21 June 22nd–June 28th, 2023 phoenixnewtimes.com phoenix new Times | cONTeNTs | feeDBacK | OPiNiON | NeWs | feaTuRe | NighT+Day | culTuRe | film | cafe | music | Pride Crawl The 8 best LGBTQ+ bars in metro Phoenix. BY PHOENIX NEW TIMES WRITERS O ur 2023 list of the Top 100 Bars in Phoenix just dropped with a whole lot of new spots to belly up to the bar and grab a cold drink. The full list covers all categories of drinking destinations, from dive bars to breweries and rooftop patios to immersive cocktail experiences. But if you are on the lookout for some of metro Phoenix’s best gay and lesbian bars, keep reading. Our local LGBTQ+ bars have everything from loud, lively dance floors to quiet places to spark up a conversation and sip a strong drink. Drag shows or karaoke more your jam? We’ve got those too. Here are the top LGBTQ+ bars in Phoenix. Bar 1 3702 N. 16TH ST. 602-266-9001 Far from the leather bars, rainbow- flagged saunas and diva-filled disco- theques elsewhere, Bar 1 is casual gay nightlife that still knows how to have fun. Established in 2008, its easygoing, candlelit atmosphere allows patrons to talk in their (gasp!) indoor voices whether relaxing in the lounge seating, playing pinball, or unwinding on the outdoor patio. Daily specials rotate throughout the week, including beer busts on Monday, Long Island Wednesdays, 2-4-1 Thursdays and multiple happy hours. Menu options include a long list of craft cocktails to pair with bar snacks and specialty shots. Boycott Bar 4301 N. SEVENTH AVE. 602-825-6240 This lesbian-leaning Melrose District spot has cold beers, well-mixed cocktails, dancing, drag shows and good people. Boycott also maintains a varied and thoughtful event calendar: patrons can expect everything from Pride-related events to Latin and country dance nights. It’s a solid stop while bar-hopping along the Melrose curve — but a sturdy local watering hole as well. Look for the pink light. BS West 7125 E. FIFTH AVE. 480-945-9028 BS West is a rarity among Scottsdale bars. It’s the only LGBTQ+ spot in the city, a distinction it’s enjoyed for over 30 years. In that time, the two-story bar, dance joint and drag club just off Craftsman Court has established a loyal following that’s spanned generations. (Historically, it’s been more of a gay male crowd, but everyone’s invited, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.) BS West’s appeal lies in its electric atmosphere and a combo of live entertainment (drag shows, go-go boys, rowdy karaoke sessions), music selection (ranging from club hits to Latin), sex appeal (the male bartenders go shirtless) and nightly drink deals. Plus, you gotta love a place where the staff occasionally answers the phone with “This is BS.” Charlie’s 727 W. CAMELBACK ROAD 602-265-0224 Charlie’s is a slice of Phoenix gay bar history that has huddled along Camelback Road just west of Seventh Avenue since its debut in 1984. In those days, the “lil bitty ol’ pissant country place” and dance hall opened by John King (co-founder of the International Gay Rodeo Association) was aimed at gay urban cowboys and country music fans. As times and interests changed (and competition increased) so did Charlie’s. Today, the place boasts a larger dance floor, an even bigger parking lot, a taco truck out front, an outdoor patio with two bars and bleacher seating in the back and a wide cross-section of the entire LGBTQ+ community. Charlie’s events calendar is just as diverse. Drag perfor- mances, bingo games, Latin and country Todd Colin (right) and husband Todd Christensen at their 16th Street spot, Bar 1. Boycott Bar is in the heart of Phoenix’s Melrose District. Nu Towne Saloon has been a Phoenix staple for over five decades. Matt Hennie Benjamin Leatherman Benjamin Leatherman ▼ Chow >> p 22
