Though many of San Antonio’s gay bars are on the Main Strip, now a designated Pride Cultural Heritage District, the city’s vibrant queer community has options far behind the confines of its rainbow crosswalks.

And we’re not just limiting it to bars, either. These establishments run the gamut from patisserie to pool hall, from country bar to cocktail lounge, and from gourmet gastronomy to go-go dancing.

Just like every color of the rainbow, there are just as many ways to celebrate the community, and a wide array of places to do it. 

Sparky’s Pub 1416 N. Main Ave., (210) 320-5111, sparkyspub.com Bringing a taste of England to the North Main Strip, Sparky’s Pub offers a relaxing atmosphere to grab a beer, play darts or shoot pool. In addition to the alcohol, Sparky’s also offers coffee, panini, pastries and other eats. Credit: Sanford Nowlin
The Starlighter 1910 Fredericksburg Road, thestarlighter.com If the bisexual stage lighting isn’t enough of a hint, the Starlighter’s calendar is jam-packed with drag performances. The live music destination in the Deco district regularly hosts drag brunch, a drag market and drag shows featuring local performers. Credit: Photo via Instagram / houseofeternas
Bakery Lorraine Multiple locations, bakerylorraine.com Through its colorful and tasty macarons, beautiful tarts and perfectly laminated croissants, Bakery Lorraine’s presence has grown across San Antonio, with four locations in the city, as well as outposts in Boerne and Austin. In addition to mouth-watering pastries, the bakery also offers breakfast and lunch foods such as croissant sandwiches and the BL Burger. Bakery Lorraine is a well-known supporter of the LGBTQ+ community as one of the sponsors behind the annual queer review and Fiesta send-up, Cornyation. Credit: Photo via Instagram / bakery_lorraine
Knockout 1420 N Main Ave., (210) 227-7678, knockoutsa.com With a wide selection of pizza and all-day drink specials, Knockout has established itself as among the youngest LGBTQ+ bars in the city. Spurs fans looking for a new game night spot may find that Knockout is just the place — the bar has 15 flat screen TVs dedicated to sports. Credit: Sanford Nowlin
Pink Shark 203 N Presa St., (210) 834-3372, instagram.com/pinksharkbar Owned by the same couple as Picks Bar, this vacation-themed cocktail bar is sure to chomp at your taste buds. If the impeccable decor and shark-shaped tiki mugs don’t sell you, the extensive list of draft beers, cocktails and food likely will. While you’re there, maybe you’ll catch a sight of Left Shark or Blåhaj, the blue-and-pink IKEA shark plushie that became a trans icon. Credit: Photo via Instagram / pinksharkbar
Heat Nightclub 1500 N. Main Ave., (210) 227-2600, heatsa.com If you need to turn up the heat, look no further than Heat Nightclub on the Main Strip. The dance floor is often packed, music pumping and drinks flowing, and the LGBTQ+ space welcomes people from all walks of life. The club also features more quiet and intimate spaces such as the back patio and “Chill Bar.” Credit: Sanford Nowlin
Box Street All Day 623 Hemisfair Blvd. Ste. 108, (210) 476-5705, theboxstreetsocial.com Known — and aptly named — for its all-day brunch and cocktails, Box Street All Day features an espresso bar, craft cocktails, bubbles and local beer, all in a cheeky, Insta-worthy environment. Box Street is the perfect place for those seeking an inclusive and welcoming ambiance that’s also just plain pretty. Credit: Courtesy Photo / Box Street All Day
The Friendly Spot Ice House 943 S. Alamo St., (210) 224-2337, thefriendlyspot.com Southtown’s Friendly Spot Ice House, with its colorful chairs, neon signs and massive projector screen, feels like a home away from home — a place that’s friendly for everyone. Plus, it’s located just a few blocks away from the San Antonio River, which is fitting, because the drinks on tap flow just as the river does. Credit: Photo via Instagram / southtownbunuelos
Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen 103 E. Jones Ave., San Antonio, TX 78215, (210) 446-9303, elsewheretexas.com Elsewhere is located right on the River Walk, making it perfect for people-watching as guests sip their drinks or nosh on the spot’s gourmet goodies. Its drinks range from beers to margaritas to even spiked coffees, guaranteeing a good time as folks revel in adult-sized swings and eclectic outdoor seating areas. Credit: Photo via Instagram / elsewheresatx
