Austin

We're Out Here

Discover LGBTQ-welcoming hotels in top destinations, plus tips and inspiration on where to go

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Drink

Find the best spots daily to eat and drink in hipster neighborhoods. Hit the roof, drink a beer and eat delicious at top-tier restaurants. Plan your nightlife adventure with maps and reviews of unknown micro-brews, rooftop parties, and independent drink.

Best Restaurants & Bars - Places to Eat & Drink - Thrillist

Pride in Austin may not be until August, technically, but it’s always a good time to show up for the LGBTQ+ community.

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Nation

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Travel

Explore adventure guides and design a custom itinerary for the destination of your choice in and around the city.

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In retrospect, perhaps I got a little too comfortable.

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Chicago

Party Noire

Chicago has transformed into a true queer destination in recent years, no longer looked at as some little Midwestern city cast in the shadow of coastal meccas like New York and Los Angeles.

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Las Vegas

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Lifestyle

In Las Vegas, we celebrate Pride in October (officially LGBT History Month).

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New York

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Nestled between East Williamsburg and Greenpoint, Mary’s Bar is a recent addition to Brookyn’s growing string of queer spaces.

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San Diego

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Home to one of the largest Pride celebrations in the country, the San Diego neighborhood of Hillcrest is where much of the city’s queer community has been traditionally centered, but in recent years, gayborhoods have also emerged in North Park, University Heights, Normal Heights and beyond, creating welcoming havens for locals and visitors in search of queer-friendly bars and clubs, as well as restaurants, theatres, retail shops, and other businesses.

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Boston

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When it comes to queer nightlife in New England, Provincetown might be the first to come to mind when thinking of big events and celebrations—but sprinkled throughout Boston, you’ll also find a thriving scene of LGBTQ+ friendly parties, sports bars, theme nights, karaoke, brunches, cabaret, and more.

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Atlanta

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Atlanta is one of America’s most underrated LGBTQ+ capitals, and that’s largely due to its diverse groups of passionate activists, talented queer artists, and, of course, legendary bars and clubs.

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Washington DC

TRADE

Along with landmarks like the White House, National Mall, and Washington Monument, our nation’s capital has a rich history of queer community and activism.

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Denver

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We’re refreshing the list of Denver’s best gay bars at the kickoff of Pride Month, but obviously following bars are a good time all year long.

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Houston

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San Francisco

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United States

Northside Tavern

From Atlanta institutions and dive bars to outdoor spots and sports pubs, this is the one list you’ll need when someone asks you where to grab drinks.

Photo courtesy of Aziza

It may seem like a simple request, but asking to grab a drink can lead to so many different scenarios. From an <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/atlanta/best-date-ideas-atlanta" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">over-the-top date</a> or a night on the dancefloor to cracking open a simple <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/atlanta/best-atlanta-breweries" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">beer</a> while catching up with friends. Luckily, no matter what you’re after, there’s a spot in Atlanta that will answer the call. 
 
This city is home to a thriving bar scene that shows no signs of slowing down. Whether you’re looking for a fancy time with cocktails and caviar, a dope wine list that goes on for pages, or a place to kickback and listen to live music, we’ve got it all on this list of the best bars in Atlanta right now.

It may seem like a simple request, but asking to grab a drink can lead to so many different scenarios. From an <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/atlanta/best-date-ideas-atlanta" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">over-the-top date</a> or a night on the dancefloor to cracking open a simple <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/atlanta/best-atlanta-breweries" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">beer</a> while catching up with friends. Luckily, no matter what you’re after, there’s a spot in Atlanta that will answer the call.

This city is home to a thriving bar scene that shows no signs of slowing down. Whether you’re looking for a fancy time with cocktails and caviar, a dope wine list that goes on for pages, or a place to kickback and listen to live music, we’ve got it all on this list of the best bars in Atlanta right now.

It may seem like a simple request, but asking to grab a drink can lead to so many different scenarios. From an <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/atlanta/best-date-ideas-atlanta" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">over-the-top date</a> or a night on the dancefloor to cracking open a simple <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/atlanta/best-atlanta-breweries" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">beer</a> while catching up with friends. Luckily, no matter what you’re after, there’s a spot in Atlanta that will answer the call.This city is home to a thriving bar scene that shows no signs of slowing down. Whether you’re looking for a fancy time with cocktails and caviar, a dope wine list that goes on for pages, or a place to kickback and listen to live music, we’ve got it all on this list of the best bars in Atlanta right now.

