Favourite gay bar?

Zephyr91

Mine would have to be...between Pantibar and the Dragon.

I like the Dragon for dancing/pulling but like Pantibar for a more relaxed time. Both places look really well I think.

The G would probably be my 3rd - while not glamorous, I certainly wouldn't call it a dive like a lot of people do.

And I hate the Flounge.

Am I missing any?? I don't think I've been to any others if they do exist. At least not in Dublin anyway.

niamh1988

down in Cork it has to be Chambers

Zephyr91

niamh1988 wrote: »

down in Cork it has to be Chambers

Ah I went there when I was staying in Cork for the weekend. I couldn't think of the name.

gavkm27

Townhouse in NYC

Father_Jack

I enjoy the G.

Tricity Bendix

1. Front Lounge because it almost feels like a regular bar. Also I like the rotating art work.

2. Panti. Comfortable seating and hardly ever packed.

3. Dragon. Been once. Unlikely I'll go there again. Full of posers.

4. George. One of the most disusting places I've ever been in my life.

L1011

I miss Flux in Cork

Dublin's a weird one, Pantibar would be my favourite but I end up going to the Dragon far more often...

azezil

Panti bar
G
Flounge

I won't even rate Dragon, I can't stand the place. I've never had a good night there.

There are many other gay club nights, some weekly some monthly (most of which I've never attended) which can be really good too, depending on your tastes.

shoegirl

niamh1988 wrote: »

down in Cork it has to be Chambers

In all honesty, Loafers is hardly in any way comparable for the middle-of-road audience. It caters unashamedly to a very particular set of tastes!

For Ireland, Pantibar definitely chucks the competition.

Elsewhere, lots.

London - Duke of Wellington (not sure if its still open)
Sydney - love the Stonewall & the Bank in Newtown
San Francisco - The Cafe, can't remember the names of the others but found a rather decent if scruffy lez bar in the Mission
LA - in Long Beach while not strictly full-time gay, Hamburger Marys is fun

Red_Marauder

Has anybody ever been to Berlin and visited a nightclub called GMF?
It's usually over a couple of floors in a large office building/skyscraper thing.
Most amazing club ever. The only Irish club gay or straight that I would say I really do like is War/Spy. And its pretty much unofficially gay isn't it. They had me at Facepaint.

rainbow kirby

Front Lounge or Pantibar, haven't had a good night in the G or Dragon in a long time.

Zephyr91

Red_Marauder wrote: »

The only Irish club gay or straight that I would say I really do like is War/Spy. And its pretty much unofficially gay isn't it. They had me at Facepaint.

Hmm, never heard of it. Where is it located?

Red_Marauder

Really? It's in the powerscourt centre on south william street. it's very good. and there's facepaint and pink shiny things. It's a cool place, and its mixed you get straight and gay people kissing left right and centre., though not usually each other.

Zephyr91

Red_Marauder wrote: »

Really? It's in the powerscourt centre on south william street. it's very good. and there's facepaint and pink shiny things. It's a cool place, and its mixed you get straight and gay people kissing left right and centre., though not usually each other.

I was like "straight and gay people kissing???" til I read that last part, haha.

Hmm sounds like fun. Will defo give it a shot some weekend.

Boston

Really, spy? It was full of pretentious tossers 5 years ago, it was still full of them a year ago.

YokoFactor

I've never been to Pantibar, what's it like? Everyone seems to love it so I might give it a shot.

Zephyr91

YokoFactor wrote: »

I've never been to Pantibar, what's it like? Everyone seems to love it so I might give it a shot.

Oh it's really good - definitely do go sometime.

The bar staff is lovely and cute. Service is friendly. It's nice to chat in.

The downstairs is good for dancing - the music is VERY loud though.

Aard

The only gay-bar I've been to in a long time is Front Lounge, and only when it's quiet. It's pretty relaxed, I find. Dragon and the George were good when I was in my late teens. Can't remember the last time I was in the latter, but Dragon can be good when it's quiet. Geriatric Park is godawful. Only in there once (not alone, mind), and was promptly told that I should smile more. Pantibar is OK. Not somewhere I'd go out of my way to go though. I've never been to Spy, but from some photos I've seen of it, it seems to draw the poseur-crowd of Dublin's youth. I don't think I'd last five minutes without cringing and leaving.

