254 When it’s not summer, that massive patio space makes for a packed Sunday Funday. Guys in thongs gyrating on boxes don’t hurt, either. Neither does Charlie’s Tacos, a food truck that serves tasty bites to the public who approach it from Camelback Road or patrons on the patio, who line up on the weekend before its 7 p.m. opening to order tacos, quesadillas, nachos and more. To be sure, Charlie’s offers the traditional gay bar staples, including show tunes, drag shows, karaoke and an underwear night. But it shines by hosting special events. Big gay sports tournament in town? Charlie’s will welcome those jocks. A tamale and salsa competition? Yep, they offer that, too. 22222 B E ST N E W G AY BA R T H AT ’S R E A L LY N OT The Royale 635 W. Glenrosa Ave. 602-293-3373 royalephx.com Plop down a redo of dilapidated auto repair and body shops in the Melrose District, add not one but two bars offering Golden Girl Margs and some kitschy shops, and complete the look with some midcentury flair, and what did you think would happen? You can’t swing a rosemary and black pepper fry from Yum Bar around The Royale and not hit a gaggle of well-appointed gay men arriving for drag brunch. This place brings the boys to the yard. Literally — there’s a cute courtyard with artificial turf. Yum Bar, which opened in January, is the heart of the devel- opment, hosting charity fundraisers, tea dances and Pride events when it’s not serving up its eponymous burger, Melrose Bowls and specialty cocktails. The project is the work of Mark Howard and Rocco Mena- guale, the same creative force behind Fez, which continues to attract an LGBTQ+ crowd after nearly 20 years, and queer- friendly Bliss ReBAR, which closed in 2022. 22222 B E ST D R AG S H OWS Kobalt Bar 3110 N. Central Ave., #175 602-264-5307 kobaltbarphoenix.com Almost every single cast member of the current season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” performs at Kobalt Bar during the season, and the bar’s viewing parties of the show are hosted by local drag legend Barbra Seville. Former “Drag Race” competitors and winners stop here often, and Kobalt’s weekly shows — “Cirque du so Trey,” “The 4Some Revue” and “The Queer Arcana” — feature Phoenix’s best local drag queens, some of whom have made international names for themselves on shows. These shows are late, loud and frequently sell out, even on week- nights, so if you’re looking for a high-energy atmosphere, free-flowing drinks and some top-shelf lip-syncing, Kobalt is the move.
