denver, colorado, boasts a thriving and welcoming lgbtq+ community, reflected in its diverse and exciting nightlife scene. if you're looking for a memorable night out, exploring the city's gay bars is a fantastic way to experience the local culture and meet new people.
this guide offers an inside look at some of the best establishments denver has to offer, ensuring you'll find the perfect spot to dance, mingle, and celebrate.
popular denver gay bars to explore
denver's gay bar scene is known for its variety, offering something for everyone, whether you're into high-energy dance clubs, intimate dive bars, or lively drag shows.
here's a look at some of the most popular and well-regarded bars in the city:
buddies
situated in the heart of denver, buddies is a modern establishment with ties to the city's long-standing gay bar history. it's a favorite for its friendly atmosphere and reliable service.
el potrero night club
el potrero night club, open from thursday to sunday, caters to the latin x community with vibrant performances, dj sets, and drag shows.
it's a great choice if you're looking for a late-night spot, as it's open until 4 am.
x bar
located on colfax avenue, x bar is known for its energetic atmosphere and themed parties. it offers a lively experience with guest performers and djs, making it a consistently popular choice.
they are known for their huge parties and guest performers and djs.
trade
trade, situated off santa fe drive, is a popular spot that has quickly become a denver favorite. it's known for its welcoming atmosphere, especially noted during its drag brunch on weekends.
its located off santa fe, just off 6th ave, at the edge of the art district.
tracks
tracks is a cornerstone of denver's gay scene, known for its themed nights, music, and drag performances from thursday through sunday. it's a safe and fun space that has welcomed people for almost 40 years.
for young people, tracks is a place to go for a fun time in a safe space.
denver eagle
denver eagle, a reincarnation of the original denver eagle, is a well-known venue in the denver gay scene. this is the third reincarnation of the denver eagle, located off w colfax and sheridan.
champagne tiger
champagne tiger is a dynamic and energetic bar in denver, noted for its unique charm and diverse events that draw in a wide range of people.
detailed bar descriptions and what to expect
let's delve deeper into what makes each of these denver gay bars stand out.
this section will give you a better sense of each location's ambiance, events, and specific offerings:
buddies: a classic denver experience
buddies stands out as a newer establishment that honors the traditions of the denver gay bar scene. it is known for its dependable service and friendly environment.
the employees are the owners, and they were parts of the compound crew if you know then you know. fast service, easy location, definitely worth a trip.
what to expect:
- reliable service: buddies is known for its efficient and friendly staff.
- central location: the bar is situated in a convenient area of denver, making it easy to access.
- a welcoming atmosphere: it's a great place to relax, socialize, and meet new people.
el potrero night club: latin x flair and late-night fun
el potrero night club specializes in providing a vibrant experience for the latin x community.
open until the early hours, it's a fantastic destination if you're looking to extend your night.
what to expect:
- latin x focus: the bar prominently features performers, djs, and drag stars from the latin x community.
- late hours: open until 4 am, making it an excellent after-party location.
- high energy: the atmosphere is consistently glamorous and energetic.
x bar: high energy on colfax avenue
x bar, located on colfax avenue, is celebrated for its high energy and engaging theme nights, attracting large crowds and offering a dynamic nightlife experience.
this club is well known for its heavily themed parties and the cage that graces the main dance floor.
what to expect:
- themed parties: x bar frequently hosts themed events that keep the atmosphere fresh and exciting.
- guest performers: the bar features guest performers and djs, ensuring diverse and engaging entertainment.
- dynamic atmosphere: the venue is known for its lively and exciting environment.
trade: thriving on santa fe drive
trade, located on santa fe drive, has rapidly become a denver favorite, known for its inviting atmosphere and the drag brunch on weekends.
located on santa fe drive and west 5th street, trade has done more than just survive its first year in denver—it has thrived.
what to expect:
- welcoming ambiance: trade is praised for its friendly and inclusive environment.
- weekend drag brunch: the bar is particularly known for its weekend drag brunches.
- convenient location: the bar is easily accessible on santa fe drive.
tracks: a denver institution
tracks is a cornerstone of denver's lgbtq+ scene, renowned for its themed nights, music, and outstanding drag performances.
the bar boasts nightly specials and drink deals, as well as two dance floors for the weekends and a large patio section.
what to expect:
- consistent events: tracks offers events on a regular schedule.