Hops & Hounds 13838 Jones Maltsberger Road, (210) 592-9400, hopsandhoundsllc.com This northeast San Antonio joint offers several snacks on which to nosh while you grab a drink and play some good ol’ fashioned cornhole with your friends. As the name implies, man’s best friend is also welcome at Hops & Hounds, and the patio even sports a fully furnished dog park. Credit: Photo via Instagram / hopshoundssa
2015 Place 2015 San Pedro Ave., (210) 733-3365, 2015-place.business.site A few blocks away from the Main Strip, 2015 Place brings a neighborhood pub vibe to the area. Featuring a mirrored dance floor, pool, darts and a cozy patio, the LGBTQ+ nightspot provides a friendly atmosphere and low prices to keep people coming back. Credit: Sanford Nowlin
Pegasus 1402 N. Main Ave., (210) 299-4222, pegasussanantonio.com A beacon on the North Main Strip, the party doesn’t stop at popular gay bar Pegasus. The bar’s outdoor stage is host to frequent drag shows and other live entertainment, ranging from outdoor karaoke to video DJs. For many, stopping at Pegasus is almost like going on a pilgrimage: according to its website, it’s the oldest bar on the Strip. Credit: Sanford Nowlin
Bang Bang Bar 119 El Mio St., (210) 320-1187, thebangbangbartx.com. Bang Bang Bar fills a role as a neighborhood dive that also attracts a music-loving crowd. Cozy seating abounds thanks to vintage chairs and couches, and a side room offers video games and Skee-Ball. There’s a solid beer and liquor selection, but the bar also is known for some of its over-the-top drinks. Bartenders are constantly creating seasonal tipples such as the Pick Me Up Buttercup with vanilla vodka, Kahlua, salted caramel, fresh-brewed espresso and sea-salt foam. Bang Bang Bar is co-owned by out lesbian Phanie Diaz, drummer for legendary local punk band Girl in a Coma. Credit: Sanford Nowlin
The Dakota East Side Ice House 433 S. Hackberry St., (210) 375-6009, thedakotasa.com Dakota is a contemporary ice house with eclectic programming — which includes both belly dancing and drag shows — and an oft-Instagrammed welcome sign that reminds guests to “Just Be Nice, Dammit!” The watering hole also just hosted the election night victory party for our new mayor — and proud lesbian — Gina Ortiz Jones. Credit: Nina Rangel
The Bonham Exchange 411 Bonham St., (210) 224-9219, bonhamexchange.com Once a pioneering gay disco with a popular “straight night,” the Bonham Exchange is an all-inclusive melting pot with three floors that let you partake in all the good stuff nightlife is made of: drinks, music and dancing. From drag shows to Trash Disco to hot chest contests, this club has an event for all occasions. Credit: Julian P. Ledezma
The Good Kind 1127 S. St. Mary’s St., (210) 801-5892, eatgoodkind.com Not only does The Good Kind offer a great spot for fresh and local eats — they’ve also got a consistent lineup of on-site events, such as a Saturday farmers market and Wednesday night karaoke. It never hurts to check out the events calendar before heading over to see what else might be brewing. Credit: Courtesy Photo / The Good Kind
Picks Bar 4553 N. Loop 1604 West, (210) 253-9220, picksbar.com Jessica Marinez and Amber Hernandez crafted this venue for the live music lovers of SA. The nightspot features live performances, karaoke nights, drag brunches, queer-friendly speed dating and an expansive drink menu and a food menu to boot. The partners — in business and in life — also operate downtown spot Pink Shark. Credit: Photo via Instagram / picks_barsa
Rosario’s 722 S. St. Mary’s St., (210) 223-1806, rosariossa.com There’s loads of Mexican restaurants to choose from in San Antonio, but Rosario’s is a must-try, with its mix of traditional Mexican foods and house specialties. Rosario’s new Southtown location is a two-story building featuring a 5,000-square-foot rooftop bar with breathtaking views of the downtown skyline. Credit: Nina Rangel
