The 7 Best Gay and Queer Bars In Charlotte, NC
Charlotte delivers when you want your big bar crawl to have bars for all. The city’s collection of gay bars and LGBTQ+ hangouts is great for dancing, drinking, mingling, and living it up under the limelight. The best way to describe the gay bar scene in Charlotte is to call it diverse. You can take your pick from billiards, karaoke, video bars, laid-back neighborhood vibes, endless Latin nights, and so much more. Look no further for ideas for a great night out in Charlotte! These are the seven best gay bars and LGBTQ+ hot spots in Charlotte, NC.
Scorpio
2301 Freedom Drive, Charlotte, NC
(704) 373-9124
Shaking your tail at Scorpio is a great way to kick off a fun night out in Charlotte. This iconic dance spot has been going strong since 1968. When it’s a spare-no-expense kind of night, tables can book bottle, champagne, and hookah packages. The big draw of Scorpio is its glittery roster of special guests and live performers. While the louder vibe here isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, Scorpio is a place that everyone cruising the gay bar scene in Charlotte needs to check out at least once due to its sheer icon status!
Bar Argon
4544 South Boulevard H, Charlotte, NC
(704) 525-7787
As Charlotte’s premier gay video bar, Bar Argon attracts crowds looking for an electrifying, neon-painted experience offering dance floors, tons of specialty drinks, and fun special events. In fact, this is a top spot for themed events for Charlotte’s LGBTQ+ community. Let’s just say that your senses are going to be on a merry-go-round from the moment you walk into this highly digital, high-energy club! Patrons can appreciate the fact that this is a neat, well-operated bar that also happens to serve surprisingly strong drinks for the money. Of course, the crowd hit above all else is the karaoke.
The Bar at 316
316 Rensselaer Avenue, Charlotte, NC
(704) 380-0209
The Bar at 316 is a fun place to meet up for drinks with friends. The cool thing is that you can choose to make the evening as subdued or wild as you please. While some people dance, others just want to chat in some of the club’s quieter corners. There’s a little something for everyone. The bartenders do a fantastic job with the drinks. For those who need help mingling, the game nights, movie nights, and live DJs help to create a community vibe.
The Woodshed Bar
3935 Queen City Drive, Charlotte, NC
(704) 394-1712
The karaoke is a blast at Woodshed! Overall, this is a very welcoming bar that allows people to simply kick back with some great drinks and music. The drink specials are especially appealing for people who like no-frills beers and wines. The bar’s spacious patio is also a breath of fresh air when it’s time to take a conversation outside away from the noise. Overall, the consensus on the Woodshed Bar is that it’s the friendliest gay bar in all of Charlotte.
Sidelines Sports Bar & Billiards
4544 South Boulevard, Charlotte, NC
(704) 525-2608
Sidelines is an ultra-friendly, ultra-casual pool hall and sports bar with a fun edge. It has the distinction of being the only gay sports bar in the Carolinas. The drink specials and delicious drafts on tap make it easy to relax over drinks with friends. It’s great to be somewhere where the bartenders know what they’re doing. Of course, the one thing that unites all patrons is a devotion to the Charlotte Royals! This spot is easy to fall in love with when looking for a casual bar that makes everyone feel welcomed. When you’re done playing pool or darts, head to the outdoor patio to sip drinks in the fresh air.
Petra’s Bar
1919 Commonwealth Avenue, Charlotte, NC
(704) 332-6608
Petra’s Bar is a classy, down-to-earth club that’s famed for its exceptional live music. The signature martinis are also pretty impressive! Guests can relax on a stunning outdoor patio while enjoying everything from pomegranate margaritas to specials from the taproom. Jazz nights, karaoke, and fun performances keep things lively. While Petra’s is mainly a gay bar, it attracts people from outside the LGBTQ+ community due to its electrifying reputation and welcoming essence.
Azucar Latino Charlotte
5317 East Independence Boulevard, Charlotte, NC
(704) 309-8569
This LGBTQ+ Latin dance bar is the best place for shaking your bon-bon in Charlotte. This club brings in rising DJs and performers to keep things pumping all night long. Azucar Latino Charlotte also offers a huge dance floor with an amazing sound system. Don’t forget to check out the VIP section for a fun, flashy night.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink in the city, check out our Charlotte page!
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