We recommend drag brunch on the weekends. The combo of flying wigs, high heels, delicious food, and gut-busting laughs is not something you’ll want to pass up on. Hamburger Mary’s, at 1336 E 17th Ave, is, dare I say it, one of the more important cultural institutions in modern Denver history.įood and culture blend well at Hamburger Mary’s, and most of their events are centered around drag competitions and feature elements of drag culture. “We want everyone to feel comfortable here,” Ray said. And it’s doing it with open arms, thanks to some of the most personal bartenders the city has to offer and its dedicated owners Ray Hurtado and Chris Newell. Hosting popular weekly events that range from fetish to hilarious, it’s providing a space beyond the niche that caters to a wide net of Denver’s queers. Trade, which opened in April of 2016, quickly made a name for itself as the Levi’s and Leather bar in town, making it a go-to spot for queer nightlife in Denver. Located on Santa Fe Drive and West 5th Street, Trade has done more than just survive its first year in Denver-it has thrived. Oh yeah, the drinks are pretty cheap too. The bartenders are nice and often pour with a heavy hand. They laugh, the play darts, they’ll read you in the most flattering way. Think of all those dive bars in the movies where everyone is smiling and a little drunk. The atmosphere is light-hearted and the clientele is always eclectic. R&R Bar is fun, friendly, and “not cliquey,” according to Illgen. “We do complimentary breakfast burritos before the parade, so that’s always a big thing, and people get a couple of cocktails in ‘em before the festivities start.” “We open the Sunday of Pride Week at 7:30 a.m.,” explained Rich Illgen, owner of the bar. While unassuming and small, R&R Bar proudly serves the LGBTQ community and is going to be participating in Pride again this year. Nestled snugly on Colfax, R&R Bar was a cozy and becoming hole-in-the-wall before dive bars and the grimy charm of Colfax were hip. With its mythical two-step lessons early in the evening, go-go boys, cheap sloshy beer, and an entire room for its frequent drag shows, this staple of the Denver gay scene has something for everyone.ĭenver’s oldest gay bar, R&R Bar is a Denver staple. Just a few blocks down on Colfax sits one of Denver’s most popular dance bars, Charlie’s. People flock to the bar to dance and get down or just to drink and relax, and many in the LGBTQ community have made it their regular hangout. The bar boasts nightly specials and drink deals, as well as two dance floors for the weekends and a large patio section. We have a very special float this year, so we are looking forward to the parade on June 18.” “We also give them away and have the biggest pink flamingo around on our float. “X Bar is well known for the pink flamingos during pride, and they are everywhere,” explained Cindy Alix, general manager at X Bar. Known for its inclusivity towards both the queer and straight communities, X Bar has been around for seven years and has been an important staple of Denver for just as long. It's a telling example of what you can expect when you go out in San Francisco.X Bar is a staple for Denver LGBTQ folks. To tap into one of the most popular clubs in the area, head to Blackbird Bar.
We let you know which ones cater to gay men or lesbians, what kinds of shows and entertainments they host, and what tracks the DJs spin. That's why we've sought out the top candidates in San Francisco, detailing their clientele, music, and atmosphere. Successfully finding a gay club in an unfamiliar city can be trying. Once you're there, you'll find a dizzying array of clubs to choose from. So, for those who want to really experience the heart and soul of San Francisco, it's almost a must to visit the Castro. It was his work, and tragic death by an assassin, that helped galvanize the gay rights movement. Harvey Milk, the first openly gay mayor in the United States, hailed from the Castro District. Some tourists might fail to visit one of the most historic neighborhoods in San Francisco, namely the Castro District, which is world-renowned for being a safe and welcoming place for gays. From Chinatown to the Mission, there are many distinct and famous neighborhoods in San Francisco.