On the whole, Austin is largely LGBTQ+ friendly - but some spots make this more of a reality than others.
Not only are we grateful, but we’re proud to live in a city that’s resoundingly accepting of our LGBTQ+ community. The many venues that are inclusive all year round hold extra value during Pride. Lucky for us, all of the celebrations that accompany Pride are right around the corner. To accompany the celebration, here are the best LGBTQ+ friendly bars and restaurants that our city has to offer this time of year and beyond.
Contributed By Ashley Ragan
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photo credit: Rainon4th.com
217 W 4th St
When you think of LGBTQ+ friendly bars in Austin, it’s highly likely that you automatically picture Rain on 4th. It’s fun and flashy and extremely welcoming to all who come to dance to their heart’s content. Rain is a relatively upscale lounge with stellar downtown views, two large patios, and never-ending Rain Water, the club’s signature drink. Head to Rain to get down on the substantial dance floor, check out the Tuesday night drag show, or partake in their weekly open mic talent show. A great spot to bust out your dancing shoes and flashy clothes during Pride. Rain or shine, Rain never disappoints.

1300 South Congress
242 West Second Street
We’ve all seen the graffiti, we’ve all posted an Insta there...but do we all know the story behind the traffic-halting Jo’s Coffee Shop? Austin resident Amy Cook sprayed the phrase years ago on the wall of the cafe after an argument with her then-girlfriend. Though the couple is no longer together and Cook now views it as a “love letter to the city,” both Jo’s locations remain LGBTQ+ friendly staples with delicious sustenance to boot! After consecutive late nights on 4th, a caffeine pick-me-up from Jo’s will be an unequivocal necessity.
photo credit: austintexas.org
211 W 4th Street
If you’re looking to dance your ass off, like truly dance your ass off (on the substantially large dance floor, atop a table, really anywhere) check out Oilcan Harry’s. OCH’s tagline is “The place to be in Austin,” and it’s not hard to see why. It’s infamous for the high-energy crowds and electric atmosphere, the tighty-whitey contests, and a beloved, spacious backyard to socialize in with a diverse crowd. Be sure to try the Sweet Tea Moonshine drink while attending the RuPaul's Drag Race watch parties, often attended by cast members themselves. Yas Queen!
photo credit: Seemeefeedmereadme.com
213 W 4th Street
Sellers, the sister bar of Icenhauer's, is fairly novel to the Austin bar scene, but this bar is definitely worth stopping by. Known for fast and friendly service and top-notch design and decor, this bar even has a selfie station to snap your best glam pics. Sellers is on the chic side and has quality craft cocktails and high energy, especially during the drag shows and Latin nights.
photo credit: Planet Fabulous
121 W 8th Street
If you’re seeking a more casual experience and looking to abscond from the madness of 4th Street, head on over to The Iron Bear. The attire is laidback, decor unflashy, and drinks are cheap. A more mature crowd typically frequents The Iron Bear to enjoy the disco lights, trivia night, karaoke, theme nights, Musical Mondays, and to sip on the infamous Bear Punch. And best yet, the premises is dog-friendly... not to mention bear friendly!
photo credit: Drag Star Diva
Various Locations
Texas Chili Queens may just be the only food truck on the globe that is run by Drag Queens. At least, that’s what creator Edie Eclat is proud to believe. The truck focuses on chili and gives food a flair with flavor and with attitude! The chili is named after several different cities in Texas, and will add some spice and pizzaz to your life.
photo credit: Bout Time II
6607 N IH 35
No matter what you’re into, Bout Time II is a judgment-free place to spend a guaranteed good night. Known as BT2 for short, this spot is extremely welcoming of the LGBTQ+ community. BT2's "glitzy hole-in-the-wall" aesthetic (we just made that up, but it fits) provides a neighborhood feel with friendly bartenders and patrons. If you’re feeling sporty, the bar even has a volleyball court, as well as myriad TVs for sports. You can expect to find a down-to-earth crowd, drag shows, and a wildly popular drag bingo night!

900 Red River Street
Cheer Up Charlies is a lively bar near the heart of the Red River Cultural District, where there's always something fun going on. The interior is bright and colorful and there’s live music aplenty. Cheer Ups’ inclusiveness is embodied by the gender-neutral bathrooms and karaoke drag events. It's also run by one of our favorite couples in town, partners Tamara Hoover and Maggie Lea, who work with bar staff to foster a friendly, safe environment. Check out CUC for a storytelling event or weekend dance party and sip on a Kale Lime Margarita.
photo credit: Highland Lounge
404 Colorado Street
Feel like hanging at a place where so much dancing occurs that several water jugs are supplied just for patrons to rehydrate? Head over to Highland, the swanky, modern, spacious venue with five bars included, where fog rolls over the loud, busy dance floor. Head to the basement floor late at night for some of the most pumpin' house music in Austin.
615 Red River Street
Barbarella holds numerous titles: wild, crazy and the home of TuezGayz. TuezGayz has all of the appeal of Barb's on a regular night with the addition of a midnight Drag show and $2 well drinks. On other nights of the week, Footloose Fridays (80s jams) are hosted as well as Jimmy Eat Wednesdays, for the inner-emo-mid-2000’s child in all of us. Come here any night of the week, but for the most fabulous dance party of all, come on Tuesday.
photo via facebook / wherethegirlsgoatx
Various Locations
While this isn't a specific venue, Where The Girls Go ATX hosts Guerilla Queer Bar events monthly, in which the promoters take over a space in town and turn it into a queer grrrl dance party. These events are always "trans-positive, all-gender-inclusive, anti-isms/ists, pro-makeout affairs to get the hips movin and the blood pumpin". What more could you need? Check their Facebook page for upcoming Queer Bar events!
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