Gay bars in oakland california
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For those who want to dance, Que Rico is a sometimes-raucous nightclub hosting Spanish-language drag shows, dance parties, and a mean spicy margarita, just a block away from Feelmore Social. More members of the queer community are living and working in Oakland. In the afternoon, the surrounding streets are designated Slow Streets for pedestrians’ and cyclists’ safety, so you won’t be dodging traffic.
Many of the bars listed here collect donations and stage fundraising events for the Oakland LGBTQ+ Center.
Find more queer bars and places to go in our Guide to Queer-Owned Businesses in Oakland.
See all that The Town has to offer!
Let's not overlook Jack London Square, where the waterfront comes alive with farmers markets, outdoor movies, and canoeing on the estuary. At least that can be done in fabulous queer style in this East Bay city, which is home to the stunning Julia Morgan-designed Chapel of the Chimes (https://bit.ly/4iWeXQT)—visit there while you are alive to appreciate its remarkable architecture, art, and history—and the equally impressive Mountain View Cemetery that is a national treasure (https://www.mountainviewcemetery.org/).
Lake Merritt is historically the best place to start here! Bring a picnic, grab a spot, and watch the sunset paint the sky shades of orange and pink.
Oakland isn’t just San Francisco’s hip little sister; it’s an eclectic playground all its own, serving up queer culture, history, and some fantastic views in the Bay Area.
Great ambiance and newly renovated for a more upscale setting.
And if you’re looking to add some Latin flair to your night, look no further than Qué Rico, the Latin gay club spicing up the Bay Area! The vibe’s a mixed bag, with gay and queer events depending on the night, so do yourself a favor and stalk their socials for the latest tea.
Fluid510 is a LGBTQ+ lounge and restaurant with delectable libations, great happy hour options, and loads of amazing fun!
It’s named after the adventurous author Jack London, so you know it’s got stories to tell. Over in the Dimond District, it’s all about the laid-back vibes and lush greenery, perfect for those seeking a little respite from the city buzz. First, let’s talk neighborhoods because Oakland is a patchwork of them, each with its own flavor.
Crime rates have been rising here in certain areas of the city, so keep you and your peeps safe!
Our Top Picks For Oakland LGBTQ+ Bars & Clubs
Here is our list of top gay bars and queer spots around Oakland:
An Oakland institution, White Horse Bar has been proudly serving up LGBTQ+ vibes since before most of us could spell “fabulous.” If you haven't strutted through these doors, have you really been to Oakland?
The Oakland Museum of California is a good place to get a feel for the city’s and state’s history. If you’re a fitness fan, check out the East Bay Front Runners, an LGBTQ+ running and walking group who organize a pride run in October. And for those panoramic city views, make your way to the Oakland Hills. Thanks to this cultural renaissance, visitors and natives alike can sample Oakland’s many dimensions of queerness in a single evening, through a bar crawl.
Town Bar
Just around the corner on 20th Street, Town Bar is a queer and mixed spot inside a stunning emerald stone façade originally constructed for a luxurious department store.
The Lakeshore LGBTQ Cultural District is now fully established, following the 2017 opening of the Oakland LGBTQ Community Center. Plus, it's a stone's throw from some of the city's best dining spots. Located on Telegraph Avenue, it’s known for its vintage charm, inclusive atmosphere, and vibrant events like karaoke, drag nights, and dance parties.
On the surface, that is surprising.