Gay bars michigan

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In other words: It’s a must-visit.

The Apartment Lounge
33 Sheldon Ave. NE, Grand Rapids|apartmentloungegr.com

The Apartment Lounge, affectionately known as The Apartment, holds the title of the oldest gay bar in Grand Rapids—possibly in Michigan. There’s an event going on every night of the week (except for a well-earned day off on Mondays) at this hotspot, including themed nights, big drag shows, huge drink deals, karaoke and dance parties, making it a favorite for locals and visitors.

Located on South Division, Rumors is known for an energetic atmosphere and diverse crowd, providing one of the only true club experiences in the city. There is seating and some billiards tables near the dance floor as well for the more reserved patrons or if you need to catch your breath a little.

Eli Tea

Eli Tea is a modern tea café and specialty shop with a flagship store in downtown Birmingham, Michigan.

Come here to dance, drink, and enjoy drag queens.

Food & Drink

Not only does June mark Pride Month, but the summer season means it’s also time for the hotties to step out of the house and show out. We compiled a list to make it easier for you to have fun this summer while being your authentic self.

Layla McMurtrie is the digital editor of Detroit Metro Times.

For the LGBTQ+ community, it can often be hard to find safe, inclusive bars and clubs to get lit with fellow queer people or allies. Look out for trivia nights and special events during the week as well.

Pronto!

Pronto! It’s a popular getaway spot that combines relaxation with vibrant nightlife, making it a beloved destination for many in the Grand Rapids area.

Club Vortex
502 S.

Burdick St., Kalamazoo

While Kalamazoo sadly doesn’t have a dedicated gay bar, Club Vortex is a pop-up LGBTQ+ club hosted at Blue Dolphin once a week (typically Saturdays). People go wild for the chicken wings and at night the stage is packed with enthusiastic party-goers. Whether you’re gay, straight, bi, trans, or queer, these are great establishments to make a night of and interact with a diverse community.

These bars and nightclubs are filled with people who want to dance and let loose. More diverse groups of people = more fun.

When you’re looking for a safe space to hang out with likeminded people, gay bars are the place to be.

While West Michigan could certainly use more dedicated LGBTQ+ spaces, the spots we do have are excellent institutions who have persisted for a reason.

You’ll find it on Sheldon Avenue across from the Veterans Memorial Park, marked by the fabulous rainbow road out front. This cozy bar offers a squeaky clean, yet laid-back environment perfect for conversation and relaxation. It’s the perfect little dive for a night of outsized laughs and fun. As far as the music goes, Inuendo features mostly R&B and hip hop, so if that’s what gets you out of your chair, this place is for you.

Gigi's Gay Bar

One of the best gay and drag bars in the city, Gigi’s is optimal for drinks and a show.

Soho

Ferndale has been the center of gay life in Detroit since the 2000s and Soho is the classy yet casual spot for gay men, women and everyone in between right in the heart of the downtown area off West Nine Mile Road. Not only can you dance to a plethora of Madonna jams in one night here, but you can literally dance on the floor she danced on when she was 16 and unknown!

is a downtown Royal Oak bar that has been serving the LGBTQ community for decades. It’s an ideal spot for those seeking a more intimate and low-key setting to socialize and make new friends.

General Wood Shop
507 Bridge St., Grand Rapids|generalwoodshop.com

General Wood Shop joined the ranks of the ever-growing Bridge Street opened last year and has been lit ever since.

The Apartment is known for its friendly staff, mature clientele, affordable drinks, a running stream of great music videos, and community-centric events like trivia nights and karaoke. The dance floor is no joke on weekends, with LED lights cascading over the floor and the most iconic music videos playing all night long. Catch Dj sets, live music, art installations, and overall good vibes.

The Royce

The Royce is a minority and female-led business committed to values of equality and inclusivity.