La Maceta Tapatios 125 Lamar St., (210) 999-1229, facebook.com/lamaceta.52 Swing by La Maceta Tapatios to fill up before a night of fun. The tacos and taquitos from this LGBTQ-owned food truck are sure to hit the spot, but those wanting to shake things up might want to try La Maceta’s take on a Mexican hot dog. Credit: Photo via Instagram / lamaceta_52
Rah! Rah! Room 6322 San Pedro Ave, facebook.com Rah! Rah! Room is located right across San Pedro Avenue from its owners’ other venture, Bang Bang Bar. Much like its sibling venue, the bar caters to local music lovers. Both are helmed by Phanie Diaz, a member of the queer community as well as the band Girl in a Coma. Credit: Courtesy Photo / Rah! Rah! Room
Let’s Be Honest 1602 N. Main Ave., (210) 629-5141, instagram.com Self-described as “the hottest new LGBTQ+ bar on the Strip,” Let’s Be Honest bragging rights don’t end there. The watering hole, which features sports, draft beer and daily specials, also picked up the title of “Best New Bar” as chosen by our readers for the San Antonio Current’s 2024 Best of San Antonio. Credit: Instagram / Let's Be Honest
Cobalt Club 2022 McCullough Ave., (210) 251-2027, facebook.com/thecobaltclub Cobalt Club’s affordable drinks, affable staff and unconventional hours — drinks start flowing at 7 a.m. daily — have helped solidify its place as one of the city’s most beloved north-of-downtown watering holes. Pull up for casual, low-key, LGBTQ-friendly vibes in a windowless spot anchored by a wraparound bar. You’ll be getting your drink on with shift workers, staff from nearby hospitals and others looking to get a buzz on in the midday hours. Like any other dimly lit neighborhood joint, you’ll encounter die-hard regulars at just about every hour, but don’t fret — they’ll treat you like one of their own. Credit: Jessica Elizarraras
SA Country Saloon 1134 W Hildebrand Ave., (210) 525-0915, facebook.com/sacountrysaloon As its name suggests, this north-of-downtown bar embraces both kinds of music: country and western. And it also embraces an LGBTQIA clientele. Beyond the strains of steel guitars over the sound system, there are karaoke nights, drag nights and dance lessons, not to mention truly affordable drink prices. Yeehaw, and belly up, pardners! Credit: Josh Huskin
Purgatory 1010 N. Main Ave., (210) 455-0413, facebook.com/Purgatorysanantonio As the name suggests, this is a place for the naughty ones. Purgatory is infamous for its male go-go dancers, amateur strip-offs, underwear auctions and more endless fun to keep you stuck there forever and ever. Credit: Facebook / Purgatory
Ay Que Chula 1503 N. Main Ave., (210) 251-4902, instagram.com/ayquechula.tx Ay Que Chula — a brightly colored nightspot from Ricky Ortiz, the mind behind El Camino and Bésame food-truck parks — opened earlier this year in the former spot of Luther’s Cafe, a mainstay of the city’s LGBTQ+ nightlife district. Credit: Courtesy Photo / Ay Que Chula
Paramour 102 9th St #400, (210) 340-9880, paramourbar.com Paramour’s drag brunches are some of the best in town, both for the entertainment and the food. The queens will have you gagging but it’s nothing a mimosa can’t fix. Credit: Photo via Instagram / paramourbar
Pharm Table 611 S. Presa St.. Suite 106, (210) 802-1860, pharmtable.com Founded in 2015 by acclaimed chef Elizabeth Johnson, Pharm Table is popular among health-conscious foodies for its innovative, locally-sourced menu, which rotates on a seasonal basis. The “globally inspired” plant-forward dishes on offer are thought through from farm to table and beyond — the restaurant supports regenerative farming and anaerobically composts all organic waste. And while it’s not gay-owned, it earns the title of “LGBTQ-friendly” for being female-owned and extremely inclusive. Credit: Instagram / pharmtable
The Eagle SA 1420 N Main Ave, thestripsa.com Who doesn’t love a leather daddy bar? Muscly dudes clad in Tom of Finland leather outfits… I think we’ve made our case here. Credit: Facebook / The Eagle SA
Best Quality Daughter 602 Avenue A, (210) 819-4236, bestqualitydaughter.com This “New Asian-American” spot gets points for being incredibly inclusive, with ultra-progressive Chef Jennifer Hwa Dobberton at the helm. Credit: Nina Rangel