- drag performances: the bar features some of the best drag queens denver has to offer.
- safe environment: tracks provides a welcoming and safe space for the lgbtq+ community.
denver eagle: a landmark of the denver gay scene
the denver eagle is known for its robust presence within the denver gay scene, with a history spanning multiple iterations.
denver eagle located off w colfax and sheridan, this is the third reincarnation of the denver eagle.
what to expect:
- historical relevance: the bar has a rich history in the denver gay scene.
- familiar atmosphere: it offers a sense of community and belonging.
- events and specials: they have a variety of events, as well as drink specials.
champagne tiger: a vibrant denver hotspot
champagne tiger stands out with its lively charm, often hosting a range of diverse events.
champagne tiger is a vibrant hotspot nestled in the heart of denver, known for its eclectic charm and lively events that cater to a diverse clientele.
what to expect:
- diverse events: the bar hosts a wide variety of events.
- lively atmosphere: it's known for its energetic and engaging environment.
- central location: located in a convenient area of denver.
exploring denver's gay bars: more than just a night out
going to a gay bar in denver is more than just going out for a drink—it's a chance to connect with a community, see amazing performances, and create lasting memories.
whether you're a denver local or just visiting, here's what makes the experience so special:
a sense of community
gay bars often serve as safe spaces where people can be themselves. these places nurture a sense of belonging, offering support and acceptance.
the small space screams acceptance. think of all those dive bars in the movies where everyone is smiling and a little drunk.
amazing entertainment
from drag shows to themed nights and dance parties, denver gay bars offer a wide range of entertainment options.
tracks continually delivers fun-themed nights, great music, and some of the best drag queens denver has to offer on thursday thru sunday nights, usually starting at 9 p.
unique experiences
each bar has its own character, making every visit unique. an absolute must if you like: fierce and fabulous drag queens, cheap drinks handed out by topless cowboys, watching go-go boys hang from the ceiling, or having a good time while wearing and doing just about whatever you want.
tips for a great night out in denver's gay bars
to make the most of your night out, here are some useful tips:
check the event schedule
many bars have special events, such as drag shows, themed parties, or guest djs.
check their social media or websites for a schedule to plan your visit.
arrive early, especially for popular events
to secure a good spot and avoid long lines, arrive early. this is particularly important for drag shows and other popular events.
bring cash
some bars may only accept cash, or it may be easier to pay for drinks and tips.
it is also good practice to tip your bartenders.
be respectful
respect the space and other people. treat everyone with kindness and consideration.
drink responsibly
enjoy your drinks, but do so responsibly. make sure you have a way to get home safely.
be open to meeting new people
gay bars are great places to meet people.
introduce yourself, strike up conversations, and be open to new friendships.
other considerations for your denver night out
planning your evening can significantly enhance your experience. consider the following:
transportation
use ride-sharing services, taxis, or public transport to travel safely.
this is especially crucial if you plan on drinking.
dress code
dress codes vary, but it's usually best to dress casually. it's important to be comfortable. they are greeted at the door by a woman covered in tattoos and plastered with a smile.
age restrictions
some bars are 21+, so always bring a valid id.
not all events and nights are for 18 and up but they are the only club that allows those below 21 years old.
exploring beyond denver: other colorado destinations
colorado has a variety of options beyond denver, providing unique experiences.
other colorado cities
while denver is a central hub, other cities in colorado also have vibrant lgbtq+ scenes.
consider exploring other towns such as boulder, colorado springs, and fort collins for their unique offerings.
community events
keep an eye out for community events like pride parades and festivals. we have a very special float this year, so we are looking forward to the parade on june.
conclusion: embracing denver's lgbtq+ nightlife
denver's gay bars provide a welcoming and dynamic experience.
whether you're looking to dance the night away, catch an incredible drag show, or simply socialize, denver has something for everyone. by exploring these spaces, you're not just enjoying a night out; you're joining a community known for its vibrancy, acceptance, and inclusive culture.
enjoy your exploration of denver's amazing gay bar scene!