As you can probably tell, I'm not really one for bars and clubs. Give me a sit-down and a nice cup of tea and I'll be happy.

spurious

I would love for someone to get the message and give the Dublin scene a civilised quiet bar. As things stand there is no choice. Head taken off you with noise here, or there, or there.

No stupid screens showing films and videos with no sound, no gimmicks, just a place where adults can go to chat and enjoy a drink in peace.

brandodub

My fav is The Admiral Duncan in Soho. Beautiful and historic

cotwold

Tricity Bendix wrote: »

4. George. One of the most disusting places I've ever been in my life.

I dont understand why people say that. Personally i dont see it.

Tricity Bendix

cotwold wrote: »

I dont understand why people say that. Personally i dont see it.

I dont enjoy being hit on by men old enough to be my father, who are about as subtle as a brick in their attempts.

On a similar note, we got invited to an orgy tonight by some complete stranger in Panti tonight, so this obviously isn't as issue confined to the clubs on George's Street.

Nebit

i've only ever been to 1 gay bar! and thats the Dragon which was ok, was kinda weird having old blokes comming onto me which wasn pleasent:(
really wanna go to the others especially pantibar trouble is finding m8s to go wit haha
What is the bbest night to go to pantibar??

cotwold

Tricity Bendix wrote: »

I dont enjoy being hit on by men old enough to be my father, who are about as subtle as a brick in their attempts.

Yeah fair enough about being hit on by old men, personally that hasn't happened to me. I'm kind of apathetic towards the george, i go for a couple of weeks and then take a few months off, like any club it can be a bit repetitive but i don't understand why some gay people have a real chip on their shoulder about it. (i'm not saying you do)


I've met guys who act as if i'm betraying the 'gay agenda' by going to the george or being 'camp' and it bugs me.

stephen_n

spurious wrote: »

I would love for someone to get the message and give the Dublin scene a civilised quiet bar. As things stand there is no choice. Head taken off you with noise here, or there, or there.

No stupid screens showing films and videos with no sound, no gimmicks, just a place where adults can go to chat and enjoy a drink in peace.

It depends on what night you go, Fridays and Saturdays in most bars in the city center will be noisey with the music jacked up to compensate for the noise of the crowd and to add atmosphere. Panti and the Dragon on most other nights of the week are quite quiet and so is the Flounge

jackmorris20

1. Prhomo, Base-Bar Wicklow street, every thursday night, Wednesday this week (23rd December) Modern pop, cheap drink, very studenty, not overly strict for straight acting people at the door. The best, in short, for pulling and dancing.

2. Spy/Wax - Look out for midweek student gay nights as they are excellent for a younger indie/alternative crowd or anyone under the age of 25. Also good prospects for a slightly older crowd on a Sunday night i think.

3. Q&A , Andrews Lane Theatre, monthly, brilliant night out. Most beautiful young people I have subjectively regarded on a night out. Great fun, very few wierdos, good drink promos. Nice atmosphere, Only lags behind prhomo for its lack of regularity, be sure to check it out when it is on.

4. Panti Bar is always a good laugh, best for predrinks as music gets fierce loud later, Crowd is slightly older on average most nights 25-25.

5.The George can be alright if you are absolutely rashered drunk on a Wednesday night, most well known bar and therefore most difficult for non regulars/ straight acting people to be admitted.

In my subjective opinion, one should avoid the Dragon at all costs, especially if under 25. Full of wierdos in my experience, overly industrial, impersonal, relatively few drinks specials. Has all the ingrediants of expensive disappointment .

Dwn Wth Vwls

jackmorris20 wrote: »

1. Prhomo ... not overly strict for straight acting people at the door.

5.The George ... most difficult for non regulars/ straight acting people to be admitted.

I am fascinated by this, I had no idea it was an issue. I never really go to pubs or clubs, but it hadn't really occurred to me that in this day and age I might not be let in for that reason. Does anyone have any experience of this?

Aard

Never had any problems in the George myself.

anotherlostie

Definitely Pantibar although Front Lounge is great on a Saturday night after the mass exodus around midnight.

Some of my lesbian friends would not be so complimentary about PRHomo as being constantly hit on by drunken straight teenage boys* (their shots are cheap!) does get a bit wearing after a while. I've never been as I'd prefer to stay with Pantibar after the Panti and Bunny show.

