The best gay bars in Houston

Giving us major Miami vibes—and fresh off a recent remodel—the aptly named South Beach Houston is a 10,000 square foot gay nightclub in Montrose. Sexy male dancers, a state-of-the-art laser light system, and pulsating hip-hop and electronica music combine to make South Beach one of the hottest gay clubs in Houston. The weekend brings with it a large crowd of cute gay men ready to drink and dance the night away; arrive before 10 pm to avoid the snaking line out front (as well as the cover charge.) Those party-goers who prefer a more intimate night out can escape to the lounge-like video bar inside. South Beach Houston is open from 9 pm-2 am on Thursdays; 9 pm – 3 am on Fridays; 9 pm – 4 am on Saturdays.

When locals think of gay bars in Houston, JR’s is one of the first to come to mind. This gay Houston institution is a chilled-out space with Southwestern-inspired decor, an expansive patio, and friendly vibes. Daily drink specials and affable barkeep explain JR’s fiercely loyal following. On a warm Houston day, there’s nowhere we’d rather be than on JR’s sun-dappled patio, cold margarita in hand. That said, $2 Tuesdays are always a good idea. This Montrose hotspot is open daily from 12 pm-2 am.

Gay travellers familiar with major cities across the United States will know that Hamburger Mary’s has locations across the country. While the original outpost is found in San Francisco, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the Houston locale while exploring gay Montrose. With its signature combination of Tex-Mex cuisine, boozy drinks, and debaucherous Diva drag shows, Hamburger Mary always promises a riotous good time. There are events throughout the week, but perhaps none are as fierce and fabulous as the Sunday Broadway Brunch—a brilliant blend of high-energy performances and $10 champagne mimosa carafes. Hamburger Mary’s is open Wednesdays through Fridays from 4 pm-2 am; Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am-2 am.

For Houston’s ultimate gay neighbourhood bar, Crocker Bar is the obvious choice. A relative newcomer to the gay Houston nightlife scene, Crocker Bar gives off dive-bar vibes yet still feels warm and inviting. Come for the wrap-around outdoor patio and robust food menu, whether it be a low-key Sunday Funday you’re after or a late-night painting the town. Tuesdays and Thursdays are karaoke nights, and weekends typically bring top DJs and a convivial crowd. While Crocker Bar eschews the fanciful in favor of no-frills fun, you’ll still discover a fantastic selection of beer, wine, and cocktails. Doors are open daily from 11 am-2 am.

Whether you want a resort vacation, wildlife safari, city break, luxury cruise, wellness retreat, honeymoon, once-in-a-lifetime adventure or weekend escape, the trip curation experts at Mr Hudson make travel planning a breeze. Find out how we can handle the finer details of vacationing in style.