13 Best Gay Friendly Bars

Queer people deserve a space where they can relax and be themselves without the fear of judgment. It’s a fortune if they found a place that offers a welcoming atmosphere, and that too with creative cocktails and unique entertainment. From cozy neighborhood hangouts to extravagant dance clubs, there’s something for everyone when it comes to gay-friendly bars, including clubs and those serving food. Whether you’re looking for a romantic date spot or a place to dance the night away with your friends. These gay bars will provide a sense of community and belonging. When it comes to gay-friendly bars, there are many places across the world where you can enjoy great music, drinks, and good company. From San Francisco to Bangkok, we’ve compiled a list of the 13 best gay-friendly bars worldwide that you should visit.

Ku Bar, Soho

13

Ku Bar is a popular gay bar in Soho, London’s heart. The bar has been a fixture in the LGBTQ+ scene in the city for over a decade. It’s made a name for itself for its lively atmosphere and vibrant crowd. Ku Bar first opened its doors in 1995 and has since become a staple of gay nightlife in London. It’s open seven nights a week and is very much alive with a variety of entertainment on offer. These include cabaret shows, drag performances, and DJs spinning the latest hits. In addition to its fantastic entertainment. Ku Bar also has a wide range of signature cocktails. You definitely should try the popular Ku Passion Fruit Martini.

Not only do you feel welcomed by its friendly staff, but the bar also has a lively atmosphere and excellent entertainment. Ku Bar is one of the must-visit gay-friendly bars for anyone looking for a fun night out in Soho.

Sidetrack Bar, Chicago

12

Sidetrack bar has been a prominent fixture in Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community for decades. This bar sits in the heart of the city’s queer history, Boystown. The atmosphere here is very vibrant and colorful, and Sidetrack is popular for its lively music, drag shows, and themed parties. This gay-friendly bar is also home to an expansive video wall and features music videos and other visual entertainment. It hosts popular events like Show Tunes Sundays, and Boystown’s Got Talent. Additionally, the bar has a dance floor where patrons can let loose and have fun.

One of the most unique aspects of Sidetrack is its drinks selection, which consists of a variety of creative concoctions. The bar has a long history in the Chicago LGBTQ+ community. Come visit and have your most enjoyable night in Sidetrack Bar!

Les Souffleurs, Paris

11

Are you in Marais, the trendy district of Paris, looking for fun or to simply mingle with the local queer folks? Say no more; Les Souffleurs is a stylish and inviting bar where you need to be. This place welcomes members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies.

The cozy and intimate atmosphere makes the bar perfect for catching up with friends or meeting new people. It’s one of the gay bars with food worth visiting. The décor features a mix of vintage and modern design elements, giving the bar a unique and warmhearted vibe. In addition to drinks, Les Souffleurs also serves small plates and tapas, making it a great spot for a night out.

Les Souffleurs is also known for its diverse and entertaining events, from live music performances to drag shows and dance parties. The friendly and welcoming staff ensures that all visitors feel safe and comfortable, making it the top choice of a gay-friendly bar in Paris.

La Purisima, Mexico

10

La Purisima is a hidden gem in the heart of Mexico City’s historic center. This cozy bar offers an experience for those seeking an authentic queer-friendly space in Mexico. Besides the warm atmosphere, La Purisima offers diverse music and entertainment to keep the party going all night long.

This gay-friendly bar’s signature cocktail. The “La Purisima Margarita” is a must-try for visitors looking to enjoy a night out in Mexico City. Here, you’ll find a mix of locals and visitors worldwide, making it the perfect place to meet new friends and experience the vibrant LGBTQ+ community in Mexico City.

The bar also hosts regular drag shows and other special events, adding to the merry and cheery vibe. Whether you’re looking for a fun night out or a relaxed evening with friends, La Purisima will have some tricks to entertain you.

Club Church, Amsterdam

9

In the Kerkstraat area of Amsterdam, Club Church is a well-loved gay club. People of all genders, sexual orientations, and backgrounds are welcome in the club. This place is a vibrant and welcoming space, making it one of the best gay-friendly bars in the world.

