Readers’ Choice: Best classic gay bars where you’ll meet guys actually zero feet away

After GayCities shared 11 Unforgettable classic bars where you’ll meet more guys than on Grindr, readers let us have it. “How could you have missed the best of the bars?!” one Chicago member commented. (Sorry Sidetrack, we love you.)

You spoke and we listened. Check out this list of classic bars, a curation of reader’s faves.

Station 4

Station 4 “it a meat market,” said a Dallas reader. “S4” (as the locals call it) is right across the street from classic The Round Up Saloon.

Station 4

Massive dance club and drag lounge 3911 Cedar Springs Rd · Dallas, TX 75219
(214) 526-7171
Website

Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant

In Arlington, Virginia, just across the Potomac River from Washington DC, is Freddie’s Beach Bar. It’s Ptown meets Key West at this bar and bistro.

Freddie’s Beach Bar

Beachy vibes 555 23rd St S · Arlington, VA 22202
(703) 685-0555
Website

Nellie’s Sports Bar

Wild and crazy bar playing a variety of pop, hip hop, and old school for a gay and mixed crowd. Cheap still drinks and friendly bartenders gets this place packed from wall to wall.

Nellie’s Sports Bar

DC’s gay sports bar and more 900 U St NW · Washington, DC 20001
(202) 332-6355
Website

Cafe Lafitte in Exile

“Lafitte in Exile here in Nola? The oldest gay bar?!” one reader couldn’t believe we missed this one. Touché; it is THE classic.

Cafe Lafitte in Exile

Oldest gay bar in the US 901 Bourbon St · New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 522-8397
Website

Georgie’s Alibi Monkey Bar

In the heart of Wilton Manors is Georgie’s Alibi, a mix of nightclub, local bar, and restaurant. It’s a Ft. Lauderdale staple and a must when in the gayborhood.

Georgie’s Alibi Monkey Bar

Wild restaurant, bar & nightclub rolled into one 2266 Wilton Dr · Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305
(954) 565-2526
Website

Badlands

The popular San Francisco dance floor class, Badlands, has a little brother in Sacramento where the California boys are undeniable.

Badlands

A big city fave 2003 K St · Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 448-8790
Website

JJ’s Clubhouse & Bar

Just around the corner from the Grove, St. Louis’ gay village, JJ’s is the place for late-night dancing. It’s rumored some locals have never seen JJ’s in the light of day.

JJ’s Clubhouse & Bar

Casual biker bar 3858 Market St · St. Louis, MO 63110
(314) 535-4100
Website

Gay 90s

MPLS’s favorite Gay 90s is known for strong drinks, multiple party rooms, vibrant drag show, and an Instragrammably giant penis statue.

Gay 90’s Minneapolis

Mega-mall of dance clubs 408 Hennepin Ave · Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 333-7755
Website

Twist

Also known as Twist Social Club, the large patio at this Cleveland favorite is the place to mix and mingle with locals. The music volume is reasonable enough to strike a up a convo.

Twist Social Club

First-rate club with huge dance floor 11633 Clifton Blvd · Cleveland, OH 44102
(216) 221-2333
Website

Sidetrack

One reader commented: “You missed the BEST of the bars… SIDETRACK in Chicago’s Boystown gayborhood!!” We love Sidetrack! Thanks for the reminder, Chicago friend.

Sidetrack

Where bigger is always better 3349 N Halsted St · Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 477-9189
Website

JR’s Bar and Grill

This iconic gay destination has been pouring stiff ones since the 1970s. A sprawling two-level bar with go-go boys to warm you up and a patio to cool you off.

JR’s Bar and Grill

Extremely popular spot at the center of it all 3923 Cedar Springs Rd · Dallas, TX 75219
(214) 528-1004
Website

The Cuff Complex

Since 1995, bears and their admirers have filled their beer guts straight from the tap at Seattle’s Cuff Complex. When the sun comes out, so do the hairy hotties.

The Cuff Complex

More muscle 1533 13th Ave · Seattle, WA 98122
(206) 323-1525
Website

The Cinch Saloon

San Francisco’s The Cinch Saloon is a Bay Area classic along Polk Street, the former LGBTQ enclave that pre-dates Castro Street.

Cinch Saloon

Old-guard meets Star Wars 1723 Polk St · San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 776-4162
Website
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