Rocco
Dallas, Texas, is the heart of the largest metropolitan area in the Southern United States.
People flock to the “Big D” for the food, music, art, and attractions like the Dallas Zoo.
The Oak Lawn neighborhood of Dallas, also called “the strip” or “the gayborhood,” is an LGTQ+-friendly part of the city full of queer safe and queer celebratory spaces.
As you can imagine, this means there are a ton of great gay bars.
But because even the heartiest partier can’t hit them all, keep reading for my list of the best gay bars in Dallas.
Hidden Door Inc
5025 Bowser Ave, Dallas, TX 75209
Phone: (214) 526-0620
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Hidden Door Inc has been around for over 40 years. Their motto is “Still the friendliest bar in Texas.”
This cash-only dive bar features free parking, big indoor and outdoor spaces, a jukebox, and generous pours.
And speaking of generosity, this bar donates most of its net profits to local community organizations through the Anthony Bobrow Trust.
Hidden Door has a chill, laid-back atmosphere. They have drink specials daily.
Try their Texas Tea or Kamikaze, and get ready to make new friends!
Station 4
3911 Cedar Springs Rd, Dallas, TX 75219
Phone: (214) 526-7171
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If you’re wondering where to get a drink and a dance, check out Station 4.
This is a vast, two-story nightclub with 17 drink stations or separate bars, including an outdoor patio and The Rose Room Theatre and Lounge, where you can take in a drag show.
Station 4 features a great sound system, light and laser shows, and local and internationally known DJs.
They feature drink specials daily and do not skimp on the pour.
Round-Up Saloon
3912 Cedar Springs Rd, Dallas, TX 75219
Phone: (214) 522-9611
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If a country bar is more your speed, the Round-Up Saloon features country-western music and dance.
They even offer free couples and line dances if you’re not feeling great about your moves.
Round-Up Saloon has been around for over 41 years, making it a neighborhood institution.
They have six bars spread throughout the premises, the Parlor Bar, Tool Shed Bar, Lone Star Bar, Corral Bar, Horseshoe Bar, and the Tequila Shack.
JR’s Bar & Grill
3923 Cedar Springs Rd, Dallas, TX 75219
Phone: (214) 528-1004
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JR’s Bar & Grill in Oak Lawn has been in business since 1980.
It’s a chill, friendly joint where you can hang out with your friends or just check out the scene.
It’s also a great place to fill your stomach before getting too deep into the cocktails.
Try their menu of American diner fare that includes mozzarella sticks, jalapeno poppers, burgers, sandwiches, and chicken tenders.
Barbara’s Pavillion
325 Centre St, Dallas, TX 75208
Phone: (214) 941-2145
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Barbara’s Pavillion is one of those bars where everyone is welcome. It’s a funky dive bar that draws a diverse and quirky crowd.
But it’s low-pressure and inclusive. It’s not fancy, but it is comfortable.
Barbara’s Pavillion features karaoke, and its schedule includes events like burlesque, album release parties, and night markets.
However, the generously poured affordable drinks are reason enough to stop by.
The Grapevine Bar
3902 Maple Ave, Dallas, TX 75219
Phone: (214) 522-8466
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There is no shortage of gay dive bars in Dallas, and The Grapevine Bar deserves a visit.
This neighborhood community bar has cool, kitschy decor and a welcoming, low-key atmosphere.
Come for happy hour and try one of their ridiculously delicious frozen drinks, the Bellini, Pom Pom, or Tangarits – a margarita made with Tang!
Sip on the patio and take in the laid-back fun.
Sue Ellen’s
3014 Throckmorton St, Dallas, TX 75219
Phone: (214) 559-0707
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Sue Ellen’s is one of Dallas’s great places to go out with the ladies. It’s on the strip, just around the corner from JR’s Bar & Grill.
This oldest lesbian bar in Texas was established in 1989. It’s a two-story nightclub with bars on both levels and two covered patios.
There’s always something happening at Sue Ellen’s, from live bands, DJs, and karaoke, to their giant game room with pool tables and skee ball.
Mr. Misster Dallas
3900 Cedar Springs Rd, Dallas, TX 75219
Phone: (972) 850-9936
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Next on the list is Mr. Misster Dallas, a hip, trendy nightclub on the strip.
Here you can try cocktails like the Pool Boy, Mr. Misster, Mint to Be, Flip Flop, and the Unicorn Blood, a combination of Empress Gin, lime juice, and St. Germain, topped with tonic water and lime.
The seating is plush, the lights are soft, and the night is young. Mr. Misster also hosts a Saturday drag brunch.
Kaliente
4350 Maple Ave, Dallas, TX 75219
Phone: (214) 520-6676
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Kaliente is a gay-owned, gay Latino nightclub just five minutes off the strip.
The staff is excellent, and the drinks are strong in this urban yet comfortable bar.
They feature Spanish, R&B, dance music, and frequent drag shows.
This is the place to go if you don’t mind crowds and you like a high-energy start or finish to your night.
Kaliente has been bringing the vibes for 17 years.
Alexandre’s
4026 Cedar Springs Rd, Dallas, TX 75219
Phone: (214) 559-0720
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Opened in 2004, Alexandre’s is a small bar in the Cedar Springs strip in Oaktown.
This bar features local live music and a small, cozy neighborhood vibe.
Unlike other fun places to get drinks in the gayborhood, Alexandre’s is entirely devoted to the cocktail experience.
Their cocktail menu is divided into three sections, Classics (1860-1917), Contemporary (1917-1990), and New Era (1990-today).
They also serve wine, beer, and something to eat with your Sidecar, Cosmopolitan, or Espresso Martini.
Pekers
2615 Oak Lawn Ave, Dallas, TX 75219
Phone: (214) 528-3333
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Pekers in Oak Lawn has been around since 2007, serving up happy hour and after-hour happiness from an unassuming strip mall location.
While they don’t serve food, they are located right to a Domino’s, perfect for cravings after a couple of cheap cocktails.
Whether the name catches your interest or turns you off, Pekers is a friendly dive bar with a laid-back atmosphere and is a great place to unwind.
Dallas Woody’s
4011 Cedar Springs Rd, Dallas, TX 75219
Phone: (214) 520-6629
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A list of the best gay bars in Dallas would not be complete without a sports bar.
Dallas Woody’s opened in 2004 specifically to meet that need.
They feature 28 wide-screen TVs and monitors throughout the place, so you can hang out and keep an eye on the game.
Dallas Woody’s was founded not only for spectators. They serve as a hub for local athletes and leagues as well.
This is a clean, friendly, community place to grab a cocktail or a few beers.
1851 Club
931 W Division St, Arlington, TX 76012
Phone: (817) 642-5554
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What if the best gay bar in Dallas isn’t technically in Dallas?
The 1851 Club is located in the Dallas-Forth Worth metropolitan area in the city of Arlington and is the only gay bar in Arlington.
The 1851 Club is welcoming, woman-friendly, and can be quiet if that is what you are looking for.
They have pool tables, darts, and a jukebox for low-key or high-key fun.
However, the place packs up tight whenever there is a drag show. If you only catch one drag show in the area, make it this one!
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