Rocco
While Houston– or H-Town, as the locals know it– might be a top destination for millions of tourists interested in the museum district and Johnson Space Center, it also hosts many vibrant and energetic LGBTQ+ nightlife hotspots.
I’ve corralled some of my top picks for the best gay bars in Houston, from swanky lounges to bumping dance clubs and everything in between to help you make the most of your visit to the Bayou City.
Let’s get this party started!
Crocker
2312 Crocker St, Houston, TX 77006
Phone: (713) 529-3355
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In Houston’s Montrose neighborhood, Crocker has a well-earned reputation for its laid-back atmosphere and casual social scene. That doesn’t mean they don’t know how to party, though!
You can find something going on at Crocker just about every day of the week, including karaoke on Mondays and Thursdays. They also host $4 Fireball Friday, $4 Mexican Candy Saturday, and Crocker Sunday Funday on the weekends.
My favorite part? No cover charge, which means more cash for refreshments.
Neon Boots Dancehall and Saloon
11410 Hempstead Rd, Houston, TX 77092
Phone: (832) 582-5022
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Are you looking for somewhere to boot-scootin’ boogie with just the right touch of Southern charm? Look no further than Neon Boots Dancehall and Saloon, near the White Oak Bayou Greenway Trail.
This LGBTQ+ tops my list for the best gay bars in Houston thanks to its perpetual playlist of upbeat country tunes and a long list of weekly drink specials, including a 5–9 PM Happy Hour featuring $5.00 Dulce Vida tequila cocktails and $4.50 domestic draft pints.
Hamburger Mary’s
1008 Prairie St, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (713) 677-0674
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In the heart of downtown Houston, you’ll find a delightful drag spot called Hamburger Mary’s, where they serve country realness every five nights a week.
On Wednesday, stop by for Wigs and Wings, with half-priced apps and burgers, or Party With the Divas every Saturday night for live entertainment and delicious cocktails.
If you’re looking for a reason to drag yourself out of bed on Sunday morning, there’s also Bitch, Do You Even Brunch?! hosted by Lady Shamu and Dessi Love Blake.
Tony’s Corner Pocket
817 W Dallas St, Houston, TX 77019
Phone: (713) 571-7870
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Despite their open-armed acceptance of newbies to the gay bar scene, it’s never amateur hour at Tony’s Corner Pocket.
It’s a bit off the beaten path, near Buffalo Bayou Park, but well worth the extra time to get there if you’re looking for male strip and drag shows that celebrate all body types.
The bartenders are the best in the business, and the owner, the titular Tony, puts a lot of heart into ensuring every visitor has a cold beer in their hand and some real Texan eye candy to enjoy.
Pearl Bar
4216 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77007
Phone: (281) 757-3229
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If you’re near the Washington Avenue Corridor and looking for something for the ladies, Pearl Bar is a welcoming and safe space for the LGBTQ+ community to kick back with karaoke, live entertainment, and $2.99/lb crawfish on Sundays.
I recommend kicking back with a King’s Punch on the patio or sipping a Lesbian Lemonade in the upscale lounge. Seriously… They have some of the most creative cocktails in Houston.
Eagle Houston
611 Hyde Park Blvd, Houston, TX 77006
Phone: (713) 523-2473
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While in Montrose, make a pit stop at Eagle Houston to feast your eyes on a veritable cornucopia of leather and Levi’s-clad men sporting some primo six-pack abs.
Eagle Houston has something going on every night of the week, from the Monday Mixers with $2 off all well, call, and premium drinks from 4–11 PM to a full lineup of events on Sunday starting at noon, boasting $4 well drinks and $5 Effen Vodka specials.
Michael’s Outpost
1419 Richmond Ave., Houston, TX 77006
Phone: (713) 520-8446
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Also located in Montrose is Michael’s Outpost, a swankier spot set up as an intimate piano and cabaret bar.
While it doesn’t boast the same high-energy vibe of many of its neighbors, it’s one of the best gay bars in Houston to unwind after a long week while you enjoy the musical stylings of some local talent.
While Michael’s Outpost does offer standard mixed drinks, it’s the type of place to enjoy a nice glass of wine or two. They also pour a mean margarita if you’re the cocktail type.
BUDDY’S
2409 Grant St STE A, Houston, TX 77006
Phone: (281) 310-1050
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BUDDY’S is right around the corner from the thrift shop haven that is Westheimer Road in Montrose and boasts all the best features of any must-visit gay bar in Houston and then some.
They host more than 14 recurring weekly events– including my favorite Theme Queens hosted by Muffy Vanderbilt III– while slinging stiff drinks like a lip-smacking rum punch and Deep Eddy Vodka cocktails made for sharing.
South Beach Houston
810 Pacific St, Houston, TX 77006
Phone: (713) 529-7623
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South Beach Houston is the best gay bar in Houston if you’ve dedicated your evenings to losing yourself in a crowd of hyperactive dancers, partying under hypnotic strobe lights, and finding the absolute strongest drinks in the Lonestar State.
You’ve got to hit up one of their Patio Beach Party Sundays, at least for the temptation of dollar drinks, $2 doubles, and $5 premiums. Still, I can guarantee you’ll stick around for the cuties in their beachwear and thumping musical stylings from House of Mendoza.
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