Gay Local Tips in Dallas

Tell All Dallas

As hosts on misterb&b, Jared and Kyle are very eager to share their knowledge of the Dallas gay scene. Contrary to what most might believe, it's very vibrant. Here's their guide to stay gay and discover the best venues, activities, clubs and have brunch with cowboys. Explore Dallas, experience your pride.

How gay-friendly is your city? What’s gay life like there?

Texas may be a red state, but Dallas is LIT with a vibrant gay community. Especially in our neck of the woods, Oak Lawn, where there's a gay bar at the end of the street, and over 10 more within a few blocks. Gay-owned restaurants, clothing stores, bars and clubs line the local streets. If you've never celebrated Halloween on "The Strip" in Dallas, you haven't lived.

What are the best gay events that take place in your city each year?

It's too hot for us to throw a big Pride celebration in the middle of the summer, so we hold ours mid-September, when you can catch a tan and a few phone numbers without that summer sunburn. And as incredible as our Pride parade may be, the annual Halloween block party is the event of the year. Our city shuts down several blocks surrounding the most popular gay bars, and the entire LGBTQ community heads out onto the streets, it feels like Times Square on New Year's Eve.

And if you happen to be in town the first Wednesday of the month, do yourself a favor and Google "Cedar Springs Wine Walk," where a $10 wine glass purchase gets you several dozen pours at the local LGBTQ-friendly establishments. Where else could you hang out with gays and throw back a drink at the UPS store?

We only have 48 hours in your city. What can’t we miss?

Dallas may not be known for beautiful mountains or scenic sunsets, but there's so much to see if you know where to look. After dining in the trendy and versatile Trinity Groves restaurant hub, take a walk on the Dallas Continental Bridge, where you'll get the best view of our city skyline and an eerie calm, walking where cars once drove over the river. If jogging or biking is more your speed, the Katy Trail is your go-to spot, where you absolutely must visit the Katy Trail Ice House for a cold beer and some comforting carbs.

What’s your favorite gay place to grab a bite for lunch? A nice dinner?

For a nice lunch, check out Crickles and Co., which recently joined the Oak Lawn community, and has quickly become a friend of the neighborhood. They've got a menu that ranges from egg white omelets your trainer would approve of, to cheesy, bacon-filled grilled cheese...obviously made on thick slices of Texas toast.

A gay place for brunch on weekends?

There are SO many places to brunch in Dallas, and although there are plenty of gay-friendly options, you'll find that the otherwise straight-sponsored neighborhood, Uptown, is full of our gay friends. Bread Winners is a solid choice, but if you're not early-to-rise, plan on camping out for a bit in their neighboring bar, where you can sip on a cold cocktail while you wait for a table. Their breakfast tacos are a guaranteed hangover cure.

Best gay place and day for a cheap beer or happy hour?

Dallas drinks are famously pretty cheap (and alarmingly strong), but JR's is the place to go for a cheap drink in the early afternoon. Their massive downstairs bar is dark and noisy, but upstairs you can sip your cocktail overlooking the rest of the gayborhood. If you're lucky, you can grab the pair of beads that have been awaiting rescue since our last Pride parade.

We’re ready to party! What are the best gay clubs?

You've got a lot of options when you want to head out on the town in Dallas, but there are two must-visit clubs, even if one may not seem like your cup of tea. S4 is the kind of club you see in movies. There are two floors, and multiple rooms full of laser lights, fog, and dance hits. Their upstairs cabaret-style "Rainbow Room" holds one of the country's best drag shows, with Drag Race stars making nightly appearances (Katy Perry and Gaga have also been known to stop by).

Directly across the street is Round-Up, the cowboy bar you'd expect to see deep in the heart of Texas. At Round-Up, there are men of all shapes and sizes line dancing in their boots or throwing back cocktails by the pool tables. There's a smokey roof deck out back, and a karaoke room out front, meaning everyone can find something they love.

What are the best alternative gay bars and clubs where you live?

Bear and leather fans will love The Dallas Eagle, and the Latin community has a blast at Havana - which is open to all, of course. Sue Ellen's is a favorite spot for lesbians, and The Tin Room, TMC, and Marty's Live have men frequently taking off their clothes.

Any beaches, parks or best other places to chill-out?

We may not have beaches in our city, but The Katy Trail is a great place to go for a stroll or bike ride to take in our beautiful weather (aka September-May). The trail is built atop the old railroad lines (much like the Highline in NYC) and there are plenty of cool finds wherever you choose to exit the path. ●

Thinking of visiting Dallas? Check out our Accommodation and Gay Guide!

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