North Main Strip Crawl
Heat // Located on the corner of East Evergreen and North Main, the Heat nightclub is a towering figure in the city’s gay nightlife. Don’t forget your dancing boots if you’re headed here, as the club’s website claims it to be one of the city’s “premiere dance clubs.” Along with the main room and bar, the club includes a video lounge and recently renovated outdoor patio. Not only does Heat have a reputation for dancing, the club is also known for its infamous drag performances. Heat, once the stomping ground of the late Erica Andrews and retired Shady Lady, is now home to Rey Lopez Entertainment, who brings many of the nationally recognized drag performers from Rupaul’s Drag Race to the Alamo City. On Sunday nights, Heat becomes “Club Sin,” with no cover all night and plenty of drink specials. 1500 N. Main Ave., (210) 227-2600, heatsa.com
Sparky’s Pub // Sparky’s is the strip’s “Old-English-style” pub, located smack in the middle of all the excitement on Main Ave. The well-lit bar and casual atmosphere is perfect for meeting friends both gay and straight. Head out to the back patio for conversation with friends, or enjoy a game of pool or darts in the game room. Open daily at 3 p.m., the Café at Sparky’s features an extensive list of wines, a variety of sandwiches and coffee selections. Get there early for happy hour specials every day from 3 to 9 p.m. 1416 N. Main Ave., (210) 320-5111, sparkyspub.com
Knockout // The newest addition to the Main Strip, Knockout welcomes guests into an open space with sports on flat-screens and easy access to drinks. With adjoining spaces offering a dimly lit full-service bar and fresh hot pizza served by the slice, the laid-back venue’s destined to become a destination for game days, day drinking and Sunday Funday. 1420 N. Main Ave., (210) 227-7678, knockoutsa.com.
Pegasus Nightclub // As one of the oldest bars on the strip (established in 1994), the Pegasus Nightclub retains some if its older “charm” while pushing forward with recent renovations. The outdoor patio and stage, located at the front of the bar, was once the drinking hole’s parking lot. Inside, you’ll find a variety of themed bars, from the “country bar” to the main “video room,” where the DJs happily take requests. With a reputation as one of the most welcoming bars on the strip, here you’ll find everyone from shirtless twinks to bears and grandpas. 1402 N. Main Ave. (210) 299-4222, pegasussanantonio.com
Club Essence // Just a short walk down the road from the main hub is Club Essence. Come here to catch male dancers working a pole or dancing on top of the bar. The usual clientele here range from drag queens, gay to straight girlfriends, and the occasional creep who can’t stop staring. The action here centers on a large, rectangular bar located near the center of the room, where patrons gather to watch the weekly parade of dancers and amateur male strip-off contests. Can’t take the heat inside? Head to the outdoor patio for a break from the scenery and start a conversation with some of the regulars. 1010 N. Main Ave., (210) 223-5418, facebook.com/clubessencesa
Ouch Apparel // Stocked with underwear in every imaginable flavor (from 2xist jock straps to high-end designer briefs), Ouch Apparel makes for an amusing stopover on the Main Strip. And it’s not all about bottoms: the well-endowed shop offers LGBT-centric tees, gifts and accessories. Adventurous shoppers cruise right next door to browse for whips, chaps and harnesses from BDSM emporium Hardcore Leather Co. 1424 N. Main Ave., (210) 320-1416, ouchunderwear.com.
Male B Wear // Billed as San Antonio’s “leading retailer of men’s underwear, swimwear, and more,” LGBT nightlife kingpin Rey Lopez’s recently revamped Male B Wear boutique carries styles by dozens of brands, including Andrew Christian, Calvin Klein, Papi and Nasty Pig. In addition to showcasing “your personal attributes,” the shop occasionally hosts special events and meet-and-greets with visiting stars from RuPaul’s Drag Race. 1700 N. Main Ave., Suite 103, (210) 437-2990, malebwear.com.
