Cheer Up Charlies

Great, friendly crowd and bartenders!! Will absolutely go back next time I'm in Austin!!read more

For us oil can Harry's on Saturday night was a blast. We went there as our last stop for my…read moresister's bachelorette party and we were nothing but gobsmacked with the performances we saw by The four amazing drag queens performing that night. The way they were emoting each syllable to the songs and adding their own spice when it was necessary was just a full-on last. Also the fact that they do a lot of crowd interaction dancing around them dancing with them and even taking advantage of the bar itself as props was just super fantastic. The one bit that I really enjoyed was the fact that every queen had their own venmo account. So if you were not able to tip in cash you could tip them for their stupendous performances. And overall the bartending staff was definitely super quick and friendly throughout the night.

0.5 mi•Warehouse District, Downtown

Eye catching sign at entrance

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Highland

3.3(91 reviews)

I recently visited Highland and my experience there was troubling. It had been a while since I last…read morevisited and I have to say that a lot has changed. First, the ridiculous cover charge is not worth your time there. The childlike staff are so inexperienced that they don't know more about mixing or knowledge of mix drinks, simply pathetic! Another concern is use of the public facilities, staff directing you to a stall? Really? And being rude about it. And finally the place is falling apart. You can't wash your hands in the restroom, some of the stair rails are lose and the place has definitely lost its appeal and charm. Overall at least for me it was a nightmare! Never patronizing this establishment again! FYI, if you are over the age of 30 you are not very welcomed there! Just saying!

Security grabbed and ripped my friend out the door for using the wrong exit. Refused to serve…read morewater, a basic level need. So hot you can't even breathe. Avoid.

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Rain on 4th

3.3(235 reviews)

If you found yourself reading this review because you are looking for a VIBE that screams BEST…read moreNIGHT OF YOUR LIFE - you have to come to the right place. The place is awesome, the dancers are gorgeous, it's fun, flirty and fantastic. I did snap a few photos, but what happens at Rain on 4th, stays at rain on 4th. PS- there is a 5 dollar cover on the weekends and we did wait in line for a solid 15 minutes. Music had us 15 girls dancing the night away!

Whenever I feel the need to cut a mean rug, Rain on 4th is where it's gonna happen. I love getting…read moremy groove on with sweet, sweet dance moves. The soundtrack is constantly good. The kind of good that equals non-stop dancing all night long. Excellent vibe for dancing, drinking, hanging with friends, everything.

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The Iron Bear

4.0(149 reviews)

Love this place! Musicals Mondays is the JAM. I'm so glad it made it through the pandemic and is…read morestill going strong!!

This is probably the most laid back gay bar in Austin. I really enjoy going here and they have many…read morethemed nights throughout the month. They are also open at lunch and they have a nice menu that you can order off of until 10:30pm. The drinks here are served in large glasses which is not typical of the other bars in the area. Saturday's are definitely for dancing but they have plenty of areas to hang out, people watch, and even bar games to play. There are also other events here like trivia, poker nights, country nights, underwear nights, and karaoke. The crowd here is diverse, all body types, and different age groups are represented here. If you want something more chill but also like having a night out this place can satisfy both.

Jackpot?

Wings

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Coconut Club

3.4(66 reviews)

•$$$

Went here for my friend's birthday and had SO much fun dancing on the rooftop!! I think the cover…read morewas $5 to get in. I heard there are multiple rooms or spaces, but we just went straight to the rooftop. The menu was silly and Shrek themed. Everyone got "swamp water" basically a ranch water. Drinks were reasonably priced. We danced for hours and had so much fun. It was so hot of course because it's Austin, but everyone was just there for a good time. The dj played mostly Latin music and it was just great vibes. Can't wait to go back!

This club was so fun! I was here last weekend and although it was super busy the line for drinks…read morewent QUICK. The music was fun, the lights are a vibe, the viewed of downtown buildings are so pretty. I'd definitely recommend this place!

Rooftop

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The Austin Eagle

4.1(33 reviews)

5.9 mi

I'm a Silver Daddy, I don't usually come here. My experiences have been negative and down right…read morerude. Bar staff don't know how to make drinks, they are inexperienced. I felt very uncomfortable in a place where I should feel safe. I don't think I will return. So disappointed.

The way this place gives me joy. Being able to show up on a…read moreThursday and they have trivia hosted by @malibuimported and she just makes you feel seen and welcome. Love The space is gorgeous The staff is so friendly The drinks hit If you haven't stopped by you need too. Xoxo

Chicken tenders and french fries with queso dip

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Storefront, small parking lot but plenty of nearby street parking!

Wonder Bar

3.8(361 reviews)

9.1 mi

Millys gave alot of good energy and she was very respectful i really appreciate her. She was very…read morenice and quick as well.

