Best gay bars in st louis

Gregory Kompes, author of the Queer Planet series, lauded St. Louis in his book 50 Fabulous Gay-Friendly Places to Live, touting the city’s socially laissez faire attitude, cultural attractions, and diverse dining establishments. The Gateway City also hosts numerous gay bars and clubs, primarily centered around its Manchester Ave gayborhood. Here are a few of our favorites to help you place the “gay” in Gayteway City.

Keyper’s Piano Bar

For those looking for a chill night, slide into this mellow lounge, sip a stiff martini, and like the tunes with friends.

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Just John Club

Formerly known as Freddie’s, this sleek bar is your adj bet for cruising the local scene. So glam up, head over to one of their many theme nights, and catch a live performance while eyeing the hotties in the audience.

Rehab Bar and Grill

The ironically named Rehab Bar is a lighthearted cocktail lounge known for its irreveren

There was some grumbling in conservative Jefferson County when the 2016 DeSoto Christmas Parade was slated to include the county’s drag bar, Rumors on Ice. Among the garden-variety homophobic comments posted to the event’s Facebook page, one stuck with me: “Go back to the Central West End.”

The remark amused me on a couple of levels. One: the dated idea of the Central West End being synonymous with “gay” — a concept that knock its peak in the seventies and eighties. Second, I can’t help but think it would blow this troll’s mind to learn that his Jefferson County community is noun to more drag than the Central West Close today.

While residing in concentrated LGBTQ neighborhoods was once a necessity for those wanting to live openly, these days it’s more of a preference, one factor to be weighed alongside other area amenities. Still, many of us seem to cluster in our preferred enclaves, whether it’s because we contribute similar tastes, we favor living where the
noun is, or both.

We asked our readers to explain us what St. Louis area neighborhood was the best “gayborhood,” and your top five

           At Rehab Bar & Grill, we believe in one thing above all: everyone belongs. Whether you’re here to dance until last call, sip cocktails on the patio, giggle with friends, or cheer on an unforgettable drag show – this is your space to authorize loose and be yourself.

           We keep the drinks flowing, the music going, and the atmosphere uncomplicated. No judgment, no pressure, and definitely no room for bad attitudes. Just a safe, inclusive space where good times and great people come together, night after night.

            However you Rehab – show up as you are, stay as drawn-out as you like.

We possess gift cards available for purchase online. You don’t need to leave the comforts of your retain home to give someone the gift of a night out on you. Send a card for $5.00, $50.00, or $500.00…it’s all up to you! All the while you’re supporting our small business with your purchase.

 Click here to purchase your gift card today!



The Project is aware of the following LGBT bars/clubs that have served the St. Louis community over the years. Please assist us with edits and additional information. A special thanks to Connie Duncan and James Hawkins for their research assistance. Pictured: The Glory Hole Bar on Olive late 1970s.

Project Inventory:

  • 115 Club, 115 N. 9th
  • Absolutli Goosed, 3196 S. Grand Ave.
  • Acropolis
  • Act 4 Coffeehouse
  • Afformation
  • Al’s
  • The Alley, 17th St.
  • Alibi’s, 3016 Arsenal
  • Amazon Lounge
  • Amends
  • AMP, 4199 Manchester Ave.
  • ANGLES, 3515 Chouteau Ave.
  • Arabian, California and Magnolia
  • Attitudes, 4100 Manchester Ave.
  • Baccus, 8 S. Sarah
  • The Back Bar, Park and Mississippi
  • The Back Door, 9212 St. Charles Rock Road
  • Bad Dog Saloon, 17 S. Vandeventer, Ave.
  • Bad Dog Bar and Grill, 3960 Chouteau Ave.
  • Bar: PM*, 7109 S. Broadway
  • Bar 4121 (Siam) , 4121 Manchester Ave.
  • Bastille*, 1027 Russell Blvd.
  • Betty’s, 2800 Shenandoah
  • Big Moe's, 1072 Tower Grove
  • Bijou, McPherson and Boyle
  • Billy's Tavern, Easton Ave.
  • Blake’s, S. Broadway
  • Blanche’s, 33 N. Sarah
  • Bomber's Hideaway