When folks think of Dallas, their minds may not go to images of bars with rainbow flags and flamboyant folks out on the dance floor. That’s too bad, because the state of Texas has a proud and strong LGBTQ+ community. Many queer folks in the Lonestar state embrace life in the big city of Dallas, so it only makes sense that there would be bars and clubs that cater to gays, lesbians, and other queer folks.
Which ones are the best? Take a look at Taimi’s top ten list of lesbian and gay bars in Dallas.
Top 10 Queer Bars And Clubs in Dallas Texas
Where does the gay community love to spend their nights and weekends in Dallas? Here are ten great places for drinks, dancing, and fun.
1. Sue Ellen’s
In the early eighties, folks in the United States were infatuated with a night time soap opera, “Dallas”. It was a TV show about a wealthy family of oil barons and the drama that comes with that kind of money and power. Two of the key players in all of this were JR and Sue Ellen Ewing. Eventually, some smart person decided to profit from this by opening two bars. One of these was Sue Ellen’s. That was a brilliant move, and so was creating this Oak Lawn icon as a lesbian bar, something that hasn’t changed for nearly 35 years.
What’s the vibe at Sue Ellen’s? It’s laid back and casual. There are pool tables, a large patio, and Sue Ellen’s offers casual fun events like karaoke. It’s that laid back approach and friendliness that makes Sue Ellen’s one of the few lesbian bars that are in existence today. It’s definitely worth a visit, the next time you are in the big city of Dallas. No worries, Sue Ellen’s is easy to find. It and many other gay and lesbian bars is right on the Strip on Cedar Springs Rd in the Oak Lawn neighborhood.
If you get hungry and want a break from drinking, you don’t have to leave Sue Ellen’s is also a restaurant that features classic American and Tex Mex food.
2. JR’s Bar And Grill
If Sue Ellen’s of Oak Lawn is a lesbian bar, it only makes sense that JR’s bar would be one a world-famous gay bars in Dallas. It’s located close to its sister Sue Ellen’s also on Cedar Springs Road in Oak Lawn. This gay bar is a Texas landmark, and has been serving up happy hour drinks to queer folks in Dallas for around 45 years.
JR’s has become a local favorite that also draws in tourists to its bar and grill. There’s a decidedly masculine vibe here with an LGBTQ+ spin on Dallas, Texas Pride. The place has great drink specials, and a menu that stands up to any fast casual restaurant. Nothing fancy, just good food that pairs well with a cold beer.
JR’s bar draws a crowd of folks almost every night to take part in exciting events just for queer folks. They have Drag Race watch parties, live performances, and more. It’s easy to see why the gay community continues to show up to this legendary Oak Lawn Venue.
3. Round-Up Saloon
The Round-Up Saloon isn’t just another gay bar in Dallas. It’s a genuine dance hall where gays and other quuer folks can change out and do the Texas two-step with new friends. They even offer dancing lessons to folks who don’t quite know the steps.
If dancing isn’t your thing, now worries! The Round Up is a huge place with six bars inside. They also take patron’s safety and wellbeing very seriously. They have a strict policy about over-serving, and offer a selection of NA drinks like coffee and Red Bull. They also serve a selection of food for folks who need to pump the brakes on drinking.
in addition to getting folks out on the dance floor, this Oaklawn saloon has a calendar full of other fun events. They host queer karaoke nights, drag queens, and so much more. They even serve the community by holding fundraising events to benefit local non-profits.
4. The Dallas Eagle
The world-famous Dallas Eagle welcomes Texas natives and visitors who are interested in the kink, leather, and bear scenes. The customer base here is primarily gay men who are interested in patronizing clubs like the Eagle where they can explore their fantasies without judgment. This is probably not the place for you if you want Tex Mex on the patio or Sunday Brunch.
The Eagle is open for debauchery seven days a week, including Sunday. There are events nearly every night that celebrate different gay subcultures, raise money for the community, or just offer up a fun outlet for gay folks to mingle and have fun.
5. The Rose Room
The Rose Room is a drag show venue located inside Dallas’ gay and lesbian bar, Station 4 (S4). This is a drag show venue where fierce drag queens come to do their magic. It’s a stellar part of Dallas nightlife and a huge part of the Dallas’ entertainment scene that includes but expands beyond the queer or trans community. Like many other LGBTQ+ focused clubs, this hot spot is also located on Cedar Springs Rd.
6. Dallas Woody’s Sports And Music Video Bar
Woody’s is another casual, fun spot that’s located on Cedar Springs Road. This is a stellar place to come for karaoke, watch a drag show, or catch the game. It has a great, welcoming vibe with affordable drinks. They also offer themed nights and screen music videos for your entertainment. This Oak Lawn video bar is also involved in community sports. So queer folks can gather with their friends for sand volleyball, darts, and other activities. If you prefer to hang out in the fresh air, Woody’s has a couple of patio seating options.
7. Alexandre’s
If you prefer a more intimate atmosphere over clubs, check out Alexandre’s in Oak Lawn. This is an intimate place where queer people gather to soak up lounge-style vibes, listen to live music, and enjoy expertly crafted cocktails. It’s an exquisitely curated experience for trans folks, queer women, and others who just want to chat, celebrate, or enjoy a night out amongst the queer community.
8. The Mining Company
Also known as TMC, this is one of the oldest gay bars in Dallas. It is a go-to spot for folks who want to party all night long in a club atmosphere that has something for everybody. As you might expect, it’s conveniently located on Cedar Springs Rd. It’s truly like walking into a new world.
this place has it all. There are outdoor patios for chilling out with friends, dance floors for showing off your moves, more intimate dance floors for getting closer, gogo dancers, and some of the most attractive bartenders in the industry. Be sure to check out special events like Trashy Tuesdays.
9. Hidden Door
Hidden Door is another one of Dallas’ oldest gay bars. It draws a friendly older crowd. That means a laid-back vibe, friendly folks, and cheap drinks at the bar. This is a great place to grab happy hour drinks in the Oak Lawn Area or spend a few hours on the weekends enjoying community without all the club noise. If you are interested in the world of bears, cubs, and otters – this is the place to go.
10. Mr. Misster
Located in Cedar Springs, this Dallas gay bar is a hot spot for fun on the weekends or during the week. Mr. Misster offers bottle service with great cocktails that are a hit with a more discerning crowd. There are also themed nights including tequila Tuesdays. It’s definitely worth checking out during the week or if you happen to be in the Oak Lawn neighborhood on a Saturday or Sunday.
Hitting up Dallas With Taimi
If you’re going to check out all Dallas has to offer, we hope you take Taimi along for the ride. Whether you find yourself dancing in a sweaty crowd to the latest pop hits, enjoying Tex-Mex on a Saturday morning with a group of friendly women, or just hanging out playing pool, we’re here to help you meet locals who vibe your way. And, if you’re looking for fun that doesn’t involve drinking, you can find that in Dallas too! The city is full of spots like the Wayward Coffee Co. where queer folks can meet up for sober fun. Don’t forget to check out the bevvy of restaurants, bookshops, museums, art galleries, and other exciting places where LGBTQ+ people are always welcome. No matter where you are in the world, Taimi can help you find what you’re looking for.
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