Inside the St. Regis Hotel in Buckhead, Atlas is more than just a cornerstone of elevated cuisine. The restaurant is a great spot for a celebratory meal, but the in-depth wine list and excellent cocktail program is worth a visit on its own. Head sommelier Samuel Gamble curated a list with more than 600 bottle selections and 90 selections that guests can order by the glass, which are rotated seasonally. Whether you’re looking for a rare pour or want to embark on a vertical tasting, this is the place. Plus, the dedicated tavern menu allows for a casual seat at the bar with snacks like burrata and oysters to pair with a glass or ice-cold martini.

Photo courtesy of Atlas

Atlas

Atlas Buckhead

If it’s cocktails you’re after, it’s cocktails you’ll get at Aziza, an Israeli restaurant and bar in the heart of Westside Provisions. Take a seat at the bar and prepare to be inundated with Mediterranean flavors in both the dishes and the drinks. Try the Chloris Martini with gin, dry vermouth, sweet vermouth, and marigold elixir or the Baal Daiquiri with housemade spiced rum, butternut squash, and lime. The drinks pair beautifully with bar snacks like Kubaneh, a pull-apart bread served with grated tomato, and seasonal hummus. To try these drinks on the cheap, check out the Sunset Hour cocktail specials every weekday from 5 to 7:30 pm.

Aziza

Bar Margot, the upscale bar and lounge inside The Four Seasons in Midtown, is named after Margot of The Royal Tenenbaums and the vibe matches the movie’s retro, swanky aesthetic with its velvet and leather couches, dim lighting, and innovative cocktails. Try the Gin Margot, a take on a gin and tonic, with preserved lime and Thai basil. The bar’s zero-proof cocktails are also worth noting—the Essentially is refreshing, made with preserved grapefruit, lavender, and bubbles. There are plenty of food options to munch on including Beef Tartare, Margot Deviled Eggs, and Cheese and Charcuterie. The bar is also home to a vinyl library with more than 10,000 records on deck, so swing by on Friday and Saturday nights when a DJ spins from the extensive library.

Photo courtesy of Bar Margot

Bar Margot

This popular bar in Decatur Square has one of the best craft beer lists in town. Belgians, porters, high-gravity trappists, sours, and local brews, Brick Store Pub has all the suds. With a multi-page bottle selection and more than 20 beers on tap, there’s something for everyone—and there’s even a beer garden out back where pooches are welcome. The food is what you would expect at a pub with options like giant soft pretzels, fish ‘n chips, and chicken pot pie that are all worth trying. Grab a seat at a barrel table or the upstairs bar for a beer and a snack.

Photo courtesy of Brick Store Pub

Brick Store Pub

This kitschy, goofy bar is a nod to nostalgia with everything you need for a good laugh and retro vibes. The space at Dad’s, which took over a former Diesel Filling Station, is an homage to fathers everywhere. There’s a large plaid brown couch, the leg lamp from A Christmas Story, and a whole VHS collection of the Rocky series displayed with pride. The cocktails are simple and dad-approved picks like a mai tai, dirty martini, and seasonal Manhattan. And the food menu consists of bachelor pad favorites like Pizza Rolls and Fried Bologna Sandwiches. So, pick a tune on that jukebox, and tap away to the cool dad vibes in this hip new joint.

Photo courtesy of Dad’s

Dad’s

Ever go shopping at a wine store and wish you could have a glass while you shopped? At Fermented Wine Boutique, you can do exactly that. The shop has an elaborate collection of biodynamic, organic, small producer wines, and a bar in the second half of the store called Fermented Flight Club. Here you can enjoy rotating flights and charcuterie boards, or stop in for a weekly tasting from different regions and producers.

Photo courtesy of Fermented

Fermented Wine Boutique

Name a better pairing than a glass of wine and a good book. Katie Barringer and Jordan Smelt couldn’t, so they opened a shop with one of the best wine lists in town. The wine list here reads like a novella, split into chapters based on terroir and varietal. The rotating by-the-glass list features excellent producers that utilize organic and biodynamic farming. Smelt refreshes the wine list seasonally, while Barringer stocks the shelves with books by new-age artists, chefs, and wine experts.

Photo courtesy of Lucian Books and Wine

Lucian Books and Wine

Marcel, by local legend and restaurateur Ford Fry, is a throwback to classic New York-style steakhouses. The place is named after Marcel Cerdan, the French boxer who had a famous affair with singer Edith Piaf, and there are tributes to his glory days in the decor and paintings all over the restaurant. The circular bar is the heartbeat of Marcel, beckoning patrons to get cozy as impeccably dressed bartenders stir up the perfect Manhattan. Tack on an extensive wine library and a cigar menu, and you’re in for a boozy good time.

