CHEER UP CHARLIES AUSTIN GAY BAR FULL
This city is also full of fit, athletic types and sports fanatics. If you want Austin's take on the club scene, Oilcan Harry's, Rain on 4th and the Iron Bear are your best bets. Cheer Up Charlies showcases a diverse range of acts and themed dance parties, billing itself as welcoming the LGBTQ (and straight!) community. One spot that epitomizes the quirky nature of Austin's Red River Cultural District is Cheer Up Charlies, a cute, lesbian-owned bar and music venue with an adorable backyard that's serviced by two food trailers. This historic area, brimming with art galleries and unique local businesses, has a wide range of funky shops and restaurants. Speaking of cool, East Austin is arguably the city's hottest neighborhood. Tucked away above the noise of the city with a balcony overlooking the street-scape, the theater boasts four screens, a restaurant and the option to bring that food and drinks into the theater-how cool is that? Then, catch an indie or documentary film at the city's newest, best-kept-secret theater, Violet Crown Cinema.
Head north into Downtown Austin - grab a cocktail during the superb happy hour from the resident mixologist at the W Hotel. Check out the city's magnificent Greenbelt: more than 800 acres of winding trails, hiking and wildflowers await you. While you're still in 78704, grab a sweet treat at Lick Ice Creams, a gay-owned artisanal ice cream shop that boasts flavors like roasted beets and mint. Grab a cup of Jo's Coffee, peruse the shelves at South Congress Books, check out the antiques and funky finds at Uncommon Objects and when you're tired from all that walking, head over to the green hills of Butler Park to relax and take in Austin's ever-expanding skyline. Now the area is beloved by locals and visitors alike-with a wide range of restaurants, shops and people dotting South Congress Avenue. Prior to the opening of the gay-owned Hotel San Jose (have a frosé and people watch by the pool), the streets around South Congress Avenue were not known for very much. LaGina Harris at Oilcan Harry's in the Warehouse District.
So, come along on a quick tour (you can drive, walk, bike or hop on the bus) for some of the best offerings. We've also helped to build, renew and revitalize many of the city's most popular, vibrant neighborhoods. Unlike many places, which have only one or two areas known as 'gay districts,' Austin's LGBTQ residents are truly everywhere. Austin's LGBTQ scene has it all. You don't have to look for rainbow flags or limit yourself to one small part of Austin if you're interested in experiencing everything that the city's large and diverse LGBTQ community has to offer.