Best 10 Queer Bars in Oakland

Oakland, California is known world-wide for its queer scene. We’ve got the best queer dance parties (Soulovely, anyone)? We’ve got a spectacular queer arts scene. And we’ve got a solid list of queer bars to help you connect and build community all year round. Read on for our list of the best queer bars in Oakland that you need to stop by next time you’re looking for a night on the town.

Feelmore Social – a Sensual and Sleek Queer Bar

The newest addition to our list of queer bars in Oakland, Black, queer-owned Feelmore Social is all about the grown, sexy, sex-positive, inclusive to all vibes. In fact, Feelmore Social is the extension of Oakland and Berkeley favorite sex shop, Feelmore, and brands itself as a sex-positive social establishment for all to enjoy. Moody dark walls and sensual decor make sure all bar-goers feel a bit of refinement.

With body-positive and playful drink names like Breast Milk, Feelmore social is one bar you don’t want to miss. Plus, it’s located in Uptown just a few blocks from 19th Street BART for easy access.  

Summer Bar and Lounge – You’ve found the Gay Nightlife 

If you’re looking for gay nightlife vibes, you’ve found it. Summer Bar is an LGBTQ+ bar in the Old Oakland neighborhood. Blue lights, a disco ball and the LGBTQ+ flag wave proudly outside – so you know you’re home. Come for the drinks, stay for the live performances. On any given night of the week, you’ll find weekly karaoke, open mics, drag shows and go-go dancers. Located on 8th street just 4 blocks from 12th Street BART.

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Town Bar Lounge – Classy and High Energy

The Town Lounge describes themselves as a” QPOC-owned Art Deco inspired bar and lounge that welcomes all.” We love ourselves a high energy gay bar with good music and tasty drink – plus, Town Bar is elegantly designed. The decor is lush and intentional, with a Black-affirming art on the walls, a performance stage and a stunning plant installation that you can’t help but stare at as soon as you walk through the doors.

Their packed event calendar is full of fun activities, including drag shows and queer talent cabarets, Just one block from 19th Street BART, Town Bar and Lounge is easy to access and a must-visit Oakland queer bar.

 Port Bar – Brunch Drag Shows Every Weekend

Gay bar The Port became well known for its outdoor drag shows during the devastating indoor bar closures in 2020 – 2022, and is still going strong with its Sunday Drag Brunch performances today – mimosas anyone?

Open 7 days a week and located one block from 19th Street BART in Uptown, The Port gives super sleek, compact vibes, but with an outdoor patio area and intimate dance floor in the back. Whether you’re looking to dance the night away with a handsome stranger or chill out front with your friends and grab a bite from the taco truck that’s always parked next door – The Port is the place.

Friends and Family – Where Dates go to Flirt and Eye F*ck

While Friends and Family doesn’t explicitly identify as a “queer bar,” it makes the list as a honorary option due to their LGBTQ+ affirming atmosphere, staff and overall essence. We love Friends and Family because they serve food(!!) with plenty of vegan and non-vegan options, have a spacious indoor seating area, as well as an backyard patio that does not disappoint.

The quirky, mid-century modern vibes are truly immaculate for day or night affairs, with seating arrangements that are great for 1:1 conversation. Think refined elegance from Friends and Family versus midnight ragers. Friends and Family is located just outside of Uptown on 25th street, 6 blocks away from 19th Street BART.

White Horse Bar – Old Gay Bar, New Queer Energy 

No list of queer bars in Oakland would be complete without mentioning the White Horse. As the oldest operating gay bar in the United State, the White Horse was first to trailblaze the queer bar scene in Oakland, let alone the state of California. But time changes all, so if you haven’t been a while, now’s the time to give them another shot.

Located in North Oakland not too far away from the Berkeley border, the White Horse has transformed in recent years from a somewhat sleepy local gay haunt to a QTBIPOC affirming hot spot. Home to several hot queer dance parties including Queer as F*ck, LVRGRL, Queer Sabor, it’s clear the White Horse is here to stay.

Are we missing a bar? Email us at info@queerinoakland.com