Gay bars along the light rail

Neighborhood gay, lesbian and straight friendly bar on the light-rail line

Whether you're a gay cowboy or just an open-minded club hound who loves country and is looking for a fun night, Charlie's is the place to be. Line dancing, dance lessons and Undie Mondays (find out for yourself) are just a few of the events that pack Charlie's calendar. DJs break out the finest country hits, and the dance floor is packed to the gills on weekends. Stay for after-hours Fridays and Saturdays until 4 a.m.

This sleek and trendy downtown-Phoenix spot contributes to the area’s urban feel, with colorful chairs, tables and lighting, hip contemporary music and comfy couches to lounge on. The restaurant is popular in the gay community, though all kinds of people come here for the snazzy decor and tasty American/Moroccan food. Start your meal with a strawberry-blueberry cashew salad, topped with manchego cheese and a champagne honey vinaigrette. There are lots of meat options (including lamb), too, and be sure to get some fries — the cinnamon-dusted sweet-potato fries are a must-try. FEZ also is known for its strong, tasty martinis and sangria. A late-night happy hour from 10 p.m.-midnight means select appetizers for $5 and two-for-one well, beer and margarita drinks.

Switch, with its swanky, hip lounge feel, comfy couches and plush booths and seats, fits right in with the urbanization of Phoenix. The restaurant has a pretty blue color theme to go along with the wood and leather accents. The uncomplicated menu features panini, gallettes (puff pastries), crepes and sandwiches as well as several meat entrees. The place gets packed for breakfast and lunch, so be prepared for a wait.

This favorite among gay men really loves its fellas. It gives patrons a $10 martinis-and-manicures special every Mondays, plus there’s karaoke Sundays and one of the best drag shows in the Valley every Thursday. In addition to the fun entertainment, the beautiful, Roman-inspired, brick-walled bar is peppered with chandeliers and columns, and is a chic place to hang out. Outside, the patio always is packed with people, sipping on yummy cocktails such as watermelon-tinis or munching on items from the reasonably-priced bar menu.