Go-gos from coast to coast

These clubs are known for the hottest go-go boys, and we have photographic evidence

Dancer at West Hollywood’s FUBAR, photo provided by FUBAR

Most everyone who cares about such things agrees that go-go dancing was invented in the early 1960s when a few drunken women climbed up on some bar tables and started dancing to entertain patrons. Where this first happened—at the Peppermint Lounge in New York City or in Los Angeles at Whisky a Go Go—is a matter of debate.

The term itself comes from a French expression, à gogo, which translates to “joy and happiness,” for the mood they are meant to evoke.

Male go-go dancers first enjoyed popularity in gay clubs during the mid-1960s, but then fell out of fashion for over two decades before resurfacing in the late ’80s. Today, go-go boys are fixtures of queer nightlife, so much so that West Hollywood celebrates an official “Go-go Appreciation Day” every year.

Now that we’ve whetted your appetite for gyrating boys that flash their assets in barely-there attire, here’s our list of the best places to find go-gos.

Piranha, Las Vegas

https://www.instagram.com/p/BwwDgmXn3wS/
They don’t call it “Sin City” for nothing: Expect to find as many as 25 go-go dancers on hand here at this long-time Las Vegas nightlife staple.

Rich’s, San Diego

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrLo3-TFKoF/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=12lodqmq0h9dv

San Diego’s oldest nightclub is also its most popular, and with talent like this, it’s little wonder why.

The Monster, New York City

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvhS3EAHYWD/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=108w4dvxlgeos

Next time you find yourself in New York, be sure to head to this West Village mainstay for its weekly Spunk party.

Beaux Bar, San Francisco

https://www.instagram.com/p/BuhzWxoBzvw/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1seltf49yp17x

If it’s go-gos you seek, then head to SF’s Castro club/lounge for “Pan Dulce” every Wednesday and “Manimal” Fridays.

6. Oz, New Orleans

The Big Easy’s most popular gay nightclub ramps things up a notch each week with its Tuesday night “Bourbon Boylesque” show.

West Hollywood and Los Angeles

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bwu8pNUHAby/

There are so many great places in L.A./West Hollywood that we didn’t want to narrow it down; in fact, you can read about them all right here. Also, as we mentioned above, Weho is home to an official, government-recognized “Go-Go Appreciation Day.”

Fairytale Lounge, NYC

https://www.instagram.com/p/f6z7NsOLtB/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=c1ix0p2tuioy

Fairytales do come true at this eclectically designed NYC watering hole, and they are dancing up on the bar in front of you.

Tin Room, Dallas

https://www.instagram.com/p/BWfj7WgD16V/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=gift3tluiuvk

How could we not love a place that features hot dancers seven nights a week? Plus, they do say everything is bigger in Texas.

Swinging Richards, Atlanta

Swinging Richards has been serving up completely nude go-gos in Atlanta for well over 15 years; that makes them tops in our book.

Don't forget to share:

Your support makes our travel guides possible

We believe that LGBTQ+ people deserve safe vacations that allow them to be their authentic selves. That's why our City Guides aren't locked behind a paywall. Can you contribute today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated