From a place to catch the latest electro clash with your straight friends, to a bar where you can catch the big game with your gay ones, the Valley's gay and lesbian lounge scene is as diverse as its patrons. Here's a look at some favorites.
Eight gay and lesbian lounges we love
Here's a look at some favorites
Michelle Masek
Special to azcentral.comNovember 21, 2008
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Roscoes on Seventh
4531 N. Seventh St. - Phoenix602-285-0833
Roscoe's bar and grill prides itself on being the only authentic gay sports bar in the Valley. With ESPN playing on all TVs and the walls adorned with sports memorabilia, you definitely won't miss the game. Come and play pool with the guys and watch the game over a few cold ones, it's $1 off all drinks 3-7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Build-your-own Bloody Mary on Sundays for just $2 and fill up with the $6 all-you-can-eat hearty brunch that kicks off at 10 a.m.
Amsterdam
718 N. Central Ave. - Phoenix602-258-6122
Amsterdam is an elegant bar that attracts a well-dressed, upscale mixture of gay men and women. With a gold-embellished gothic-inspired décor complete with a baby grand piano, an impressive custom martini list (try the Champ-tini, or the pineapple upside-down cake cocktail) and a expansive patio, it's no wonder that Amsterdam has been voted Best Gay Bar by just about every media outlet that makes such lists. The energy level is mellow for after-work cocktails, but late night and on the weekends, Madonna, Top 40 and dance hits dominate. But to actually dance, just walk into the club's neighbor, Club Miami, for frenetic energy and sweaty bodies.
Homme Lounge
138 W. Camelback Road - Phoenix602-234-3023
In a two-story house on Camelback Road, Homme manages to be a chill place to grab a cocktail and a trendy place to dance, while still feeling like a underground hangout, even though it's been popular since opening in 2005. It's home to the electro-disco-dance mixed night Party Foul Fridays, hosted by Kevin M.O.B. and some of the former Glam crowd, where the crowd is a rare mix of ethnicities, styles and sexual orientations. Filled with small rooms and intimate nooks, as well as generous dance spaces, this place is everything to everyone.
Wild Card
801 N. Arizona Ave. - Chandler480-857-3088
The East Valley's lone gay bar is a full-service hotspot for gays in several communities on the edges of the Valley. The bar hosts karaoke, drag bingo and full drag shows, depending on the night. The Wild Card draws big crowds routinely, particularly on Wednesdays, when drinks are two for the price of one. Miss Gay Arizona America Mya McKenzie hosts the glamorous drag show Diamond Dolls on Saturdays, and drag queen Eryka Knowles hosts drag Bingo on Thursdays.
Bunkhouse Saloon
4428 N. Seventh Ave. - Phoenix602-200-9154
Bunkhouse is the perfect place to meet guys while playing billiards, if you like dark, ramshackle, casual places that host "underwear" nights. Sunday, show your skills in the pool tournament. Monday and Tuesday 7-10 p.m. try your hand in poker night with the regulars. Or for the daring, strip down to your boxers (or briefs) on Thursdays and receive $1 off your drink. Come out and chill on the outdoor patio for "Beef, Buns and Beer" Sundays where draft beers pour for $1 all day long and the burgers hit the grill at 3 p.m.
Kobalt
3110 N. Central Ave., Suite 125 - Phoenix602-264-5307
The black leather couches and strong martinis (try the Manhattan) at this video lounge put you in the mood for mingling. Belt out your favorite song during karaoke Tuesdays and Sundays or kick back with a friend on Fridays and Saturdays and watch flashback movies on the state-of-the-art plasma TVs. You'll find a mix of mature gay men and women at this civilized spot, home to bartending phenom Stacy Louis, voted best bartender in azcentral.com's Best 2007.
Apollo's Lounge
5749 N. Seventh St. - Phoenix602-277-9373
This small club is nondescript on the outside, a beige brick that belies the kitschy ancient Greek motif inside. You'll find stripping, lounge acts and drag shows, depending on which night you wander in. Feeling like letting your 'American Idol' alter ego out? Karaoke starts at 9 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. We're particularly smitten by the Greek God sexy stripping event that starts at 10 p.m. every Sunday night.
Cruisin' 7th Cocktail Lounge
3702 N. Seventh St. - Phoenix602-212-9888
Cruisin' 7th is a dance-club melting pot for women and men, and men dressed as women too. Come Friday and Saturday to catch the drag show, which usually draws a mixed crowd of gays and straights. There's Karaoke on Tuesday nights and $1.75 well drinks and domestic beers from of 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays.
