8 Essential Denver Gay Bars

June is Gay Pride Month, and what better way to celebrate your sexuality as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, or as an ally, than at these inclusive and lively bars. Each bar on the list has a unique atmosphere and most have big plans for Gay Pride weekend.

X Bar

Photo courtesy of Kyle Cooper.

When: Monday – Saturday, 3 p.m. – 2 a.m. and Sunday, 12 p.m. – 2 a.m.

Where: 629 E. Colfax Ave., Denver

The Lowdown: X Bar will fill you with the club vibes you’re looking for in addition to a crowd full of the LGBTQ+ community. There are go-go dancers — think men in thongs dancing in metal cages, light shows and upbeat music to keep you going all night. From Wednesday, June 14 to Sunday, June 18, X Bar will be hosting a multitude of Pride events from dance parties, happy hour specials, DJ sets and even a wet underwear shower contest.

Tracks Nightclub

Photo courtesy of Kyle Cooper.

When: Thursday – Saturday, 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.

Where: 3500 Walnut St., Denver

The Lowdown: Tracks is the shit show that keeps you coming back for more. Not only can you see 18-year-olds trying to out Vogue each other on any given Thursday night, but you can also expect to see plenty of shirtless men trying to get you to buy ‘just one more’ drink right after last call. The club is known not only for its pop-dance environment and half-naked  bartenders — it also brings the best drag queens and performances to Denver. And as tradition, Tracks will be hosting Drag Nation during Pride weekend and the theme will be Cosmic Queens. If drag, dancing and limited clothing are your thing, take a trip to Tracks this Pride month. For more information about Tracks’ Pride plans look here.

Charlie’s Nightclub Denver

Photo courtesy of Kyle Cooper.

When: 11 a.m. – 2 a.m. every day.

Where: 900 E. Colfax Ave., Denver

The Lowdown: Charlie’s is the place for you if you’ve ever fantasized about a gay country western. If country isn’t your style, don’t worry. The bar plays plenty of dance music and even offers dance lessons Wednesday through Saturday. Charlie’s will be having a water slide, food vendors, a sexy speedo auction, tons of drinks and DJs during Pride weekend. Find out what Charlie’s is doing each day of Pride here.

Trade

Photo courtesy of Kyle Cooper.

When: Monday – Thursday, 3 p.m. – 2 a.m., Friday, 1 p.m. – 2 a.m., Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.

Where: 475 Santa Fe Dr., Denver

The Lowdown: Trade is one of the newest gay bars to the Denver scene. And what makes it special is the carefree and free-spirited atmosphere. People are encouraged to dress and look how they want, so depending on the night you might see some big bears, lots of leather, dudes in their underwear and just people being themselves. To coincide with the “be yourself attitude” Trade hosts “Fetish Fridays” and “Harness Happy Hour.” So check out the Underwear Party that will be kicking off Trade’s Pride festivities on June 15. For more information about Trade’s Pride plans, go here.

Blush & Blu

Photo courtesy of Kyle Cooper.

When: Monday – Thursday, 2 p.m. – 2 a.m., Friday – Sunday, 12 p.m. – 2 a.m.

Where: 1526 E. Colfax Ave., Denver

The Lowdown: You have your choice of coffee, alcohol or lounging — all the best elements for a gay romcom — at Denver’s Blush & Blu. The bar has a small upstairs library for relaxing, drinking and reading, a bar downstairs fit with alcohol, local organic coffee, a dance floor and pool tables. It’s one of the only lesbian-owned bars in Denver that operates for the lesbian community specifically as well as other members of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies.

Mile High Hamburger Mary’s

Photo courtesy of Kyle Cooper.

When: Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Friday, 11 a.m. – midnight or later, Saturday, 10 a.m. – midnight or later, Sunday, 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Where: 1336 E. 17th Ave., Denver 

The Lowdown: If you’re trying to find a place that has a little more of a masculine flare — think bartenders dressed as referees and screenings of the latest sports games — then Mile High Hamburger Mary’s is your place. But don’t worry, in addition to the jock vibe, there’s plenty of pop music like any good gay bar needs. Inside Hamburger Mary’s is a rainbow of colors on the walls, checks served in high heels, bingo hosted by drag queens and killer wings, burgers and beer. Visit the bar’s Facebook for more information about its Pride plans.

Li’l Devils Lounge

Photo courtesy of Kyle Cooper.

When: Monday – Friday 3 p.m. – 2 a.m., Saturday and Sunday 12 p.m. – 2 a.m. 

Where: 255 S. Broadway St., Denver

The Lowdown: If you’re looking for a gay bar to take your straight friends’ virginities, this is the one. Li’l Devils caters both to the gay and straight community with their inclusive, laid back and exciting environment. The details in the lounge from the decor, customer service and drinks are all paid close attention to which makes the small lounge even more of a hit. You’ll find music videos from pop hits to ’80s bops playing, craft beers, a huge outside patio and delicious frozen drinks.

Boyztown

BoyzTown. Photo by Brittany Werges

When: Monday – Friday 3 p.m. – 2 a.m., Saturday and Sunday 12 p.m. – 2 a.m. 

Where: 117 Broadway St., Denver

The Lowdown: There’s no shortage of abs and ass at Boyztown. If you’re looking to see an unlimited amount of shirtless men and lots of bulges then make your way here, but try not to drool too much. There’s no cover for men, stiff drinks and lots and lots of eye candy. It’ll be hosting a weekend PRIDEFest party with tons of frozen drinks and happy hour specials. Check here for more details.

R&R Lounge Denver

Photo courtesy of Kyle Cooper.

When: Monday – Thursday, 3 p.m. – 2 a.m., Friday, 1 p.m. – 2 a.m., Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. – 2 a.m. 

Where: 4958 E. Colfax Ave., Denver

The Lowdown: For those who love low key bars, you’re in luck. This dive bar is great if you don’t want anything flashy and are in the mood to drink, listen to music and relax. R&R has stiff drinks, dart tournaments and holiday and festive events. Check out R&R’s Facebook for Pride event details.

All photography by Kyle Cooper, unless otherwise noted.