New orleans gay bars uptown

Calling New Orleans gay-friendly is like saying red beans and rice is a good idea for Monday supper. The city has long been a landing spot for people of all stripes and polka dots — the artistic, expressive and the type that dances to their own drummer. Although Decadence, aka gay Mardi Gras, is ground zero for off-the-charts partying, there are gay and inclusive bars and clubs that cater to the queer set year-round.

Cis-genders welcome too. If it's leather lords you seek, The Phoenix on Elysian Fields is the premier destination for the gay, bear, pup and leather communities. Unpretentious with unbeatable prices, Lafitte's is a low-key favorite among New Orleans locals. One of the oldest gay bars in the country and once frequented by Tennessee Williams and Truman Capote, this unassuming spot remains a welcoming neighborhood hangout home to friendly bartenders, a wonderfully mixed clientele, some of the best drink prices in the city and great dance music.

There's been a scene here since - if only these walls could talk. Open from 1 pm to 1 am Thursday through Sunday. Beth's expert tip: Check the website for events, like the popular underwear party in July. One of the bar popular gay clubs New Orleans has to offer, Oz is a French Quarter frenzy of bar-top go-go new, high-energy music and a laser show that adds to the electrifying atmosphere.

Repeatedly named NOLA's best dance club by "Gambit" and one of the top 50 clubs in the country by "Details," Oz features a balcony overlooking Bourbon Street and is uptown from 6 pm til whenever Thursday through Saturday, allowing club-goers to dance until dawn.

The place can get rowdy in the wee hours, gay bartenders are tougher than they look and generally keep the peace no problem. Drink prices are rock bottom. Beth's expert tip: Expect a younger orleans on the dance floor, especially on the weekends.

10Best LGBTQ bars in Nola for Decadence and beyond

Bourbon Pub and Parade is located in the cluster of gay bars on Bourbon. The venue is known for its male go-go dancers prancing around the bars, regular karaoke and spacious balcony for people-watching. There is usually a mixed bag of queer patrons, from gay men to lesbians and straight friends and couples too.

There usually is a cover, but the bar makes up for it by having a friendly staff that does their best to make each and every patron feel welcome. The upstairs Parade club with its wrap-around balcony is and-over 21 to drinkand it's open Wednesday through Sunday. Beth's expert tip: Bourbon Pub is the definitive New Orleans gay nightclub, period.

Photo courtesy of The Phoenix. Phoenix Bar is an interesting anything-goes establishment catering to the leather and bear community. Known for being grungy, edgy and pretty much out there, there's an infamous sex swing in the backthis is a popular neighborhood hang-out. Phoenix sets the mood with dim lighting and bars on two levels.

This isn't the type of place where girls can go and dance and mingle with the gay crowd. This is where the gay crowd goes to hang out with the gay crowd. Unlike other alternative spots in New Orleans, this place never charges a cover, and has plenty of street parking available if you plan to come from outside the area.

The Phoenix hosts many popular events during Southern Decadence each year, including massive, free block parties.