Historically, gay bars have ranged from discreet, cruisy, word-of-mouth dives to out-and-proud, strobe light discotheques where nearly anything goes.
Now, a newer nightlife is upon us. As more of the old school institutions close, lounges are popping up to cater to mixed crowds.
At this new breed of bar, you’ll find the gays, their gay pals, and a spattering of free-range heteros who just enjoy campy fun.
Are the days of male-only pick-up bars gone? Nope. They’re there for those particular nights.
Let’s take a look at some hip bar lounges where the patrons are just as mixed as the cocktails.
dbar
Filled with mahogany charm, dbar is a full service restaurant by day. And when the sun goes down, the popular eatery turns into a lounge and dance destination.
Number Nine
In the middle of it all, Number Nine is a new DC destination for upscale craft cocktails the jalapeño and grapefruit margaritas.
Number Nine
Plush bar serving creative cocktails 1435 P St NW · Washington, DC 20005(202) 299-0999
Website
Signature Lounge at the 96th
Sip the “You Broke My Corazon” craft cocktail while overlooking the breathtaking Chicago views at this WIndy City favorite
The Signature Room at the 95th
Breathtaking views and glitzy folx 875 N Michigan Ave · Chicago, IL 60611(312) 787-9596
Website
Bar Mattachine
Bar Mattachine, DTLA’s home of craft cocktails, is part of a neighborhood that is rapidly developing into the newest Los Angeles area to see and be seen.
Bar Mattachine
Heritage DTLA hot spot 221 W. 7th street · Los Angeles, CA 90014(213) 278-0471
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Bloodhound
At this cozy San Francisco lounge, sip the Pink Sombrero, made with tequila, aperol, grapefruit, lime, coconut, and a salt rim.
Blackbird
Another San Francisco favorite, Blackbird lives at the entrance to Castro District. The customers range from gays on a first date to a mixed-gendered tech group enjoying happy hour.
Bar Centrale
Reservations encouraged at this intimate, unmarked hotspot in Hell’s Kitchen. It’s popular with Broadway stars, has speakeasy vibes, and is “sitting room only” aka “no lingering for a barstool”.
Bar Centrale
Celebrity chic to the max 324 West 46th Street · New York, NY 10036(212) 581-3130
Website
Les Etages
Everyone’s favorite Parisian gayborhood, Le Marais, is home to this gem of a lounge. Built inside a multi-level townhouse, Les Etages is ideal for a romantic evening.
Studio One 11
Palm Springs is already a relaxed atmosphere unto itself and Studio One 11 is a perfect cocktail lounge to escape the desert heat. Grab a seat on the patio.
one eleven bar
Easy, breezy, beautiful cocktail lounge 67555 E Palm Canyon Dr · Cathedral City, CA 92234(760) 328-2900
Website
Martinis Above Fourth
This cabaret lounge’s martinis are sure to make it a night to remember. Among the notable cocktails: Betty Ford’s Apple-Sauced and Blackberry Marga-tini. Thank us in the morning.
Martinis Above Fourth
Sip with swanky elegance. 3940 4th Ave., Suite 200 · San Diego, CA 92103(619) 400-4500
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La Te Da
La Te Da is a from an era gone-by; a lively classic where everyone is welcome. This sophisticated Key West institution has multiple bar lounges and a cabaret room.
Napoleon’s Itch
Upscale cocktail lounge in New Orleans is popular with gays and their besties. Get comfy on the couches or slide up to the bar and order a Dirty Old Man. You know you wanna.
Napoleon’s Itch
Style required, not desired 734 Bourbon St · New Orleans, LA 70116(504) 371-5450
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