Raleigh’s Best Gay Bars
Legends
330 W Hargett St
Raleigh, NC 27601
(919)831-8888
Legends is probably the most popular gay bar in the Raleigh area. In actuality is probably falls more into the club category than the bar category. Legends has a huge dance floor as well as a great bar area. Gay and straight people alike can have a fabulous time getting their groove on, on the dance floor, and the bar tends to make some seriously strong drinks. The only small downside to Legends is that it is a members only club. The times I have gone there have always been numerous “members’ waiting in line to get in who are willing to sign me in as well. The bar also always has a cover. The amount of the cover changes depending on the day of week and how busy the club is.
Flex
2 S West St
Raleigh, NC 27603
Flex is the ultimate gay dive bar. A friend of mine used to participate in their karaoke competition so I would make frequent trips to se him perform. In addition to karaoke they also have the “Trailer Trash Drag Show”, which is essentially a slightly ghetto drag show that goes on post karaoke. Flex has great drink specials on Monday nights and sells some bondage and toys in addition to drinks at the bar. They have pool tables and a few ping-pong tables as well. My personal favorite part of Flex is that they have a urinal on the wall that they use as a bowl for peanuts. The peanuts are in the shell, but they are sitting in a urinal on the side of the wall of the bar, which makes for an entertaining conversation piece. If your going with a mixed crowd keep in mind that Flex only has one bathroom as well which can make for some awkward moments when going to the restroom. Flex is a members only club/bar however I have never had a problem getting admitted as long as I sign it with the bouncer at the door.
Capital Corral
313 W Hargett St
Raleigh, NC 27601
(919)755-9599
The Capital Corral is a fabulous place t if your looking to dance all night. They have a huge dance floor along with smoke machines, and a full bar where you can get your favorite drink in a flash. They have lots of live performances during the week as well as a drag show and one night a week the bar is transformed into a piano bar which is always a fantastic time. They tend to pay contemporary top 40 music, and the crowd is usually pretty lively well into the night so you can party late.