The main stage with light and smoke plays host to drag shows, but didn’t hold up to the Sellers performance (in my humble opinion). So, it’s either the best – or worst – sound system in town depending on your taste in music, and the proximity of your car. You’ll be drawn there by either the siren song of car alarms, or the ear-shattering sound system that’s setting off the car alarms. The three-story, jack-of-all-trades Highland Lounge features three distinct bars in one space. The basement of Highland Lounge Highland Lounge Go to Rain for the best dancing, a lesbian-friendly space and a big-ass patio. It’s open and pleasant out back, but gets crowded in the later hours. Instead, check out the very long outdoor space. There’s a more quiet, sit-down area in the front where you can talk, but it wouldn’t be my first place for a chat. The biggest draw is the electronic and trance music with loud bass and a light-up dance floor. As you can imagine, you’ll be seeing some familiar faces after a couple hours on the town. Rain is in the Warehouse District, right next to Sellers, Highland and OCH. Go to OCH while hopping between the other nearby bars. The crowd is a little bit older and more inclusive of women. The music is loud but not as loud as Highland. There’s a standard dance floor, a sports-centric side room and a patio. Go to Sellers for drag or if you have a larger group that needs a chill place.Īll that aside, OCH is split into a few different sections. Cool people, friendly staff, young crowd, and a variety of drag and go-go dancing at 11:00 on Fridays. When the drag isn’t running, this is a good place to grab a drink and talk.
Maeve Haven ran the show and did some crowd work, which I always enjoy. His old-lady getup was awesome, clever, and unexpected. This article’s feature picture is of Steven Tamayo, something of a staple in the Austin drag community. Yet, it retains the swanky feel of an almost prohibition-era speakeasy with a single, centrally located bar and cushy seating around the perimeter. While technically underground, it’s really just a few steps below street level. The sleek Sellers has the best drag show in town. Main stage performance at Highland Lounge Sellers Underground Go to The Iron Bear for a relaxed, friendly, no-bullshit drink. Saturday, Sunday: $2 domestic drafts, $5 pitchers Monday: $3.50 Bloodys, $3 domestics and wells You can also shoot pool or play darts if you’re into that.
But unless it’s gear night (and even if it isn’t) you don’t have to get primped up to make an appearance at The Iron Bear. Two days later, the first Saturday is gear night – which brings a large crowd and age range. The first Thursday of the month is a drag show, the aptly named Unbearable. If anything, they’re straight laced and politely flirty. The crowd is older, but I didn’t feel the slightest bit uncomfortable (i.e. It’s far and away the most relaxed and accessible of all gay bars in Austin. Which isn’t a bad thing, because despite the sometimes intimidating reputation of a bear bar, this place was open and friendly. there’s really no choice but The Iron Bear. But that didn’t stop me, nor should it stop you from visiting this lower-key space a few blocks south of the Texas Capitol.įor cubs, otters, bears etc. Those who know me, know I’m not a bear – probably something closer to a raccoon with rabies. Making no secret of their audience, The Iron Bear is “proudly bear owned and operated”.