Sydneys Top 10 Gay Nightspots
Cities don't come prouder and pinker than swinging Sydney - here's Time Out's tips where to wig out
1 Bump & Bowl
Just because many of us are missing the sporting chromosomes from our genetic make up doesn't mean we can't enjoy a night handling big balls. This gay bowlarama, complete with DJ spun tunes proves that we have a natural talent for scoring in lanes.
Strike Bowling Bar, Entertainment Quarter, Lang Rd, Moore Park, Sydney. (1300 787 453) Sun from 6pm
2 Bingay
Nanas across the country would revolt in geriatric droves if they knew what the gays have done to bingo. Drag du jour Mitzi Macintosh (right) and her lesbian crooner sidekick Naomi, host this bent-assed bingo night where filthy commentary runs as fast as the balls drop.
The Sly Fox 199 Enmore Rd, Enmore, 2042. (02 9557 1016) Tue 7.30pm.
3 Fag Tag
It's like Wife Swap but for gays in bars. In case you've yet to be fag-tagged, here's the concept: a zillion homos poof up a straight bar. It's simple and gives the Oxford Street restricted sisters a chance to discover there are bars off the mile, and suburbs too.
More at fagtag
4 Manacle
As Sydney's only dedicated leather bar, Manacle has earned a reputation for a cruisy, gritty, woofy night out with funked-up tunes to boot. Surrounded by daddy art and an enormous chain mail spider web, the leather clad fellas, military fetishists and rubber rousers Manacle attracts mix it up nicely with the old T-shirt and jeans crew. Woof!
The Clarence Hotel, 450 Parramatta Rd, Petersham 2049 (02 9560 0400). Fri & Sat nights from 9pm, free.
5 Stonewall's Karaoke
Queens should need a permit to hold a microphone when drunk. From Homos paying homage to Celine, through to dykes on mics doing Meatloaf, every manner of frustrated and talentless diva takes to the stage every Tuesday night in the hope of being discovered.
Stonewall, 175 Oxford St, Darlinghurst, 2010. (02 9360 1963) Tue from 9pm, free.
6 Bears Night
Club podiums were not built to support the weight of bears, so the city's finest furry fellas have created a cozy den for themselves at the Flinders Hotel. Hairy, hefty, fit and fuzzed up, Bears of all greatness and girth pack out this local watering hole every Friday night. If your chest merkin does not cut the mustard, fear not, admirers are welcome.
The Flinders Hotel, 63 Flinders St, Darlinghurst 2010 (02 9356 3622) Fri from 9pm, free.
7 Action
Sweaty, gritty, horny and hot. These are just four of the eleven secret herbs and spices in the mix at this monthly man ho-down. DJs Alan Thompson, and crew spin their filthy tracks which sees the crowd dirty dancing in a most un-Swayze manner. Like the name suggests, this isn't a sewing circle.
Phoenix Bar, 34 Oxford St, Darlinghurst 2010 (02 9331 1936). Third Sat of month, 11pm-6am.
8 Buck Naked at Kens
If walking around naked in shower areas is good enough for NRL players, then its good enough for the gays. Ken's Friday night gig BUCK, invites fellas with an open mind to cruise the sauna, steam room, pool area and spa in the hope of meeting the love of their life or simply score a spontaneous shag. Party hard and safe!
Kens At Kensington, 83 Anzac Pde Kensington (02 9662 1359) Fri, 8pm.
9 El Circo
Gay men can not live on Kylie alone. If you can tear yourself away from the podium, open yourself to some culinary culture with Slide Lounge's nine course dining spectacular of experimental cuisine, all served with exquisite live performance that feeds your soul as well as tantalising your taste buds.
Slide Lounge, 41 Oxford St, Darlinghurst, 2010. (02 8915 1899)
10 Bitch
This monthly grrrls night at Mars Lounge is a haven for all things lesbian. For glamour gals, femme fatales, butch dykes sans bikes, Bitch scratches the girl on girl itch with lady-licious DJ sounds of DJs Sista P.
Mars Lounge, 16-22 Wentworth Ave, Surry Hills (02 9267 6440) Monthly