It’s Pride Month, y’all! Let your colors fly this month and beyond at these 10 Houston LGBTQ+ for an inclusive and incredible time!
1. Pearl
Houston’s premier lesbian/LGBTQ+ bar was founded in 2013 by Julie Mabry as a safe and inclusive space for Houston’s lesbian and queer community. A decade later, Pearl continues to celebrate the community with drag shows, fundraisers, DJs, steak nights, karaoke, and all-around good times.
2. JR’s Bar & Grill
Always one for a lively, yet relaxing atmosphere, JR’s Bar & Grill in Montrose is a Southwestern-inspired bar and patio where patrons can enjoy righteous Happy Hours, energetic DJs, and live performances.
3. South Beach
After four years and multi-million-dollar renovations, iconic LGBTQ+ club, South Beach, has brought the party back to Montrose.
Party goers will also notice one striking design change: the club has switched out its planet-sized disco ball centerpiece for an 8-foot, 450-pound, rotating crystal chandelier – what Armstrong calls “the mother of all chandeliers”.
4. Crocker Bar
Open seven days a week, Crocker Bar is a friendly neighborhood bar with stiff drinks, generous Happy Hour specials (until 9 pm on weekdays), and dollar Vodkas on Fridays and Sundays. Mainstream DJs every weekend.
5. George Country Sports Bar
Pool tables, dartboards, and TVs tuned to your favorite sports teams, George Country Sports Bar is fun yet laidback dive in Montrose that’s been around since 2006. Patrons here can enjoy cheap beer, country tunes (and other jams), and their famous Thursday Steak Night. Opened from 7 am to 2 am daily.
6. Michael’s Outpost
Let the Elton out at Houston’s sole LGBTQ+ piano bar and cabaret. Founded in 1989, Michael’s Outpost is open until 2 am nightly, hosting professional drag entertainers, pianists, and karoake nights weekly.
7. Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon
Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon is a legendary Houston establishment. Originally opened under the Esquire Ballroom name back in 1955, the venue has staged performances from Willie Nelson to Patsy Cline. Today, Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon is the largest country and western bar in Houston.
The award-winning, 11,000-square-foot venue features a spacious dance floor, 10 bar stations, the historic Esquire Room, and a large outdoor patio. If the 5-9 Happy Hour specials aren’t enough to get you dancing, the venue also offers dancing lessons where patrons can learn how to boot scoot and boogie.
8. Ripcord
Having celebrated its 40th anniversary this past year, Ripcord is one of the oldest gay bars in Houston. It’s also the largest gay leather bar in the state. Located on the corner of Crocker and Fairview, Ripcord is a “something-for-everyone” venue is equipped with an expansive patio and is great for conversation, or more if your pleasure. Play pool, catch an art show, and enjoy weekly drag performances by Reign and Adriana LaRue.
9. Robert’s Lafitte
Opened in 1970, Robert’s Lafitte on 25th Street in Galveston is the oldest LGBTQ+ bar in the state. Tucked in away at 2501 Ave. Q, Robert’s Lafitte is a friendly “come as you are” neighborhood bar that feature weekly drag performances and matinees. It’s a cash bar only, but there is an ATM outside. The bar also feature a back patio with a bar, as well as an in-ground pool if that floats your boat.
10. Barbarella
With the tagline “nothing fancy just dancy” Barbarella is the dive bars of dance clubs. Located at 2404 San Jacinto St., the alternative Houston nightclub regularly attracts indie lovers for its dancy soundtrack of Daft Punk, Grimes, Lana Del Ray, and more. Barbarella features weekly themed nights such as Pop Off Thursdays, New Noise Fridays, and Footloose Saturdays.