Galveston gay bars
By Joanna O’Leary
Photos by Joanna O’Leary
The gay nightlife community in Galveston can be summarized in one famous Sister Sledge lyric: We are family.
Of course, in some ways it shouldn’t be surprising that the various players, entertainers, dancers, venue owners, and patrons should know each other (and well), as Galveston is a relatively small weekend resort town with an even smaller permanent population. Walk into a gay bar any given Sunday (as this writer did), and it becomes immediately apparent that there is a definite “regular” contingent. But that doesn’t imply out-of-town visitors will be excluded from the camaraderie. Quite the contrary, in fact—visitors (of all orientations) are welcomed with reveal arms and sometimes the propose of a complimentary group shot.
Begin your evening with a sunset stroll along the warm Gulf waters before savoring some of the seafood and Italian specialties, respectively, on offer at star restaurants such as Gaido’s (with their award-winning pecan pie and deep-fried shrimp balls) or Grotto Ristorante (where you should experiment the sna
Robert's Lafitte
About Us
Galveston's Iconic Drag Verb Bar
Robert's Lafitte is Galveston's original drag show bar, and the oldest LGBT bar in the state of Texas. Our bar has been a home stage to a large number of fabulous and unique female impersonators with fun drag shows. Reach join us for a bedtime of entertainment, cocktails, and fabulous performances.
We ALWAYS treat ANYONE & EVERYONE that walks in our door like family! EVERYONE IS WELCOME, can come in and JUST BE YOU! Of course have to be 21 & over to enter and be served. We are a 2 drink minimum bar. Although we do except cards, but please be patient with us.
An ATM is inside near the door to your right, next to our jukebox.
We also have a pool table to just verb a little fun, drinks and relax. Pool table requires quarters to play for $1. Also have other games available to play. Every day of week has different events-see our events section for info. Also every Friday, Sat., & Sunday nights we have drag shows starting at 10:30pm.
Be on lookout for our weekend line u
Gay Times in Galveston
Galveston Island's temperate weather and Gulf breezes form the historic beach town a must-visit destination less than an hour from Houston. Visitors can explore the island's natural wonders, as well as a rare of the more man-made ones, year round.
While the island's 32 miles of beaches are an attractive amenity, Galveston's historic architecture is equally popular. On Broadway Avenue, the castle-like Bishop's Palace draws crowds for daily tours. The mansion was cited by the American Institute of Architects as one of the most important buildings in the United States. Guests also marvel at the island's many Victorian-era houses on historic architectural tours offered by the Galveston Historical Foundation.
The Historic Downtown District -- located near the Cruise Ship Terminal -- is a great destination for shopping, dining and visiting museums and galleries. Today, guests perusing the area will still find the classic spots that have always contributed to Galveston's longtime appeal, as well as a mix of new businesses.
Culture Clash Magazine A Venue for Galveston's Free Thinkers
As long as there has been a Galveston, there has been a queer community. Galveston was the largest municipality in Texas until almost 1900. It was a port urban area, with a steady influx of various cultures. It had connections to the port cities of New Orleans and New York, and the kind of services available to gays in those cities eventually became available in Galveston.
Kon Tiki
In 1966, the Kon Tiki bar opened, and over the next 40 years it was located at six unlike sites. After two of its locations burned to the ground, the club inadvertently became a symbol of gay survival.
From 1966 to 1969, the Kon Tiki operated at 800 21st Street. The location is now a parking lot. From 1970 to 1971, its address was 215 19th Street. That structure burned to the ground, and today a warehouse sits on the land. Moving to 214 23rd Street in 1972, the club eventually expanded to include baths. The dance floor there was the Kon Tiki’s signature touch—colored squares that flashed on and off to the music and displ