The space itself has an industrial vibe, with exposed brick walls. The large dance floor, creating a unique and exciting atmosphere, makes it all the more perfect. The club features multiple rooms, each with its own unique vibe and music, as well as regular events and parties. On top of its exciting nightlife. Club Church is famous for its popular drag shows and burlesque performances. In fact, they’re the main attraction of this must-visit spot for entertainment in Amsterdam. The club also features a fully stocked bar, serving a variety of cocktails and drinks. Their most famous drink is the “Church Mary,” a delicious twist on the classic Bloody Mary.

Gstar, Taiwan

8

Running and thriving for almost 20 years, Gstar is one of Taiwan’s most iconic gay-friendly bars. With a mix of locals and foreigners, Gstar is a staple of the Taiwanese queer community. The bar features an extensive cocktail menu with a variety of drinks to choose from. These include some of their signature cocktails that are highly recommended by regulars.

Gstar is also a hot topic for its lively drag shows, which are a must-see when visiting the bar. The talented performers put on a fantastic show that entertained the audience all night. Besides the drag shows, Gstar also hosts various events throughout the week, like karaoke nights and DJ performances.

Gstar’s history is rich and storied, and the bar has undergone many changes. Originally a small bar located in a basement, Gstar has since moved to a larger location and has become a beloved institution in the Taiwanese queer community. If you want to experience Taipei’s blooming queer scene, you must go to Gstar.

Sircuit Bar, Melbourne

7

Are you looking for a bustling LGBTQ+ nightclub in Melbourne? Go to one of Melbourne’s best gay-friendly bars, Sircuit bar. It’s a multi-level venue with plenty of space for dancing and kiki-ing. It also features a large outdoor area for relaxing and mingling with friends. The bar hosts a range of events throughout the week, such as themed nights, drag shows, and live performances. Sircuit Bar is also known for its signature cocktails and delicious bar snacks, perfect for fueling a fun night.

The history of Sircuit Bar dates back to the 1990s when it first opened as a small bar in the gay-friendly Prahran neighborhood. Over the years, the bar has grown in popularity and has become a staple of Melbourne’s LGBTQ+ community. Today, Sircuit Bar is in the limelight for its inclusive and cheery atmosphere as well as its commitment to promoting diversity and acceptance.

The Black Cap, London

6

The Black Cap Pub is a London landmark and has been a cultural icon in the LGBTQ+ community since the 1960s. Every visitors love this pub’s drag shows, cabaret, and variety of performances, making it a hive of queer nightlife in the city. The Black Cap has been a safe haven for many LGBTQ+ individuals over the years. The place played an integral role in London’s queer history.

The pub’s friendly and queer atmosphere and iconic history make it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Its diverse clientele and unique entertainment offerings have made it a staple of London’s queer culture. The Black Cap Pub is not just a place to grab a drink. It’s a cultural institution that has provided a platform for LGBTQ+ performers. They have showcased their talents and expressed their creativity for over five decades.

Berghain, Berlin

5

Are you up for a night having fun on the dance floor? Then, Berghain in Berlin is a perfect choice. Berghain is one of the world’s most famous and exclusive techno clubs. Located in a former power plant, this club has an industrial feel that adds to the one-of-a-kind experience. It’s one of those gay-friendly bars you’ll regret not visiting. Well, it’s not a gay bar, per se. But Berghain will give you a welcoming and queer-friendly environment. Berghain is not just about the music. The club is popular for its awe-inspiring architecture, including its massive dance floors and impressive lighting installations. Its immersive and visually stunning sound systems also contribute to the overall experience. The club regularly hosts world-class DJs. So, dance your night away with hip techno music and have the most unique experience of nightlife in Berlin.

Homo Hill in Itaewon, Seoul

4

Homo Hill, located in the heart of Itaewon, is a gay mecca that attracts a diverse crowd worldwide. If you’re looking for a night out on the town. Homo Hill has covered you with its myriad gay clubs and bars catering to the LGBTQ+ community. The history of Homo Hill dates back to the 1990s when the first gay bar, “Club Q,” opened its doors.

The bars on Homo Hill offer a wide range of drinks, from cocktails to beer. They have many gay bars with food. These bars also have unique themes, making each venue a unique experience. Along with drinks, the bars on Homo Hill also offer nightly performances, from drag shows to live music and more. The energy on Homo Hill is infectious, and it’s easy to spend an entire evening bar hopping.