* I realise that this may make the club more attractive to a certain demographic of gay men

Donnaghm

I find them all weird. Who do people go with? A date, on your own or with a group of friends? I only go to them whilst on a date as I don't really socialise with gay people because I don't really know any that well bar those I've scored with. I couldn't possibly go on my own. Way too intimidating.

Zephyr91

Donnaghm wrote: »

I find them all weird. Who do people go with? A date, on your own or with a group of friends? I only go to them whilst on a date as I don't really socialise with gay people because I don't really know any that well bar those I've scored with. I couldn't possibly go on my own. Way too intimidating.

I go with my friends.

Cabbage Brained

I was out with two friends (a straight couple) and we were refused entry to both the George and Pantibar for being straight. They made other excuses obviously, but there was no reason that we should have been refused apart from the fact that I think they thought we were going in there to take the piss or whatever. It has happened to me in Sydney too. Nobody ever believes that I'm gay!

shay_562

Dwn Wth Vwls wrote: »

I am fascinated by this, I had no idea it was an issue. I never really go to pubs or clubs, but it hadn't really occurred to me that in this day and age I might not be let in for that reason. Does anyone have any experience of this?

Yup, it's happened at the George. Buncha questions along the lines of "You come here often?" and "You know what type of bar this is, right?" followed by "Not tonight, I don't think this is the bar for you."

Gotta chime in on the "the George is a dive" thing. Honestly, I've just met so many blindingly rude people in there who seem to have decided that idolising Oscar Wilde is the way to go, mistake rudeness for wit and think that it makes them all arch and sassy when actually it makes them giant tools. It seems to be a feature of the scene as a whole, but that bar in particular.

Boston

shay_562 wrote: »

Yup, it's happened at the George. Buncha questions along the lines of "You come here often?" and "You know what type of bar this is, right?" followed by "Not tonight, I don't think this is the bar for you."

Gotta chime in on the "the George is a dive" thing. Honestly, I've just met so many blindingly rude people in there who seem to have decided that idolising Oscar Wilde is the way to go, mistake rudeness for wit and think that it makes them all arch and sassy when actually it makes them giant tools. It seems to be a feature of the scene as a whole, but that bar in particular.

Darling, you did not just wear that jacket with those trousers! How very 1864 of you, a har har, a har har... a har har

Anyway, I've never been stopped anywhere by any bouncer. Many have wanted to, but I find if you don't give them an opportunity to talk it all goes well.

shay_562

Boston wrote:

Darling, you did not just wear that jacket with those trousers! How very 1864 of you, a har har, a har har... a har har

"Oh chicken. I mean, the t-shirt is fine, but what is with those jeans!" Actual opening line of some girl I had just been introduced to. I think I deserve some kind of award for the self-control it took not to deck her.

YokoFactor

I really dislike War @ Spy. The last time I went (nearly two weeks ago...) I spent most of my night being sneered at and laughed at for my appearance. It was only my second time properly *out* in Dublin too, so it really hit me hard. I just got my coat and left my friends behind as soon as people starting calling me a 'coke/pillhead', while laughing at me and making disgusted faces - which is hilarious considering I've never done drugs in my life.

I've been told since that sort of thing is to be expected? Whatever it is, I'm not changing myself, just the location the next time I want to go out. Which is gonna be a while, I have zero confidence again, heh.

... I may be out of line here, but am I right in saying that some people honestly think that there's a gay hierarchy, and that they are in the higher ranks? o_O

Aard

YokoFactor wrote: »

... I may be out of line here, but am I right in saying that some people honestly think that there's a gay hierarchy, and that they are in the higher ranks? o_O

For many young guys on the scene, yes. And the height of it seems to be getting pulled on stage in the George by Veda. It's like a smaller, more hilarious (for me) version of Mean Girls.

YokoFactor

Aard wrote:

For many young guys on the scene, yes. And the height of it seems to be getting pulled on stage in the George by Veda. It's like a smaller, more hilarious (for me) version of Mean Girls.

I appreciate that comparison! Spot on! Will probably be unable to think of anything else the next time I'm confronted with such a thing! Cheers =D

Red_Marauder

Aard wrote: »

For many young guys on the scene, yes. And the height of it seems to be getting pulled on stage in the George by Veda. It's like a smaller, more hilarious (for me) version of Mean Girls.

