Club Essence is one of the most entertaining clubs to visit in San Antonio, LGBT or otherwise. They have a fantastic atmosphere, a talented DJ that plays some of the best hip hop that'll keep the crowd bouncing all night long. They offer up some great and inexpensive drink specials too, so you won't want to miss out! The Happy Hour specials are also hard to beat. Karaoke is every Tuesday Night and, best of all, male dancers Wednesday through Saturday, with an amateur strip contest every Wednesday. Just don't forget to bring a bunch of one dollar bills when visiting Club Essence. You might regret it if you do!
Recommended for Gay Clubs because: If you're looking for a little gin, a little skin and perhaps a little sin, Club Essence is the place to be!
Kimberly's expert tip: Beware the strong Jello shots!
2015 Club is a sexy, dim-lit neighborhood bar with three pool tables, two electronic dart boards and a digital jukebox. Typically a pretty low-key, easy-going vibe, it's a great place if you want to just chat with friends and relax and unwind. Still it's close enough to the hubbub of Main St. strip if you want to start chill and work your way up to crazy. Although 2015 does have a sunken dance floor, it's rarely used, so don't go there expecting to trip the light fantastic. Still, it's posh decor and killer drinks can make for the perfect date spot!
Recommended for Gay Clubs because: A great little place to hang out with friends that's not as showy as some of the others.
Kimberly's expert tip: The locals enjoy the friendly bartenders at 2015 Club and say it's the kind of place that feels like home!
This fab little LGBT bar and lounge has been around for over 30 years. Located in Alamo Heights, one of San Antonio's oldest and most posh neighborhoods, you'll find that all types of people frequent this place, including straights, transsexuals, bisexuals and more. They offer $2 well drinks, premium drinks and other specials. One-O-Six doesn't have a DJ or dance floor but they do have a juke box and pool table. True, you might not see much table dancing going on here, but if you want a great little getaway place with a laid-back atmosphere and casual décor, One-O-Six is the hot spot!
Recommended for Gay Clubs because: A great inexpensive and out of the way place to go have a drink and dance.
Kimberly's expert tip: The owner himself calls this great little neighborhood bar the "Queer Cheers!"
The SA Country Saloon is San Antonio's premier gay country and western dance bar. It's definitely the place to go if you love great old and/or new country music. The venue is enormous, very clean and the bartenders are exceptional. The patio sits under a giant oak tree and is the best place to relax with a few beers and a few boys. The staff is extremely friendly and will happily accommodate special requests. There are too few country dancing clubs in San Antonio, but this is one of the best all around. So put on your cowboy boots and get ready to lasso a partner for a spin on the dance floor!
Recommended for Gay Clubs because: Sometimes you just got to get you're country club on and there's nothing sexier than a cowboy in boots!
Kimberly's expert tip: SA Country Saloon is near The Old San Francisco Steakhouse, if you're up for a night of dinner and dancing!
This diverse LGBT venue, located along the Main St. strip, comes with several different bars — a main video bar, patio bar, Karaoke bar, and a leather/sports bar and country bar. They have a large music selection and are considered one of the friendliest and established bars in San Antonio, offering top quality theme bars, a camp atmosphere and friendly staff. They have some of the most unique events you'll find in San Antonio, such as Drag Queen Whipped Cream Wrestling. Pegasus is the place to let your imagination run wild, if not your horses! Happy Hour is every day from 2 — 9 PM.
Recommended for Gay Clubs because: A fun club to let it all hang out and see what happens!
Kimberly's expert tip: Pegasus has some of the best drink specials in San Antonio, such as $1.50 for well drinks and domestics on Mondays!
Sparky's Pub caters to all of the LGBT community, but is a favorite among professionals. It's a great place to go for a nice glass of wine after a long day. Their wine selection is impressive, and they have a little café attached to the bar that serves some pretty good food, including deli sandwiches, homemade soups, fresh salads and decadent desserts. They have a small, covered patio out front, so you can people watch to your heart's content. Another, larger private patio, is located in back and the interior is spacious yet cozy. Sparky's Pub is a definite destination spot for a nice relaxing evening of good conversation and great drinks!
Recommended for Gay Clubs because: Sparky's is growing into a go-to hang out for the LGBT Community.
Kimberly's expert tip: They open at 3:00 pm, so it's a great place to chill and grab a late lunch!
The warm, LGBT-friendly atmosphere abounds at this coffeehouse, where you can relax on the patio with friends from work or stake out one of Candlelight's comfy couches. Thanks to a reasonably priced but thorough selection of coffees and a range of tasty desserts (including Italian cream cake), the neighborhood hangout is a stylish after-dinner choice. Sandwiches, beer, and wine are also available. In fact they have an admirable wine list. Candlelight is an inexpensive option that has been around for decades and provides a uniquely intimate and relaxing atmosphere. It's a great place to mingle and make some new friends.
Recommended for Gay Clubs because: Although you can't really go dancing at Candlelight, it is a great place to grab a glass of wine, dinner or a snack before partying.
Kimberly's expert tip: Sit outside on their beautiful patio!
One of the newest additions to the LGBT nightlife is Knockout, located along the San Antonio strip, also known as Main Avenue. Knockout is a bar, but not just a bar... it may be the first official gay sports bar in San Antonio, where you can watch games on one of their big screens or over 15 flat screen TVs. They have brand new pool tables, dart boards and even a punching bag, for working out that post-work aggression. Knockout invites guests to come in, enjoy the music, drink the cocktails and get great service from some of San Antonio's best bartenders. When you get nibbley, you can nosh on a yummy snack from their full kitchen or opt for a handmade pizza from Pup's Pizza, which is located right inside Knockout. In the evening, they open up the Backroom Bar, where the real fun is said to be had.
Recommended for Gay Clubs because: Kockout is the newest bar to open up on the strip, and therefore is the new hot place to hangout.
Kimberly's expert tip: There's never a cover.
Although the Bonham has progressively become more mainstream over the years, this tri-level historic dance club is a must see! The Bonham has a variety of rooms and music, from the latest in high energy circuit music as well as video, retro and DJ's. They have one of the largest dance floors in San Antonio, several separate bar areas, drink specials during the week and military Fridays. It's the perfect place for a bachelor or bachelorette party â" plenty to do and beautiful people to see! This is the best LGBT club or just club in general if you're staying downtown, as it's within walking distance of many of the hotels, as well as other bars and clubs.
Recommended for Gay Clubs because: Although more mainstream, the Bonham still has the best dance floors in town!
Kimberly's expert tip: The smart clubbers go early to get stamped to avoid the late night lines.
They say they're the #1 dance club in town â" God knows all the divas love to dance to the beats at the Heat, one San Antonio's classier gay clubs. Also one of the most popular clubs in San Antonio, the Heat has several dance floors, bars and an outstanding multi-level patio. The DJ's are solid, the staff is savvy and even the bathrooms have attendants. The Heat offers significant drink specials, including on the weekends, so be sure to check out the website for more details, including special events and drag shows. Cover charge on the weekends is typically $5.
Recommended for Gay Clubs because: The HEAT always makes the list for one of the hottest clubs in San Antonio.
Kimberly's expert tip: They offer an inexpensive coat check near the front bar, so be sure to check your coat!