Shine Like a Star at the Best LGBTQ Venues in Las Vegas

Just east of Paradise Road, near the Strip, is the laid-back, western-inspired Fun Hog Ranch, a no-frills venue with wood paneling that makes you feel as if you’ve stepped into a country bar miles away from the neon lights of Las Vegas. The interior has a rustic feel, creating a relaxed atmosphere where fetish wear is encouraged but not required. Unlike many of the bars in Vegas, Fun Hog Ranch has a drinks menu that keeps things simple – and cheap. Expect late-night happy hours featuring beers, drinks and tequila shot specials. Come on a Tuesday for sweet deals, with $2 drinks and wild revelry until 1am.

This award-winning, 24-hour hotspot sits just a few minutes away from the Strip, in Chinatown. The entrance is unmissable, with a bold painting of a rising phoenix on the wall. Famed for its raucous karaoke nights, go-go dancers, dance parties, themed nights and drag shows, the Phoenix has a lively atmosphere that results in an often-packed venue. Besides booze, it also sells food, including delicious pizzas.

A popular hangout for University of Nevada, Las Vegas students and the wider LGBTQ community, the Garage specializes in signature martinis. Stop by for a chocolate-covered cherry martini or a Godiva chocolate liqueur with chocolate and vanilla vodka. You can also enjoy a round of pool, darts or shuffleboard; food options include tacos, wings and jalapeño poppers.

Like many great things in Las Vegas, this blink-and-you’ll-miss-it spot is located in a nondescript area that belies the festive vibe going on inside. This 24-hour bar, near the historic Rancho Circle neighborhood in Downtown, has been part of the community for over 20 years. Touting strong but inexpensive drinks, the Flex draws you into a world of fun – featuring video poker, pool tables, drag-queen karaoke and a monthly Las Vegas Bears night.

The Las Vegas Strip may be home to nightclubs with world-class DJs and celebrity guests, but Piranha, on Paradise Road, is proof that the LGBTQ community can throw an equally impressive party off-Strip. This intimate nightclub, often graced by entertainers from RuPaul’s Drag Race, is known as one of the best LGBTQ bars in the city. The lush venue offers drag shows, theme parties, VIP skyboxes and a cozy outdoor patio.

Freezone is a thriving club that’s been welcoming guests for 25 years. Located in the Fruit Loop, up the street from the Hard Rock Hotel, by day it’s a neighborhood dive bar with drinks specials starting bright and early at 8am; but by night it transforms into a wild party, even on weeknights – a 24-hour venue that’s big on drag shows and karaoke parties.

This dimly lit Eastside bar, a favorite with the LGBTQ community, hosts underwear nights in a casual atmosphere with round-the-clock hours. Unlike other bars in the city, it’s more of a traditional hangout spot than a nightclub and comes complete with pool tables and gaming at the bar.

Make the short trek from the Strip for a night of Wild West fun at Badlands Bar, a 24-hour venue that evokes the spirit of a western saloon. It hosts karaoke, trivia nights and all-you-can-drink parties with live DJs. Done out with red walls, wooden floors and video poker at the bar, it’s a perfect spot for country-music enthusiasts looking to meet local folks and knock back a few cheap beers.

Fans of drag shows will love Hamburger Mary’s, a glittery, technicolor delight of a bar that’s famed for its weekend gospel brunches. Step inside for a buffet and bottomless mimosas, while the entertainment around you gets lively. Every Friday and Saturday, this Paradise watering hole and restaurant goes big with its Stars and Stilettos drag show. Grab a seat at the bar or reserve a table and enjoy fishbowls of spiked punch, burgers and cupcakes from local bakery the Cupcakery.