Photo courtesy of Marcel

Marcel

The Garage is Monday Night Brewing’s barrel-aging and souring space in the historic West End neighborhood. Its open concept is perfect for large groups catching up over a pint, plus the relaxed vibe also welcomes dogs. Try the classic Drafty Kilt Scotch Ale or go for a sour like Dr. Robot and Panic Button. The Garage also has a stone oven installed in the middle of the venue so they also sling handcrafted pizzas that go perfectly with the beers. Not in the mood for suds? A new cocktail menu features options like Tony’s Old Fashioned with Sneaky Pete bourbon, Japanese brown sugar syrup, and bitters.

Photo courtesy of Monday Night Garage


The Garage

In a single-story brick building with soft neon-blue light spilling through from the Pabst Blue Ribbon sign, Northside Tavern is one of the last holdouts in the ever-modernizing West Midtown neighborhood. This dive bar has stood true for 50 years, all while high-rises, shopping complexes, and apartments go up all around it. The bar has a rich history of live music; its walls are adorned with pictures of blues artists who have walked through the doors. On some days, you can see a local swing-dancing group taking over the bar. But any day of the week, it’s perfect for a low-key hang and good music, all paired with beer and fireball shots.

With classic bar snacks and plenty of drink specials, Smith’s Olde Bar could be your average American pub. But it's dialed up a few notches by a regular slate of live music courtesy of local rock bands and national touring groups that play here weekly. You can keep it simple and hang out in the bar and lounge, playing pool or tossing back drinks. Or head to the performance venue with a full stage upstairs and make a full night of it.

Photo courtesy of Smith's Olde Bar

Smith’s Olde Bar

Smith's Olde Bar

If you like your drinks adorned with umbrellas and flowers, then this tropical oasis is the spot for you. Classics like Mai Tai, Pain Killers, Daiquiris, and Zombies make up the menu at this world-class tiki bar, and the dim, kitschy vibe is the ideal place to throw back a juicy libation as the evening slips away.

Photo courtesy of The SOS Tiki Bar

The S.O.S. Tiki Bar

At last, a mezcal bar worth the hype hits Decatur. The crew behind El Tesoro opened this place to explore mezcals and tequilas from small producers, expertly crafted into cocktails by beverage director Orestes Cruz. There is an entire menu dedicated to mezcal alone—with a flight at happy hour you get to learn the fermentation style, aging process, and what gives mezcal that smoky flavor. Try one of the signature cocktails like the El Cotorro (The Parrot) made with aquavit, metiche mezcal, boomsa herbal, vermouth, lime, pineapple, and aloe. The food menu covers Mexican dishes from Acapulo to Oaxaca City with options like whole grilled fish in adobo marinade. How to book: Via <a href="https://www.tortugaychango.com/reserve" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">website</a>

Photo courtesy of Tortuga y Chango

Tortuga y Chango

Tortuga Y Chango

Oysters, caviar, top-notch cocktails, and a heaping helping of Southern hospitality. That’s Kimball House summed up for you. This Decatur staple located in a renovated train depot is renowned for its seasonal cocktails, so the menu is always changing. But favorites like the Afternoon Delight with absinthe, basil brandy, peach, lemon, honey, and cava or the Parisian Fizz with gin, lemon, absinthe, and champagne are worth tracking down.

Photo courtesy of Kimball House

Kimball House

<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/authors/henna-bakshi" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Henna Bakshi</a>&nbsp;(@hennabakshi on Instagram)is a food and wine writer, TV producer, and on-air talent who carries a WSET (Wine and Spirits Education Trust) level 2 certification. She was born and raised in New Delhi, India. Bakshi previously worked for HLN/CNN as a writer, producer, and on-air talent focused on food and wine. She has also written for Eater, Chowhound, and Indian-American community magazine, Khabar, based in Duluth, Georgia.

Beverage Director

Beverage Director: Find the Best Bars to Drink at in Your City

Beer

The Best Cocktail Bars, Dives, and Other Drinking Destinations in Atlanta

Best Bars in Atlanta: New Places and All-Time Favorites

It may seem like a simple request, but asking to grab a drink can lead to so many different scenarios.

Northside Tavern

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The Best Cocktail Bars, Dives, and Other Drinking Destinations in Atlanta

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