Wonder Bar is so overstimulating but in a good, fun, quirky way! You're really going to walk in…read morehere and see all the fun. There's so much to look at and explore. The drinks are in fun containers and there's so much on their menu along with the basics. Music is good and there's just so many nooks and crannies to chill in.

0.8 mi•Market District, Warehouse District, Downtown

Inside

View of Austin.

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Decor

Dirty Bill's

3.8(158 reviews)

Love this place! We had so much fun Kate was amazing! She took great care of us and created such a…read moregreat exp for us!

Dirty Bill's (gotta love the name) is literally right next door to J. Carvers where we had dinner…read more Dirty Bill's was on and popping!!! We were drawn in by the music. They were spinning some popular tunes. The place was packed with a very fun crowd. It appears to be a bar you come to have drinks and chat. There was a small area where dancing could take place, but no one was dancing at the time. The staff including the general manager was super friendly. It felt like a wedding reception as you came into the club where you were greeted...very warm and welcoming. We had a drink and stayed a short while. It looked like a place you could come for a girls or guys night out or celebrating a fun occasion. Will definitely consider Dirty Bill's for a future fun evening...

Cold beer and Dirty Bills Hat!

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Barbarella

3.0(384 reviews)

0.2 mi•Downtown

I'll go back to Barbs again, maybe on a busier night. One of the dance floors had a good amount of…read morepeople on it. Not crowded in, but enough people to let you dance freely instead of self-consciously. Music was 80's and fabulous! Super fun place to dance. So many bars! Didn't wait to get a drink at any of them. I drink bourbon on the rocks, so it's hard for me to comment much on their drinks. A single was a slightly heavy pour but not crazy.

Bad Bartender Experience…read more Trevor is extremely rude. He's tall, lanky, and has long blonde greasy hairy, and facial hair. I went to the bar with my friend to order a drink, we waited in line while he served only his friends and chatted for at least 20 minutes which kept the line completely stagnant. When we finally got up to him to order, he still took his time to do everything but serve us then when he finally spoke he started being condescending and made fun of me for "not knowing what I wanted" despite me literally telling him exactly what I wanted. Fast forward a couple hours, we go back to order another drink. The other bartender is busy handling another customer, so we go back to Trevor, who is not helping anyone and his side of the bar is empty. We walk up, he looks at us both, turns away with his phone in hand, asks the other bartender something, and then proceeds to ignore us. I could understand being busy with something that I'm unaware of as a customer, I've worked customer service. What I don't get and refuse to tolerate is blatantly ignoring someone who tipped you nicely despite you being a d*ck the first time around. It costs nothing to say "sorry just one sec while I figure this out" or something. Normal customer service. As we're standing waiting, a couple other people come up beside me and he begins taking their orders immediately. I pointed out that we had been waiting longer than them, and he just responds with "ok I'm just going down the line, I'll get you next." And when I explained what happened he interrupted me and said "ok well now you're just wasting time on something that's not important." I tried finishing my point about him ignoring us and he ignored us again and continued talking with the person next to me. I think this man is allergic to customer service and accountability. It could've been so easy to say "I'm sorry, I didn't see you" or whatever. I wish 100 years of stepping on a lego daily on him. The other bartender, we think his name was Nick, did a great job and was very kind. He delivered basic customer service and it was unfortunate that they split tips as I wished I could only leave him something nice. Still tipped of course. Trevor's behavior definitely lessened the enjoyment of Barbs. I don't recommend this place any night that he's working.

Rude old lady

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Elysium

4.0(138 reviews)

0.1 mi•Downtown

A fine club with a decent bar and an eyebrow raising toilet…read more Obviously your interest in Elysium depends on who they book. I came during SXSW, when clubs usually book bands that are different from what they usually book. So my Japanese showcase would not reflect what you would usually hear at Elysium. But the performance space is attractive. The club is divided into two rooms with just a divider and no wall between the rooms. So you can hear the music from anywhere. If you want to be right next to the speakers at the edge of the stage, you have to be in the main room - not the room with the bar. As I get older, I sit down more. But for most of my life, I was a stage-edge-next-to-the-speaker kind of guy. Only the only thing that would remove me from my favorite place was mosh pit action (Or a sucky band). As I get older, I also look for some kind of wall support to brace myself with one hand while I dance with the rest of me. The Mohawk is ideal for wall support upfront dancing. The Elysium not so much because one wall is mirrored. But you can get in position to do some major dancing. When I was there last, I did just that. * * * Seating options are superb. Both in the stage room and the bar room there are comfy leather sofas that hold three people and a number of other soft seating locations. Unlike many other Austin clubs, it is easy to find a space to sit down and still get the music full blast. At the Mohawk, in contrast, for an indoor concert, if you go to sit down you leave the room with the music, and you only get vague overtones coming through the wall. * * * The bar is pretty good. Their options are limited but their options are well chosen. I was introduced to a George Dickel rye by the bartender that was absolutely first rate. George Dickel is definitely going into my home collection. Outstanding beverages and fine seating allow you to have a fine time at the Elysium Even on a night when the bands are terrible. * * * Your fine time changes if you have to go to the bathroom. * * * If you are a guy, peeing is merely tacky. You go into a semi-gross room where there is a multi-user tank. All the guys pee into the tank. * * * Pooping is another story. The club does not want shenanigans going on in any of the toilet stalls. So they remove the door to the toilet stall. The men's room toilet is fully visible from the front door to the men's room. You are literally pooping in front of the entire world. This is barely one step up from India. In India, many people poop in the streets. Here, you are essentially pooping in the streets Except when you are done you can flush the bad stuff away. I personally am very shy . I definitely do not want to do my business in public. * * * There are people in Austin who love to sh** in public. Put four of them together and you have a band. Bands like that perform all over town, Including at the Elysium.