I cant believe anyone could actually find that a good thing. I only go to a gay bar if I like the place, for example Spy or Q&A. If someone told me they were in the george every week and had been on stage with a drag queen I'd find that a pretty big turnoff.

sock puppet

Donnaghm wrote: »

I find them all weird. Who do people go with? A date, on your own or with a group of friends? I only go to them whilst on a date as I don't really socialise with gay people because I don't really know any that well bar those I've scored with. I couldn't possibly go on my own. Way too intimidating.

I've the same problem kinda. I only recently came out as bisexual and I don't have any other gay/bi friends.

rannerap

YokoFactor wrote: »

I really dislike War @ Spy. The last time I went (nearly two weeks ago...) I spent most of my night being sneered at and laughed at for my appearance. It was only my second time properly *out* in Dublin too, so it really hit me hard. I just got my coat and left my friends behind as soon as people starting calling me a 'coke/pillhead', while laughing at me and making disgusted faces - which is hilarious considering I've never done drugs in my life.

I've been told since that sort of thing is to be expected? Whatever it is, I'm not changing myself, just the location the next time I want to go out. Which is gonna be a while, I have zero confidence again, heh.

... I may be out of line here, but am I right in saying that some people honestly think that there's a gay hierarchy, and that they are in the higher ranks? o_O

my friends have been trying to get me to go there but after your post i dont think i want to,dont let them get you down,seriously.Ive noticed this hierarchy your speaking of and i think its ridiculous,there are plenty of nice,genuine people out there and you shouldnt let the actions of a couple of people affect your self confidence!:mad:

metamorphosis

Im heading up for a night out in Dublin soon and have never been out in Dublin before and these 3 pages of this thread have confused me even more! Now i don't know where i should go!! Oh well ...

stephen_n

ULstudent wrote: »

Im heading up for a night out in Dublin soon and have never been out in Dublin before and these 3 pages of this thread have confused me even more! Now i don't know where i should go!! Oh well ...

Doedsn't really matter what anyone else says just go with the flow and see where you end up then you can decide for yourself!

Millieboo

Probably not the right thread (sorry) - I am straight girl 26, my best friend is a recently come out lesbian 25 who is dying to meet somebody! i've been to the George and Dragon with her several times, however not only do I encounter straight people or gay guys but my friend is finding it impossible to get her thang going on if you know what I mean - any advice as to where is best to go or where the right vibe is would b greatly appreciated! p.s. I love her to bits n want her to to pull to her hearts content but i still wana have good time, good dance n people who can have a laugh?!

rainbow kirby

Tends to be more girls in the Front Lounge than in pretty much any of the other gay bars. Also worthwhile trying one of the specific lesbian nights - Cake at the Academy, Minx at Dragon etc.

Aard

I've heard Cake is meant to be good fun.

Barna77

The Whorehouse back home

Ony been once to The George, on a Sunday evening so it was very quiet. I've walked past Panti bar many times and been tempted to get in.

I still remember looks of shock when last year I asked for a Jameson n coke in a place in MacCurtain St in Cork, can't remember the name of the place

Next week is me birthday and I'll be out and about

Aikon2009

Millieboo wrote: »

Probably not the right thread (sorry) - I am straight girl 26, my best friend is a recently come out lesbian 25 who is dying to meet somebody! i've been to the George and Dragon with her several times, however not only do I encounter straight people or gay guys but my friend is finding it impossible to get her thang going on if you know what I mean - any advice as to where is best to go or where the right vibe is would b greatly appreciated! p.s. I love her to bits n want her to to pull to her hearts content but i still wana have good time, good dance n people who can have a laugh?!

Go to Cake next time its on, which is 2nd fir of September i think, its off for August!
I'm a gay guy myself but us guys go with all the lesbian friends as its great fun! I'm not sure if she will get her thang going straight away but it will be a start for her!

Daith

W tend to go to Cake with our lesbian friends too. I quite enjoy the music there. Different enough from other gay nights. Dont think I heard Lady Gaga last time.

Othe than PantiBar and George are where I tend to end up.

Heebie

I've been to the George and Front Lounge.. not overly impressed with either one. (especially not the extortionate prices for drinks!) I've also been to the upstairs of Nealon's on a Dublin Bears' night.. and wasn't all that impressed with that either. (But.. I've never been much for clubs.. having ever been in *ONE* that I really enjoyed.. which closed just a few months after the first time I went there.)

I've not tried Pantibar.. it just sounds way to femmy to me I guess.. and I have no idea why I've never been to The Dragon.