Whether you’re looking for a drag show, a night of dancing or to kick back with a great drink, here are the best LGBTQ bars in the Scottsdale area.
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Website/ 4301 N 7th Ave 85013
One of just 27 lesbian bars in the United States is right in Phoenix’s Melrose District. An establishment of variety, Boycott Bar receives praise from regulars for everything from its pizza and billiards to, most importantly, its welcoming atmosphere. Something fun is always going down here, so be sure to check out its lineup of drag shows, DJs, speed dating events, karaoke and other events.
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Website/ 3702 N 16th St 85016
Dive meets lounge at Bar 1. Applauded for its friendly team, Bar 1 has a host of specials each night whether you’re looking for beer deals or a solid happy hour and is a great place to kick back on the patio, have some fun over darts or dance along to a karaoke night.
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Website/3110 N. Central Ave 85012
Best known as a karaoke bar, Kobalt is the ultimate spot for when you want to sing your heart out. Here, you’ll also find a vibrant craft cocktail menu, laugh-out-loud comedy and perhaps the best drag shows in town from groups like The 4Some Revue, Follies, The Queer Agenda and Cirque Du So Trey.
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Website/ 4343 N 7th Ave85013
Also in the Melrose District, as the name suggests, Stacy’s @ Melrose invites you to dance underneath its gothic architecture. But don’t let the dark aesthetic fool you— Stacy’s is a warm, safe space that makes it easy to spend an entire night out right on its dancefloor. Alongside its fantastic specialty cocktails and drink deals, you’ll want to come by for regular-favorite Communion and Opulence nights and karaoke.
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Website/ 7125 E 5th Ave Rear 85251
If a bar made it through the turn of the century, you know there is a reason it is still open. Established in 1988, BS West brings a much-needed queer energy to Old Town. It has a self-described “undeniably strong” no-hate policy for its space that sprawls across two bars and patios, lounges and a dancefloor. Also, BS West hosts karaoke, dance nights, drag shows and daily drink specials.
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Website/ 4428 N 7th Ave 85013
Pat O’s Bunkhouse Saloon is packed most weekends for a reason. The neighborhood bar has attracted a loyal following for its laidback nature and awesome patio, and we think you’ll more than appreciate the regular drink specials, weekly live jazz, darts, pool and karaoke nights.
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Website/ 5002 E Van Buren 85008
Opened in 1971, Nu Towne Saloon takes the cake as the Valley’s oldest gay bar. It’s easy to see why it has attracted a crowd over the decades between the Eiffel Tower replica atop the building and the fun, arbitrary decor scattered throughout the interior. It also features a patio, pool tables, karaoke and open-mic comedy.
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Website/ 1724 E McDowell Rd 85006
Put on your dancing shoes for this one. Karamba Nightclub is the place you want to go for a night wholly dedicated to the dancefloor. Also featuring theme events, the club bumps Latin music between drag shows and karaoke.
You’re guaranteed a fun night out at any of these bars.
See also: 12 Must-Have Margaritas In Scottsdale
Photography by: Julian Mackler/BFA.com