Homo Hill is a testament to the growing acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community in South Korea. The district is a safe space where people can be themselves, and it’s a symbol of progress and inclusivity. It’s a great reason to add to your top things to do in Seoul.

The Abbey, California

3

The Abbey has been a staple in the gay community in West Hollywood since it opened in 1991. It’s one of the best gay bars with food since it expanded to include a restaurant and a nightclub. You can never forget this bar with its chic decor, delicious cocktails, and welcoming staff. The Abbey is a treasure of great memories and one of the legendary gay-friendly bars in the world. If you’re staying here, read about the top gay-friendly hotels in West Hollywood, California, for an accommodation guide.

Everyone knows the Abbey for its ongoing support of the LGBTQ+ community. It is home to the annual LA Pride Parade kick-off party and regularly hosts fundraisers and events for various LGBTQ+ organizations. The Abbey makes appearances on multiple TV shows. These include Bravo’s Vanderpump Rules and E!’s Keeping Up with the Kardashians.

The Abbey offers a fun and safe environment for people of all backgrounds to come together and celebrate diversity. In addition to its community involvement, the Abbey hosts a variety of events throughout the week. These include drag shows, karaoke nights, and dance parties. The venue features a spacious dance floor and a state-of-the-art sound system. Hence, it’s the perfect spot for a night out with friends.

The Stranger Bar, Thailand

2

Located on Silom Street in Bangkok, one of the trendiest and most energetic streets, Stranger bar is the most visited LGBTQ+ bar in Thailand. Established in 2017, the bar quickly became famous for its unique and extravagant performances. These range from drag shows to live music acts. The interior is such eye candy for its colorful, eclectic style, with glittery walls and a disco ball.

The bar offers a wide variety of drinks, including signature cocktails such as the Stranger Thing and the Thai Me Up, prepared by expert mixologists. Customers can enjoy their drinks while watching the fabulous drag queen performances. The bar also hosts special events throughout the year, such as Pride parties and other LGBTQ+ celebrations.

Besides its incredible entertainment and drinks, the Stranger Bar is also known for its history of supporting the LGBTQ+ community in Thailand. The bar regularly donates to local LGBTQ+ organizations and is a vocal advocate for equal rights and inclusion by providing a safe and welcoming space for people of all genders and sexualities.

The Stonewall Inn, New York

1

This is the bar that has played an integral role in LGBTQ+ history. Stonewall Inn first opened in 1967 and became a popular spot for queer people to gather and socialize. In 1969, the bar was the site of the famous Stonewall riots, a series of protests that sparked the modern gay rights movement. Today, the Stonewall Inn remains an important symbol of LGBTQ+ activism and has become a must-visit destination for anyone interested in queer history.

The Stonewall Inn is a terrific place to get a drink and take in some live entertainment, in addition to its historical value. The “Stonewall Margarita” and the “Rainbow Punch,” among other popular specialty drinks, are available at the bar. The bar provides live performances by local drag queens and other queer artists on the weekends.

Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a fun night out, the Stonewall Inn will capture your heart with its legendary vibe. Check out our top gay-friendly hotels in New York City when you visit the city.

Cool Facts about the Best Gay-Friendly Bars

• Ku Bar has one of the most distinctive elements of the interior with its use of mirrored surfaces. The bar area is surrounded by mirrored panels that reflect the colorful lights and artwork, creating a dynamic and visually striking effect. The seating areas are also arranged around circular tables with mirrored tops, giving the impression of a never-ending space.s.
• In South Korea, homosexuality was illegal until 2003, and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals was common. It started as a gathering spot, and Homo Hill gradually emerged as a hub for the LGBTQ+ community in Itaewon, and it continues to be an important community landmark to this day.
• The legendary gay bar, The Abbey, was originally a coffee shop before a masterful businessman, David Cooley, purchased the spot and turned it into the “Best Gay Bar in the World.”
• The Stonewall Inn is a historic gay bar located in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of New York City, one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world. It is famous for being the site of the Stonewall riots, a series of demonstrations by the LGBTQ+ community in response to a police raid in 1969. The Stonewall riots are considered a turning point in the LGBTQ+ rights movement in the United States. Today, the Stonewall Inn is a National Historic Landmark and a symbol of LGBTQ+ resistance and resilience.