Always a fun night here, and I don't just say that since I dj here sometimes :). If you love…read moreindustrial music you'll find great concerts here and 80s night on Sundays is usually fun and crowded. Get in the FB group to get the password for free entry on Sunday nights.

Main Bar area.

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Dimly lit, Main area with open seating and in the far background people can be seen dancing.

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gavin b.

9 years ago

I first came to cheer ups when it was over on the east side. I would come here from LA and it was the ONE place where I felt like I could find my people. I love all people and I know it's a "queer" bar, perhaps I sound ignorant or small minded, but man I just miss the good ol' days when it was QUEER. Not a bunch of straight hipsters. It's not a diverse crowd, it's straight hipsters. They have taken over this safe haven. If you love punk, bad ass, straight people and great drinks, then this IS the place for you. If you are looking for ur gay community... I dunno what to tell u now. They aren't here... y'all should think about where you started and the people that have been forgotten. Maybe ur locals give you pat on the back and tell u that it's diverse. But I can tell you it has become a bar no better than Barbarella. For the record I came wed, Thursday, Friday hoping each night I would be proven wrong read more

Nell M.

8 years ago

A wonderful spot that hosts so many events for the community. Everyone is super nice here, much more so than Barbarella's down the street. If you're looking for a fun alternative that's a little chiller and less pushy with a nicer crowd, Cheer Ups is it. Their signature drinks are really tasty, plus they've got great space outside to chill and drink and talk if you don't feel like dancing. The stage outside is really cool, situated in front of a huge limestone cliff, and they have live music there all the time. I believe they're lesbian-owned and it shows in the safety and acceptance I've felt there. Thank you Cheer Ups for many great memories and especially for your heartfelt support of the Austin community! read more

Sarah J.

11 years ago

K O M B U C H A O H M C C O C B K T A U I L U S B C M H O A H C U B M O K read more

ric d.

4 years ago

Dunno why they call this place a "gay bar". It's more eclectic, with a smattering of LGBTQs, who are here more for the partying than the cruising. Cheer Up Charlie's is typical of the dilution of the Austin homoerotic scene since the demise of the Chain Drive. Ah, but the demolition of the Chain Drive paved the way for progress--so that the Newbies and Techies from California and Florida could bring their suburban shallowness to Rainey Street. read more

Alex I.

12 years ago

ots where the vibes are always happy and the crowd diverse. Cheer Up Charlies brings the party cabin vibes on the inside, and spacious, laid back vibes out back. A perfect spot for catching a band or simply getting wild with good company. Absolutely LOVE that they had kombucha on tap!! I also found them on this amazing new app called Supper. Check it: http://supper.mx/places/cheer-up-charlies-austin/ read more

Donald E.

10 years ago

Seriously amazing staff & audio folks, visuals were on point and I believe this was the very first time ever I did not sweat bullets on a stage- the temperature was even on point!! As far as drinks, the forte one with the watermelon is like paradise in your mouth, please do not ever get rid of it or I'd perish! Additionally check out Arlo's in the side for some vegan & vegetarian yums!! read more

Griffin G.

1 year ago

schlatt lives here. aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaqwwwqqqaqqaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa read more

Jonathan P.

134

100

11 years ago

Good spot and bar setup with a variety of places to hangout, and some interesting love music, the crowd is a bit eclectic and bordering on a weird hipster esque mix though. read more

Rebecca G.

Elite 25

3 years ago

This bar was so much fun! Good music. 2 bars one inside and one outside... there might have been another but go and check it out! Drinks were yummy and staff were nice! read more

Kiara B.

9 years ago

Maybe it's because I'm not from around these parts, but I got a thing for bars with outdoor spaces. Chill Austin vibes on a saturday night, what more can ya ask ford read more

Carl H.

7 years ago

Friendly service. Great atmosphere. Would 100% be a regular here.

Betty C.

9 years ago

Always a fun spot! Great atmosphere and crowd.

Cheer Up Charlies - divebars - Updated September 2026

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The White Horse

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Low Down Lounge

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