Keep Austin Weird (and Gay): A Queer Gal’s Travel Guide of Her Hometown
From dancing at Cheer Up Charlies to getting inked at No Good Tattoo, this queer travel guide to Austin will help you make the most of your time in this Weird City.
Featured Image : Brandon Bell/Getty Images
You’re headed to Austin. Maybe it’s for your millionth bachelorette party this year, maybe you and your girlfriend want a quick getaway, or maybe a tech conference forced you here. Regardless of what brings you to this quirky blue dot in a sea of red, you want to make the most of your time in this Weird City.
The capital is known for its lively local music scene, eclectic eats (especially Tex-Mex), and unmatched natural beauty. During your trip, you’ll likely check off some Austin staples like the Green Belt, South Congress, and Torchy’s Tacos. But I want to help y’all (yeah, we say y’all here), find the lesser-known holes in the wall that make Austin what it is. Luckily for you, I’m a born-and-raised Austinite and a UT alum (hook ’em), which means I’m exactly the gal to tell you where to go—especially if you’re looking for queer-owned spots. Read this now and thank me later while you’re dancing your heart out at Cheer Up Charlies.
The Spots
Do you like gay literature? Do you love queer-owned businesses? Do you go nutty over trinkets? Do you fancy a cheeky graphic tee? Do you love supporting independent LGBTQ+ artists? Well, baby, have I got the place for you. Nestled in the vibrant East Austin neighborhood, Little Gay Shop offers everything your queer bookworm heart desires. What started as a pop-up shop in 2019 has now become a go-to destination for queer Austinites and travelers alike, and needs to be a M-U-S-T on your Austin to-do list. Oh, and did I mention they have loads of Heated Rivalry goodies to check out?
Funnily enough, I first came across LGBS while covering DragCon for GO in Los Angeles in 2024. Once I discovered they were from Austin, I made sure to visit their brick-and-mortar location when I was home visiting. I was not disappointed, and you won’t be either. Be sure to check out their events calendar, because you might just be able to catch their monthly Drag Bingo with Louisiana Purchase at St. Elmo’s Brewery.
Still haven’t scratched your queer lit itch? Then it’s time to head over to Book Woman in Hyde Park. This gem has served Austin’s WLW community for 50 years and is one of the few feminist bookstores from the ‘70s still operating. If you’re in town in April, check out their 50th birthday party at Cheer Up Charlies (we’ll get to CUC later). For history buffs and book nerds alike, Book Woman is a stop you won’t want to miss, especially if you have some banned books on your TBR.
Austin is known for its nightlife on Dirty Sixth, West Sixth, and Rainey Street—all ideal locales to get absolutely sloshed if that’s your cup of tea (or tequila). But if you’re not a huge drinker or just prefer a more laidback Austin trip, check out MaryJae, a queer woman-owned cannabis store, located in South Austin. Choose from an array of edibles, beverages, topicals, and smokable flower. Pick your poison (notably, NONE of this is poison), then head over to Alamo Drafthouse, an Austin-founded cinema chain, to watch a movie and snack on their mouthwatering eats. I personally love their chicken tenders, queso, and fried pickles. And believe me, everything on their menu pairs perfectly with a little high.
You’re likely going to be doing lots of biking and walking on your trip, because, I’ll be honest with you, Austin public transportation isn’t the best. So, when you’re tired and need a rest, it’s time to pamper yourself. And believe me when I say, Cute Nail Studio is THE place to go. Here, you can treat yourself to an over-the-top set of gorgeous nails, a luxurious facial, or even semi-permanent freckle tattoos. Plus, they offer waxing, tooth gems, and lash lifts and extensions, because you want to be looking and feeling your best when you decide to delve into Austin’s nightlife scene. Appointments book fast, so try to snag your spot at least two weeks out for weekends! But once you’re in that salon chair, the “mermaid-led, anarcho-socialist feminist pastel LGBTQIA+ rainbow crew” at Cute Nail Studio is sure to make you feel like your best self.
At this point, you’ve worked up quite an appetite. And if you’re in Austin, barbecue is a non-negotiable. Married couple Ali Clem and LeAnn Mueller welcome you to their Michelin-starred restaurant with open arms and (occasionally) open tables. If you want to snag a coveted seat at this Austin hotspot, make sure to get there right when they open at 11 am, Wednesday through Sunday.
But even if you do find yourself waiting an hour or two, trust that it’ll be worth it. La Barbecue offers all the classics—sausage, ribs, and pulled pork. But they’re famous for their melt-in-your-mouth brisket, which they cook low and slow for eight hours over Texas post oak. Prepare yourself for the meat sweats sure to come.
