“Same-sex relationships were often framed as friendships so are sometimes hard for us to understand from our present time.” “Most records are vague, and few exist that explicitly describe so-called sex crimes, harassment, or homophobia,” says Doyle. Doyle Jr., a history professor at Southern Methodist University, who teaches a class on the backstory of the local LGBTQ community and is writing a book on the subject. Scarce details are known about the city’s gay history prior to World War II, says David D. From the Shadowsĭuring the early 1900s, Dallas’ LGBTQ community existed in the shadows. But the history runs deeper - from pre-Stonewall-era gay bars that existed off the radar to today’s megawatt gay-pride parade. Some might know that Cedar Springs is the epicenter of the gay community, while others may recall Dallas appointing its first openly lesbian sheriff, Lupe Valdez, in 2005. Yet few know the history of its LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) community and culture. Our city has been credited as one of the most gay-friendly in the country, alongside New York, San Francisco, and others on both coasts. In Dallas, a city smack in the center of what many would call the conservative South, gay culture thrives. As an added bonus, score a 75-cent beer all damn day long on Sunday Funday and a list of other specials throughout the week.In the five decades following the riot that sparked the gay community to stand up for equal rights, much has shifted. Opened in 1979, The Hidden Door is one of the city’s best neighborhood bars thanks to its dedicated crowd of regulars and ridiculously friendly bartenders.
#GAY BAR DALLAS PASSWORD#
Pro-tip: on weekends, Station 4 charges a cover, but check the club’s Facebook page for a password to get in for free. Every week, it plays host to some of the world’s finest drag queens (including the locals who take to the stage four nights a week) in the legendary Rose Room. This multi-story bustling Cedar Springs nightclub, known to locals as “S4”, is a Dallas icon. The laid-back atmosphere and strong-ass drinks attract people of all stripes, which makes for killer people-watching, especially when the Everclear-spiked peach bellinis are flowing. The Grapevine BarĪt the Grapevine drinkers can shoot pool, hang out on one of the couches, or perch on the rooftop deck for an excellent view of the city. Looking for cheap drinks? Stop by on Thursday, when it’s happy hour all night long. Round Up Saloon & Dance HallĪ favorite of celebs like Lady Gaga, Round-Up Saloon makes both cowboys and city slickers feel right at home with its laid-back honky-tonk vibe. Most notably, though, it also offers up a solid array of drink specials, including $1 draft beer and $4 you-call-its on Tuesdays and $1 wells on Sundays. Dallas EagleĪs the city’s only bar for leather enthusiasts, Dallas Eagle is also one of the friendliest watering holes in town, accepting of folks of all kinds. On Fridays, check out the bar’s Facebook page for a passcode to skip out on paying the cover. Take in performances from burlesque dancers and drag kings, all while drinking jello shots and cherry bombs. Sue Ellen’sĪ name in the local lesbian bar scene since 1989, Sue Ellen’s remains one of the city’s best places to drink and dance. Definitely try the Mother’s Frozen Margarita, which packs a powerful boozy punch. On Tuesdays, the bar hosts a showtunes-themed party complete with $3.50 wells from 9 to 11 p.m., which will make it so much easier to belt Broadway’s biggest hits. Showtunes, sports, karaoke, and a lot of beer collide at Woody’s, an LGBT-friendly sports bar. Just remember to bring plenty of dollar bills to tip the entertainers. Make conversation with some of the scene’s friendliest bartenders, drink heavily-poured cocktails, and dance your ass off. This dive-y delight features plenty of attractive go-go dancers, and the booze is constantly flowing. Go forth, and consider this map your new nightlife bucket list. Many of these bars are located in Dallas’ famous “gayborhood” Oak Lawn, but you’ll also find more off the beaten path options.Īs an added bonus, most of the spots on this map of Dallas’ most iconic gay bars offer dirt-cheap drink specials on various nights. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back jazz bar with craft cocktails or a clubby spot with music perfect for dancing, Dallas-Fort Worth’s gay bar scene has a spot that will suit your needs. From “the Strip” on Cedar Springs Road to an iconic Fort Worth watering hole, the city is home to an incredibly diverse array of bars that welcome people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
For decades, Dallas has long been home to one of Texas’ best LGBT bar scenes.