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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Badlands
The popular San Francisco dance floor class, Badlands, has a little brother in Sacramento where the California boys are undeniable.
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.
Gay 90s
MPLS’s favorite Gay 90s is known for strong drinks, multiple party rooms, vibrant drag show, and an Instragrammably giant penis statue.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.