Since 2011, Anthony Sobotik and Chad Palmatier have been serving Austinites ice cream that not only tastes good but is good for you. They source all their ingredients from local farmers and ensure that nothing artificial ends up in their perfectly formed scoops. What sets them apart from other Austin ice creameries is their use of seasonal produce with unique flavors, including cilantro lime, dewberry corn cobbler, and sweet persimmon and sage. What I love about Lick is that it’s not too heavy or overly sweet, so I can really maximize how much I can shove down my gullet. It’s a sight to see. They have locations all over, so you really don’t have an excuse to skip this. You deserve a sweet treat anyway.
Every ultra-cool traveler knows that the ultimate souvenir is a tattoo. Well, since you happen to be an ultra-cool traveler yourself, you’ll naturally want to get inked while in ATX, too. I have been going to No Good since 2021, specifically to see the owner, Emily (@bad.chuck on Instagram). She specializes in bold lines and illustration-inspired work that’s completely unserious in the best way. In addition to Emily, many of the artists who work at this shop are also queer and make every step feel comfortable, safe, and enjoyable. The studio is light and airy, so trust you’ll be (somewhat) at peace while you go under the needle. Despite its name, this spot is actually very good, and they go above and beyond to make sure the space is super sanitary, welcoming, and community-centered. If you’re getting a tat, go to No Good. As someone who has had many tattoos done in Austin, there is no place I can recommend more than this treasure.
So now you’ve hit some fun stops on your trip, but where do you lay your pretty little head as you sleep? Located on world-famous South Congress, this boutique hotel offers a laid-back yet refined experience you’ll want to commemorate for eternity on your Instagram grid. Lesbian hotelier (and all-around badass) Liz Lambert opened this spot in 2000 after renovating what had been a 1936 motor court. The 40-room bungalow-style getaway has gorgeous gardens, a relaxing pool, and a chic courtyard lounge area where you can imbibe and snack on light bites.
Photo by Amber Vickery
This place is SO photo-worthy in fact, that I got my high school senior photos taken here all the way back in 2016. Safe to say, when the 2016 trend was blowing up the internet earlier this year, I was pleasantly surprised by how slay these pics still are.
Just down the street stands the iconic Austin Motel marquee sign. Walking by, you’ll notice their kitschy bodega from the street and have to take a look. This spot is beloved for its kidney-shaped pool, colorful retro aesthetic, dog friendliness, and undeniable charm. The Austin Motel really captures the Austin that I remember from my childhood: slightly funky, always cool, and nostalgic for a time that maybe never existed. Kind of like if Wes Anderson opened his own hotel. He’s a UT Austin alum, by the way!
If you’re looking to experience Austin’s finest drag, queerest queers, and funkiest music scene, look no further than the one and only Cheer Up Charlies. Located in the lively Red River Entertainment District, CUC has been serving Austin’s LGBTQ+ community since its inception as a food truck in 2009. After moving locations twice, it now lives at the intersection of serving and diva (900 Red River St.). Check out their calendar for upcoming events.
They frequently have drag shows, concerts, and themed nights. On top of their cocktails, they also offer THC and N/A beverages, making the big gay party accessible for everyone! With the upcoming spring weather, which is the best time of year in Austin, you’ll love this indoor-outdoor venue for queer revelry and meeting fellow LGBTQties.
Coconut Club is a party hotspot you don’t want to miss while exploring Austin’s LGBTQ+ nightlife. The downtown party hub has weekly DJ sets that will leave your heart racing. And their laser pit will leave your head spinning (in the best way, trust). In the warmer months, their rooftop offers views of downtown Austin while you get down on the dance floor or graciously slip a drag queen a crisp fiver. When you think of a gay club, this is what you’re picturing in your head. Just make sure to go with a friend, because on weekends the crowds can get a little overwhelming!
You’re dancing your heart out under a disco ball. About eight people with septum piercings and three with neck tattoos are dancing with you. You have a cheap (!!) tequila soda in your hand. You’re screaming lyrics to “Rich Girl” by Gwen Stefani. You are at Barb’s.
This divey dance club is the perfect place to truly let your freak flag fly and leave your inhibitions at the door. Every night is a party at Barb’s, but try to stop by on a Tuesday for their weekly Tuezgayz LGBTQ+ dance party. This was a go-to weeknight escapade for my friends and I in college for a reason. It’s only a $5 cover. Drinks aren’t outrageously expensive. And everyone is super welcoming. Barb’s is also attached to Swan Dive, a fun indoor-outdoor music venue. Make sure to check their site while you’re in town to see what shows are playing.
There are about a million other spots I wish I could include on this list, but I can’t. So let me just say that most of Austin is very accepting of the LGBTQ+ community. I have never felt unsafe because of my identity in my hometown. So while spots like Zilker Park, Town Lake, and Barton Springs aren’t explicitly queer, I’d still recommend checking them out. Just always keep your head on a swivel—regardless of where you are. And worst comes to worst, look for a woman with a carabiner. She’ll help you out.
