Because of that, the atmosphere around the establishment has changed and evolved. Within the last year, Tabu, which was originally popular gay dive/sports bar, expanded and bought a new building. Next is Tabu, a spot that’s somewhere in the middle between being a local dive and a more established mega-bar. So while Woody’s and Voyeur are more of your dancy/clubby spots, Tavern on Camac delivers on a variety of interests. Not only does this spot change depending on which pianist is playing that night or time, but the space also holds a small dance room on the second floor. But hey, that’ll loosen you up to go sing a song or two (certainly has for me). They’re expensive but they’re also doused in alcohol. Tavern is a classic culprit of gayborhood drinks.
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If you ever want to make friends while singing show tunes or listen to a few free performances (good or bad), this is the place to go. This small space speaks of cabaret lights, cocktails, and laughing friends in an intimate and hushed tone. Tavern on Camac is a small and pleasant piano bar found just a few blocks away from Woody’s and Voyeur. If you love musical theatre and pop music, you’ll love this spot. These following spaces vary in crowds and aesthetic, but they all cater to gay or gay-friendly clientele.įirst, we have Tavern on Camac. Once you’ve got the “go at least once” spots out of the way, you can start to explore the spots locals more regularly frequent. Just watch out for the cover charge ($20 post-midnight!). If you’re looking to stay up late in the city, Voyeur is the place to go. While Woody’s is respectable in size and more low-key in its presentation, the large scale Voyeur building is a more mainstream space focused on nightclub adventures. The two establishments have a joint venture where they often host bargain deals for entry and connecting events. Then right across from Woody’s is the popular Voyeur nightclub. Honestly, the fact that Woody’s is so well-known has made it what I call “The straight woman’s gay bar.” That said, it’s still the mecca of the gayborhood and should always be respected as such. It’s known by everyone and is a tourist hotspot, but it’s not necessarily the most representative of local life. But caution, Woody’s mainstream appeal has made it the gay bar equivalent to the Philly cheesesteak staple Genos.