hole in your wallet, Tony’s Corner Pocket is a great place to put them to good use.
